Tag: Blue moon

10 Ways to Use the Supermoon in Witchcraft

Source: moodymoons.com

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1.  Work with the Element of Water.  

The supermoon creates an especially strong pull on the ocean tides, making it an ideal time to work with the element of water.  For ideas on how to use water in witchcraft, check out  How to Work with the Element of Water.

 

Combine equal parts dried mugwort, lavender and cinnamon sticks to burn on a charcoal disk for the supermoon.  I love this blend!  Burn it during the ritual or even just as a background incense to draw the energy of the supermoon into your ritual space or the home and hearth.

3.  Make a supermoon cookie.

For the kitchen witch: if you’ve made moon cookies before, instead of a large batch of small ones, try making one huge cookie to share for the supermoon!  The biggest challenge seems to be getting the temperature/baking times/thickness in the right balance, but if you love working things like this out in the kitchen, this is a great project for you.  Your coven or family will appreciate your efforts!

4.  Literally magnify it. 

Looking for something a little different?  Raise power during the supermoon by catching the light in a magnifying glass and charging the altar or spell elements with it.  Clever, huh?

5.  Try a gravity-based meditation. 

While the supermoon exerts its curious effect on the earth’s gravitational pull, take the opportunity to try a gravity-based meditation.  Find a local spa that offers sensory deprivation or “zero gravity” tank and schedule a session.  Or, simply begin 7-night meditation wherein you close your eyes and imagine you are so heavy you are sinking into the floor.  Each subsequent night, imagine yourself getting lighter and lighter, until you are floating in the universe.  Intense!

6.  Cast, cast, cast. 

If you’ve been waiting around for a good time to do some serious spell work, this is it.  Pick a goal that serves your or others in a big way.

7.  Do a dedication. 

Ready to commit to a deity, cause or coven?  Doing it under the light of the supermoon gives it special significance.     As a bonus, you can opt to do a re-dedication every supermoon.

8.  Try drawing down the moon. 

If you’ve never participated in a drawing down of the moon, many people feel this ceremony carries an especially highly charged power during the supermoon.

9.  Get grounded. 

Some people feel an especially heightened sensitivity during the full moon, and this multiplies tenfold during a supermoon.  If you tend to lean this way, take the time to get grounded.  Eat plenty of carbohydrates, tap into your root chakra in meditation or work with the element of earth to balance it out.

10.  Store it. 

Perhaps your schedule doesn’t permit you to use the supermoon at the height of its power.  In that case, leave out some crystals or make some moon water to store this turbo-charged energy for later use.

Blessings!

Once in a Blue Moon – The Origins and Meaning Behind the Phrase c. 2015

Once in a Blue Moon

The Origins and Meaning Behind the Phrase

You’ve probably heard the phrase “once in a blue Moon”, usually referring to a rare event. But where does the phrase come from? And does the Moon ever actually appear blue?
The Meaning of “Blue Moon”

Dating back to the 1800’s the term “blue moon” was used by the Farmer’s Almanac to denote the appearance of a third full Moon in a season where four full Moon’s will occur. Since there are normally 12 full Moon’s a year (one per month), this works out to three per quarter (three month period).

However, occasionally a quarter will see four full Moon’s.

The naming arises because each Moon in a given season has its own name. This tradition of naming full Moons has existed for hundreds of years across many cultures. The names generally accepted today are those coming from the Farmer’s Almanac.

For instance, during the second quarter of the year, the Moons are named Pink (April), Flower (May) and Strawberry (June). However, should another full Moon appear during this quarter it would be called, by default, a Blue Moon. Since the third of the four full Moon’s in a quarter is called the Blue Moon, the order of Moon’s in the second quarter of the year would be Pink, Flower, Blue and Strawberry.

Since Blue Moons only occur about once every three years, it became becomes a convenient measure of a long period of time, therefore giving rise to the cliche “once in a blue moon”.
A Misunderstanding Leads To A New Definition

While the above is the generally accepted meaning for Blue Moon, a misunderstanding lead to a new definition being adopted that today is the more often quoted.

In an article, “Once in a Blue Moon”, that appeared in the March 1946 edition of Sky and Telescope Magazine the author, James Hugh Pruett incorrectly stated that the Blue Moon was the name given to the second full Moon that appeared in any given month.

