Luna Moth - faith in times of darkness

Actias luna

I've been painting luna moths for years but began in earnest when the pandamic broke out in 2020. The luna moth inspires us to have faith as we move through the dark hours of our lives. I painted this luna tile for my youngest daughter and she recently had it inserted when she had cement poured on her porch. 
You can read more about the luna and it's symbolism on my scrap book pages below.

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Recently a friend gave me some walnut squares and I’ve been inspired to begin painting the luna again and experimenting with different mineral oils and spirits on the woods. The differences are subtle.  Tung oil has always been a favorite but the minerals spirits have a warmer glow that compliments the soft greens of the moon moth. Adding several layers increase the depth and sheen as well. These are still works in progress. 

If you've ever seen a luna moth, you know what a sacred thrill it is! Sighting are rare as their life spans are very short. They have no mouths and are unable to eat, living only seven to ten days. Their sole purpose is to reproduce. They are nocturnal and most often sighted between 10 pm and 2 am. in the eastern half of North America. 
There are both male and female luna moths. The color of the males is more vibrant, they have a thinner abdomen and their antennae are wider and more feathery. The females have a more bloated as they carry between 400 and 600 unfertilized eggs. They lay them on the underside of leaves in small groups of less than ten, preferring birch, sweet gum, walnut and hickory trees.
Whether you see a luna in it's natural environment, or a reproduction, may you be guided to trust your inner wisdom to lead you to the light!