The four seasons that make up one years time in Macinar are dictated by the phases of the moon. Each season has its own moon, and as long as that moon still shines in the sky the season continues. Between each season, when the moon is unlit, or "dead", a second larger moon appears in the night sky and remains until the new moon is lit again, or reborn. This second larger moon never shifts faces, and is always fully lit for the short time is passes in the sky. It is a pale an unlucky moon known as "The Grey Moon".
The first season begins when the fourth Grey Moon passes. This season is called "The Season of the Spirit Moon". Cold winds, snow, and low temperatures follow the Spirit Moon and put the land to sleep under its blanket of ivory. On the 12th day of The Spirit Moon, The Spirits Passing begins. For three days it is believed that souls lost between worlds may finally find their resting place during these sacred days. During this season the Moon is medium sized and shines a ghostly blue.
The second season (after the 1st Grey Moon of the New Year) is "The Season of the Mother Moon" when the moon is larger, and glows a warm green. This is the season associated with Re-birth, and the sewing of seeds. Many "Spring" festivals are held and people celebrate as the snow melts and the land becomes alive and warm again.
The third season is known as "The Season of The Golden Moon", and this tends to be the longest season, but no two years are alike. During this cycle the moon is at its largest. The yellow light it emits keeps the nigh time almost as warm as it's hot and sunny days. This is a sacred time in Alk'hara, "The Golden Kingdom", when markets are bursting, and generous masters have been known to free slaves. During one day in the middle of The Season of the Golden Moon, the Sun stays along the horizon from morning to night, rolling slowly across the sea. This is believed to be a day of love and romance, as the God Brenn is allowed to release his burden of the burning sun, and once again embrace his sister Quainess, the Sea Maiden.
The last and smallest of the four seasonal moons is "The Season of the Blood Moon". Many religious groups believe this to be the season when devils and monsters gain power, and wander in the realms of men. This is illustrated through nature by the dying of the leaves on most trees, and the dwindling of crops. This season tends to be shortest, which many view as a gift from the gods.
Some believe there are 5 separate moons that cycle in the skies of Macinar, but after centuries of study it has been proven that there are only 2. The grey moon, and the four faces of the "Akasha" moon, or the seasonal moon.
Many associate the presence of the Grey Moon with the god of death, Garlamal. They believe this Grey Moon is the Guardian himself leading the new moon to its place in the sky, and taking the dead moon by the hand and leading it below the horizon.
-A documenting of the Lunar Phases of Macinar by Master Gideon Thimus III of the Hand of the White Magic- Recorded in the Temple Of Liett in the center of Andisine, the Standing City
"The Azure Princess, Cloaked in white
Stands vigil over kingdom night
Her frozen tears take wind and wing
And guide the dawning of the spring
The Green Eyes Goddess slowly paws
Into the darkness sinks her claws
In prowl she seeks the hidden light
While cutting pinholes in the night
The Warrior with his golden shield
Rides brave across the midnights field
With lance of dawn held tight in fist
He races down the mornings list
A sanguine scar is carved on high
And bleeds across the broken sky
Like ripples in a crimson lake
It guides lost spirits in its wake
And after each the ivory woe
A ghost with gloom and death in toe
And while his eyes are last to show
He sees what others fear to know."
The Faces of the Moon A classic poem from the writings of Alma the Godsinger.
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