He had drawn this conclusion by looking at the 1937 Farmer’s Almanac. His analysis of the data therein lead him to draw the conclusion that, “seven times in 19 years there were — and still are — 13 full moons in a year. This gives 11 months with one full moon each and one with two. This second in a month, so I interpret it, was called Blue Moon.”

While the definition put forth by Pruett could coincidently be correct, it is not strictly true. For instance if we examine the example from earlier, it is possible that May could have two full Moons. Therefore the second full Moon in May would be called the Blue Moon (since it is always the third full Moon in the quarter). So, Pruett’s definition would be consistent with the traditional description. But, if two full Moons fall in June, the first full Moon would be the Blue Moon, rendering the two definitions inconsistent.

So, even though Pruett’s definition isn’t strictly correct, it became the adopted definition most widely used. In fact, it is so widespread that it is not uncommon for books to use Pruett’s definition over the correct one.

While actual Blue Moons only occur about once every three years, occurrences of two full Moons on a month are much more frequent. The years 2009 and 2010 saw multiple examples of this phenomenon, while 2011 will go without a single such event.
Does the Moon Ever Actually Appear Blue?

While the term Blue Moon is linked to full Moon events, it actually has nothing to do with the Moon’s color. However, under certain circumstances, the Moon can actually appear blue, even during non-full Moon nights.

The conditions under which a full Moon will occur have to do with moisture, gas and particulates in the atmosphere. When atmospheric conditions favor, for whatever reason, the existence of particles larger than 0.7 microns red light is easily scattered, while blue wavelenghts pass undisturbed. The result is that the Moon appears bluer (or some shade of grayish blue) than normal.

These conditions almost always limited to events such as volcanic eruptions or other large fires that fill the sky with smoke and dust particles. As winds carry these particles up into the atmosphere, certain regions of the world will experience these “blue” Moons.

Historical instances of visibly blue Moons include the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980, and Mount Pinatubo in 1991.

Source: About.com

2 Supermoons in August

The cosmos is offering up a double feature in August: a pair of supermoons culminating in a rare blue moon.

Catch the first show Tuesday evening as the full moon rises in the southeast, appearing slightly brighter and bigger than normal. That’s because it will be closer than usual, just 222,159 miles (357,530 kilometers) away, thus the supermoon label.

The moon will be even closer the night of Aug. 30 — a scant 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) distant. Because it’s the second full moon in the same month, it will be what’s called a blue moon.

“Warm summer nights are the ideal time to watch the full moon rise in the eastern sky within minutes of sunset. And it happens twice in August,” said retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak, dubbed Mr. Eclipse for his eclipse-chasing expertise.

The last time two full supermoons graced the sky in the same month was in 2018. It won’t happen again until 2037, according to Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project.

Masi will provide a live webcast of Tuesday evening’s supermoon, as it rises over the Coliseum in Rome.

From abc13.com

Blue Moon (October 27-November 1)

Blue Moon (October 27-November 1)

 

Also known as: Moon of the Dead, Hunting Moon, Ancestor Moon, Hunter’s Moon
Nature Spirits: banshees and other beings who carry messages between worlds
Herbs: ginger, hops, wormwood, hyssop, patchouli, mugwort, nutmeg, star anise
Colors: black, white, purple
Flowers: white lily, dahlia, chrysanthemum
Scents: rosemary, dragon’s blood, lilac, pine, wisteria
Stones: obsidian, onyx, Apache tear
Trees: pine, cypress, yew, elder
Animals: bat, wolf, sow, dog, snake
Birds: owls, raven, falcon
Deities: Cybele, Circe, Hel, Nephthys, Cerridwen, Horned God, Caillech, Freyja, Holda
Power Flow: release, remember; communion with the dead. Prophecy. Releasing old negative memories and emotions.

A Little Blue Moon Magick

A Little Blue Moon Magick

 

Blue Moon Blessing Water

First get a glass jar. Paint the inside with blue paint and glitter if you’d like. Decorate the outside by gluing gems, cut outs, or paper in blue shades and in the shape of the moon or stars. Or you can paint these on. Use a blue Sharpie to write the date of the Full Moon on the jar on the bottom or the lid. Fill the jar with water (a natural source such as the river or ocean is best but tap water is okay) and leave it under the Blue Moon to charge. The blessed water can be used in ritual and workings.

