The skies define time for us, and the rhythm of time is woven into our marrow. Our biological functioning follows a patterned schedule, down to the cellular level, and our physiology reflects the way we operate in time. The study of 'biological clocks,' chronobiology, is a wide field, but think of the adaptations of nocturnal creatures, seasonally-mating animals, the phenomenon of hibernation. Looking at ourselves, there is, of course, the female menstrual cycle. But also, the seasonal variation of male fertility. On a daily level, other things that vary with time are wakefulness, hunger, blood pressure, body temperature, and so forth. Disease and medical conditions are affected by time as well -- for example, asthma and heartburn are most likely to be worse during the midnight hours. The time of day you take your medicine matters. So make note: What is the path of the sun in winter versus summer? Where does the moon rise and set? How many full moons occur in a year? When is the tide high? Is wind from the north colder or warmer than wind from the south? How does the wind vary with time of day and season? Which birds stay year round and which migrate? Watch for the changing daylight and weather that the skies bring. Observe when plants bloom and fruit and drop their leaves. Watch how creatures behave in different seasons. Be aware of the times you feel most alert and physically capable. Notice if patterns change over the course of the years. Do it with your own eyes and ears. |
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| Helpful Things To Know | |
| The Wheel of The Year | |
| Moon | |
| Seasons | |
| Wind | |
| Beaufort Windscale | |
| Holy Days | |
| Mardi Gras | |
| Lent | |
| Easter | |
