Today is the twelfth full moon of this Lakotan year. The moon passed through its full phase at 4:37am this early morning. And at the same time, the moon was totally eclipsed by the earth’s shadow. It was a total lunar eclipse. This month’s column explores the Lakotan meanings of Ishtawichayazan Wi, the twelfth full moon, and describes the last half of the eclipse as it was seen from Pine Ridge Reservation. It also briefly touches on a bird whose Lakotan name, ishtanicha tanka, begins with the same word that this month’s name does. The column, “Snow Blindness,” can be read now by clicking here. The image above is of an adult male ishtanicha tanka, taken at Bear River Refuge. Photo credit: Lloyd Bush / USFWS.