 

 

Blue Moon Chant for Love

Blue Moon shining in the night,
Fill my heart with love and delight,
Grant me someone who loves me too,
Bless our love that is true.
As I will it, so mote it be.

 

Blue Moon Candle Spell (Version 1)

Get a blue candle. Write down your wish on a slip of paper. Tell the candle and the cosmos what it is you desire, why you want it, and why you think you should have it. Create a simple affirmation that you can chant as you burn the paper and let the smoke carry your wish to the Blue Moon. Let the candle burn completely.

 

 

Blue Moon Candle Spell (Version 2)

Get a blue pillar candle. Using a pin scratch you name and wish onto the candle. Anoint the candle with myrrh oil. Take the candle in your power hand and imagine the Blue Moonlight flowing into the candle. Light the candle and then concentrate on your wish. Let the candle burn completely.

 

 

Source: The Domestic Witch

A Blue Moon Magic Spell

A Blue Moon Magic Spell

You will need:
A square piece of blue fabric, felt works well. You can even decorate it with Moons if you like.
Safety pins
Paper and pen
Length of cord or ribbon, gold or silver would be good
Lay out your items and calm, ground and centre yourself.

Then make a list of all the things that you would like but you think are unobtainable, the sort of things that you think you could never achieve or own.

Once you have written your list go back over it and really think hard. Double check all of the things you wrote down. Are there some that you don’t really, really want? Are there some that in reality wouldn’t work for you? If there are cross them off.

Once you have narrowed down your list cut your paper into strips and write a wish on each piece. Be positive when you write each one down, and visualise it happening.

Then, using the safety pins, pin each piece of paper to the blue cloth. Once you have pinned them all fold the cloth up and tie it with the ribbon or cord.

When the Full Blue Moon is risen take the bundle outside and hold it up to her, then make your request that your wishes be fulfilled, but don’t forget to thank the Goddess. You can write a poem or chant to say at this time if you wish.

Once you are done, put the bundle somewhere that you can see it regularly, on your altar would be a good place. Then wait and see what happens …


Pagan Portals – Moon Magic
Rachel Patterson

What Exactly Is a Blue Moon?

What Exactly Is a Blue Moon?

“Blue Moon” facts and folklore

July 31, 2015 will be the occasion of a blue moon — the last blue moon anyone will see, in fact, until 2018. But what exactly is a blue moon, and why does anyone care?

These days, the term “blue moon” is most often defined as the second of two full moons that occur within the same month. By a somewhat older definition, it’s the third full moon in a season that has four full moons instead of the usual three.

Either way, a blue moon is an out-of-the-ordinary phenomenon that occurs only once every few years, hence the expression “Once in a blue moon.”

Historically, the phrase was understood in a much more literal way, writes folklorist Philip Hiscock in the pages of Sky & Telescope. Once upon a time, he says, it denoted an even rarer phenomenon than an extra full moon in a given month or season, a phenomenon that has occurred perhaps only once or twice in recorded history — the face of moon actually appearing to turn bright blue in color.

“In fact,” notes Hiscock, “the very earliest uses of the term were remarkably like saying the Moon is made of green cheese. Both were obvious absurdities, about which there could be no doubt. ‘He would argue the Moon was blue’ was taken by the average person of the 16th century as we take ‘He’d argue that black is white.'”

Unusual atmospheric phenomena such as dust and ash thrown up by volcanic eruptions probably account for the few times in recent millennia when the moon presented an azure face to observers on earth.

One such incidence occurred over a period of several days in December 1883, when geologist W. Jerome Harrison, among others, reported viewing a striking “electric-blue” crescent moon against a copper-colored sky from his home in Birmingham, England. He and other scientists attributed it to lingering debris from the explosion of the massive volcano Krakatoa, which had occurred a little more than three months earlier. In fact, oddly-hued skies, sunsets and moonrises were observed for up to two years after the eruption.

Most people don’t realize that “blue moon” took on its present meaning only recently. It’s a “truly modern piece of folklore, masquerading as something old,” says Hiscock. The second-full-moon-in-a-month definition is only slight more than 50 years old.

No matter how it’s defined, “blue moon” will probably always retain its ancient connotations, as evinced in popular songs identifying the image with loneliness and despair.

