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WHAT IS A NATURE TIME CALENDAR?
Ever notice how calendars mark time but have no real relation to the physical world we are a part of?
This calendar isn’t just boring grids of squares or rectangles.
It’s a way to get in touch with nature!
DIFFERENT RIGHT FROM THE START...
It doesn’t start on January 1st. Our calendar only starts then because that’s when Roman consuls entered office during the days of the Republic. With much love for all things Rome…we’re not Roman.
Nature Time Calendar starts with the beginning of the natural year—with the first new moon in spring.
It begins with the new moon on March 6th, 2019, and continues for 13 moons, through the moon cycle ending on March 23rd, 2020.
WHY FOLLOW THE MOONS?
People used to look up at the night sky regularly to tell how far along the month was by what the moon looked like.
And a month was one cycle of the moon. That’s why we have 12 months, by the way, because more-or-less twelve moon cycles pass before the seasons start repeating themselves.
This calendar follows the path of the moon through the 13 cycles that make up just over one year.
WHAT ELSE IS DIFFERENT?
Moon Names
Each Native American tribe named the moons after what happened every year where they lived.
This calendar starts in March, whose names include Awakening Moon, Whispering Wind Moon, Maple Sugar Moon—did you know that squirrels also make maple sugar?—and Snow Blind Moon—because the sun is getting higher and reflects off the last of the snow, blinding people.
Honor their wisdom by tuning in to the natural rhythms of the year.
ASTRONOMY
meteor showers, super moons, and more you can see from your backyard
earth's orbit
follow earth's orbital position around the sun as the year progresses
you name the moons
you get to name each moon based on what is happening then in your local area A simple act of noticing the changes that make this bit of year different from the last bit.
Nature Activities
Fun and easy ideas for enriching your experience with nature.
These are especially aimed at those who have little experience around nature—and doable in a city—but are interesting enough that anyone can benefit, even if nature is old hat for you.
seasonal produce
know what produce is in season for easier (and cheaper) meal planning
fun facts
Learn about the animals and plants that inspired the names for the moons
QUOTES
Enjoy inspirational, beautiful, and wise quotes about nature
Gorgeous Photography
Of course the calendar has to have great photos! All the photos on this site are part of this year’s calendar.
13 gorgeous photos for 13 exciting months!
eco-friendly printing
Printed on Rolland Enviro Print 100% post-consumer fiber, is manufactured using renewable energy — Biogas — and processed totally chlorine free. It is Rainforest Alliance™ and Ancient Forest Friendly™ certified
HOW THIS CALENDAR CAME ABOUT
It's been quite the journey...in a literal and a metaphorical sense
WANT IT?
AVAILABLE AS A WALL CALENDAR OR A DIGITAL PDF
How can a calendar help me experience nature?
By turning pages with the new moons instead of months, you will naturally start to pay attention to where the Moon is in its cycle
Know where you are in the year by following Earth’s orbit around the Sun!
Gain insight into the seasons from the Native American names for the moons
Name the moons yourself as a way to notice how each bit of the year is different from the last bit
Be a backyard astronomer with this viewing guide
Know what seasonal produce to expect to eat your way around the year
Nature activity ideas offer gentle invitations to new experiences
Start your new year in spring, the beginning of the natural year!
Contact
Have questions or comments about the calendar?
Already have yours? I’d love to get your feedback!
Email me directly for bulk retail orders.
- Martha @ 90000MilesToMe.com
- HQ is in Santa Fe, NM, 87505....but practically...I'm on the road about 8 months of the year
© 2019 Nature Time Calendar