"Lunar Cycles" explores the pivotal role of the moon in shaping ancient civilizations. From Mesopotamia to Egypt and China, the moon wasn't just a celestial body; it was a fundamental tool for timekeeping, agriculture, and religious practices. Ancient societies ingeniously used lunar cycles to create calendars, plan harvests, and structure their social lives. Intriguingly, the consistent phases of the moon provided a reliable framework for predicting seasonal changes, and some cultures even believed lunar phases directly influenced crop yields.
The book examines lunar calendars and their impact on agriculture and religious ceremonies. It details how lunar cycles influenced ancient farmers' planting and harvesting decisions and how different cultures incorporated the moon into their mythology and worship. Through historical and archaeological evidence, "Lunar Cycles" argues that the moon was an active agent in human development, connecting history, astronomy, and anthropology to provide a holistic understanding.
Starting with an introduction to lunar cycles, the book progresses through the development of lunar calendars, the moon's influence on agriculture, and its role in religious practices, culminating in a discussion of its enduring legacy.