Source:
About.com

Blue Moon Full Moon Rises Tonight: What to Expect

Blue Moon Full Moon Rises Tonight: What to Expect

by Calla Cofield, Space.com Staff Writer

 

There’s a “Blue Moon” in the sky tonight — but that doesn’t mean the lunar surface will turn indigo.

Tonight’s (July 31) moon will be a gorgeous sight, but it won’t look different than any other full moon. The term Blue Moon has come to refer to the second full moon in a given month (since full moons come around about every 29 days, most months only contain one). So set your sights skyward tonight, but don’t expect a change in the moon’s regular hue. NASA explained the July 31 Blue Moon in a video released earlier this week.

However, there are rare occasions when the moon can appear to turn blue. According to the Science@NASA blog, observers have reported the moon having a bluish tint following volcanic eruptions. These explosions send particulates (like ash and smoke) into the air that scatter red light, but let blue light through, creating a natural blue filter and giving the moon a sapphire complexion.

“Back in 1883, for example, people saw blue moons almost every night after the Indonesian volcano Krakatoa exploded with the force of a 100-megaton nuclear bomb,”  according to the Science@NASA statement. “People also saw blue-colored moons in 1983 after the eruption of the El Chichón volcano in Mexico. And there are reports of blue moons caused by Mount St. Helens in 1980 and Mount Pinatubo in 1991.”

Particulates created by forest fires can also create a blue filter in the sky, according to NASA.

“A famous example is the giant muskeg fire of Sept. 1953 in Alberta, Canada,” NASA officials explained in the statement. “Clouds of smoke containing micron-sized oil droplets produced lavender suns and blue moons all the way from North American to England. At this time of year, summer wildfires often produce smoke with an abundance of micron-sized particles — just the right size to turn the moon truly blue.”

The meaning of the term Blue Moon changed some time during the 20th century. According to the Maine Farmers’ Almanac, it once referred to the third full moon in a season that had four (once again, a three-month season typically has only three full moons). But the meaning changed, perhaps because of an article in Sky and Telescope magazine, which mistakenly used blue moon to refer to the second Blue Moon in a single month.

While the moon usually appears full for an entire day or longer, a full moon is actually an instantaneous event. Today’s full moon took place at exactly 6:43 a.m. EDT (1043 GMT), but you can enjoy the view of the Blue Moon through the night.

Editor’s note: If you capture an amazing view of the Blue Moon full moon of July 31 and would like to share it with Space.com for a story or gallery, send images and comments in to Managing Editor Tariq Malik at spacephotos@space.com.

 

 

Source:
Space.com

Now Starts Our Celebration of the Full Blue Moon

blue+moon

Blue Moon

Every so often we get a second Full Moon in a month and sometimes we actually get four Full Moons in a single season. Such Full Moons are called Blue Moons or sometimes ‘Goal Moons’. Sadly the Moon doesn’t actually change colour, it looks just the same as the usual Full Moon.

The term ‘Blue Moon’ seems to only be a few hundred years old. References in history to a Blue Moon were improbable events or things that would not normally happen. This evolved to mean a rare occurrence or happening, and has led to the saying ‘once in a blue moon’.

There is a belief that the Blue Moon holds the knowledge of the Crone and, therefore, all the wisdom of the Triple Goddesses combined. It is also said that the Blue Moon brings a time of heightened communication and connection with the Divine and the spirit world.

I would work magic on a Blue Moon for something that seems unobtainable or difficult to achieve … go with the thought that whatever your intent is, the outcome might just happen ‘once in a Blue Moon’.

 
Pagan Portals – Moon Magic
Rachel Patterson

Full Blue Moon in Aquarius Horoscopes

 

 

 

 

Full Blue Moon in Aquarius Horoscopes

The second Full Moon of July is a Blue Moon!

Rick Levine

Rick Levine on the topics of videos, horoscopes, full moon, blue moon, astrology

 

The free-spirited Full Moon in Aquarius (the Blue Moon, or second Full Moon of July 2015) places us in the middle of a tug-of-war between our hearts and our heads. Every Full Moon is a culmination of a monthly emotional cycle, but the soulful Moon isn’t particularly comfortable expressing herself in brainy Aquarius.

Nevertheless, our feelings must be acknowledged as romantic Venus retrogrades into heart-centered Leo the same day as this Full Moon. Thankfully, an intellectual spin can prevent over-personalizing an intense situation. We may be facing familiar relationship themes, and this Full Moon offers us one more opportunity to learn a lesson about love that we might have previously missed…

Now read your sign’s Blue Moon Horoscope below!

