In Gaelic tradition, if you see the new moon (that first tiny sliver of the waxing moon that appears in the sky) it’s supposed to be good luck for the month to come. It isn’t always possible to see the new moon – whether that’s because of the weather conditions or it’s just a matter of timing – so this makes actually catching sight of it extra special. According to tradition, however, it’s bad luck if you happen to catch that first sight of it through glass; you really need to be outside.
There are many prayers traditions and prayers that are dedicated to greeting the moon, and Gaelic Polytheists might like to make a monthly devotion when they spot it for the first time. This simple example has some motions that accompany it:
| Tha mi togail dhuit mo làmh, Tha mi bogadh dhuit mo chinn, Tha mi tabhairt dhuit mo ghràidh, Àilleagain àigh nan linn. | I am lifting to you my hands, I am bowing to you my head, I am giving you my love, Oh, glorious jewel of all ages. |
| Tha mi togail dhuit mo shùil, Tha mi cromadh dhuit mo chinn, Tha mi tiubhradh dhuit mo rùn, A ghealach ùr nan linn! | I am raising to you my eye, I am bending to you my head, I am offering you my love, Oh, new moon of all the ages! |
Notes
The Gaelic and English have both been modernised, resulting in some minor alterations. Archaisms such as the instances of duit in the Gaelic, and any ’thee,’ or ‘mine (eye),’ or ‘thou’ in the translation have been swapped out in favour of more modern versions like dhuit, and ‘you, my,’ etc.
Eòlas 