 

Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)

You want to shout your opinions from the rooftop as the Aquarius Full Moon lights up your 11th House of Networking. But you’re not too concerned about what anyone else thinks because you’re confident that your perspective is the right one. Although your plan might work out just fine, your words could still sound more aggressive than you intend. Garner support by toning down your message and acknowledging the validity of alternate approaches. Creating an environment where everyone can share in the success is more satisfying in the end.

Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)

The Aquarius Full Moon wires your 10th House of Career, driving you to succeed at any cost. Your unwavering commitment to accomplish your work prompts you to do things your own unique way. Your ambition is admirable, but you can be so resistant to change that your closest friends might wonder why you are sabotaging your own possible success. Unfortunately, your plans may be jeopardized without the cooperation of your wisest allies. Blind optimism could prevent you from seeing things objectively, so keep an open mind to the advice you are offered if you want to reach your goals on time.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – June 20)

Your original approach to your job demonstrates your cleverness, but it might also end up making more work. The Aquarius Full Moon emphasizes your 9th House of Big Ideas, inspiring you to dream about all the amazing possibilities ahead, rather than concentrating on the present moment. Thankfully, your goals are attainable if you proceed with caution and stick to the basics. Keep things simple and don’t look back.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)

The Aquarius Full Moon overwhelms your 8th House of Shared Resources with brilliant ideas, triggering issues around jointly held possessions or investments. Negotiations can be tricky business, especially if you’re worried about getting your fair share of the pie. People may appeal to your egalitarian values, urging you to lessen your demands. But you want to be an equal partner, instead of playing a subservient role. Don’t just say yes to make someone else feel better while your self-esteem suffers unnecessarily. Standing up for your rights earns you the respect you deserve.

Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

The Aquarius Full Moon illuminates your 7th House of Others, possibly reactivating an unresolved relationship issue. Meanwhile, romantic Venus returns to linger in your sign today, for the next two months, stirring up feelings for an old friend or lover. A powerful opportunity to heal your heart can be a gift from the cosmos if you’re experiencing difficulties in the love department. Fortunately, re-framing a past relationship in a new light alters your perspective and frees you to be more fully alive in every moment.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

The conceptual Aquarius Full Moon falls in your 6th House of Details, encouraging you to lean on your analytical skills to solve a current problem. You may be so preoccupied with your thoughts that you don’t recognize the emotional warmth waiting to embrace you with open arms. Although you might believe you’re listening carefully, you won’t pick up other people’s messages unless they arrive on your exact frequency. Opening your mind to new channels of communication can teach you a very valuable lesson about connecting with your heart.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Your creativity shines while the Aquarius Full Moon sparkles in your 5th House of Self-Expression. You could put on a brilliant performance if you don’t try to control every part of the process. A smart strategy is to have a variety of projects to keep you busy while you’re hoping for inspiration to strike. Be ready to ride a creative wave if it comes along, but don’t be disappointed if nothing extraordinary happens. As Tom Petty sings, “The waiting is the hardest part.”

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Something could suddenly snap as the Aquarius Full Moon activates your 4th House of Domestic Conditions while opposing the showy Leo Sun in your 10th House of Public Status. Your resolve to restore balance to your life should alleviate any emotional upset, but downplaying your feelings isn’t the answer. Instead of pitting your personal responsibilities against your professional commitments, find ways to support one with the other. Ultimately, creating stability on the home front gives you a firm foundation on which to build your success.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

The free-thinking Aquarius Full Moon excites your 3rd House of Distractions, reactivating a familiar theme of intellectual restlessness. You are aware that your wanderlust makes it difficult to follow through on existing commitments these days. Although you might be frustrated by current circumstantial limitations, you can still improve your situation by acknowledging your adventurous desires while simultaneously juggling your copious responsibilities. Managing your time creatively is the key to your success.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Your financial condition may seem rather unstable while the erratic Aquarius Full Moon stresses your 2nd House of Money. Maybe you discover your cash on hand is less than anticipated or, perhaps, your bills are greater than previously calculated. Either way, don’t avoid a fiscal issue that pops up, because addressing it rationally is much wiser than putting it off — even if you don’t have a complete solution yet. Taking a small step in the right direction may be enough to set you on a path that eventually leads to a final answer.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Sweeping changes are necessary to get your life back on track. However, the Full Moon’s presence in your sign brings unexpected events that require you to adapt to other people’s schedules, anyway. It takes courage to be flexible instead of rigidly sticking to an old agenda that no longer works. Although this might be an exercise in cooperation, don’t lose yourself in the process. It may seem as if others are getting the better end of the deal, but in reality you’re the one who stands to gain the most by opening your heart.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

You would rather pursue a more meaningful path in life, but dramatic events at work demand an increasing amount of your undivided attention. Your friends and colleagues might not even notice that you’re struggling while the Aquarius Full Moon shines in your 12th House of Invisibility. But there’s no escape from your routine or your responsibilities. The answer is to integrate a more spiritual approach into everything you do.

 

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Once in a Blue Moon

 

 

Once in a Blue Moon

Learn about the Blue Moon and its meaning

Tarotcom Staff

Tarotcom Staff on the topics of moon, astrology

 

Have you heard the expression, “once in a blue Moon,” and wondered what it means? Does the Moon really turn blue? Does this only happen once every couple of hundred or thousand years? Well, the answer is no and no. But it IS happening in July 2015.

The term “blue Moon,” which people have adopted as a way of describing something rare, is more or less an “extra” Full Moon. Most years have 12 Full Moons, which occur approximately every month. But once every two or three years, there’s an extra Full Moon — and that is what we call a “Blue Moon.”

So why is there an extra Full Moon? It’s simply because the solar calendar has about 11 more days than the lunar calendar, and after a few years all those extra days build up to the point where there’s an extra Full Moon.

And why the color blue, if the Moon doesn’t really turn blue? It’s believed the word comes from an old Middle English word, “belewe” — which actually means “betray.” In other words, they used to call it the Betrayer Moon, because this extra Full Moon didn’t fit into the normal lunar cycle. Over the years the word “belewe” evolved into “blue” — hence, we give you the “blue Moon.”

In July of 2015, the first Full Moon happened in Capricorn on July 1, and the second Full Moon, in Aquarius, the Blue Moon, occurs on July 31. There won’t be another blue Moon like this again until 2018.

Full Moons are emotionally charged, so any time there are two Full Moons in one month it means that month could be an emotional roller coaster for some people. Thank goodness it only happens once in a blue Moon!

July has Two Full Moons

The first Full Moon is on July 1, 2015 and goes by various names depending on what tradition you look up. There will be another post with some of the names for this full Moon in it.

The second full Moon is on July 31, 2015 and is known as a Blue Moon. Whenever there are two full Moons in the same month, the second is always called the Blue Moon. This usually happens once a year.

This is why the ancient Celtics, Native Americans, Mayans, ancient Egyptians and other older culture yearly calendar had thirteen months. The first and last day of the month was on a full Moon. These months were approximately twenty-nine days long. There was not anything like leap year because it was not needed. Many Pagan traditions still honor the thirteen-month year when celebrating Esbats and Sabbats. I personally follow a thirteen-month calendar for Esbats as I have incorporated many Celtic traditions in my Craft and spirituality.

Moon Names

The Moon has long been as important in deity worship as the Sun has. For many ancient people believed that without the Moon to allow the Sun to sleep the Sun would not return the next day. For many the month or a period of time passing was from one full Moon to the next. Many tribes had a calendar year of thirteen months to coincide with the number of full Moons. The Celtic/Lunar calendar, still in use today, has thirteen months or Moon cycles to it. The lunar calendar is based on a month that has approximately 29.5 days. This is the reason the full Moon dates change from year to year.

Why does each full Moon have many different names? For that we have to consider that the names come from many different parts of the world. When the old ones naming them were alive they did not have the communication access to other people around the globe as we do now. They were isolated in their own portion of the world and only knew things there. Remember it is only been a few hundred years that the Earth was not thought of having an end you could fall off of in to an abyss.

I am sure I have missed a few of the names the Moon is or has been called by so I do not claim this is a complete list. If you know of other names I have not listed please email the name and month it belongs to, to me at ladybeltane@aol.com, so I can put them on. Thanks!

What and when is a Blue Moon?

Most seasons have only three full moons in them, but because of the variation due to the Moons 29.5 day cycle some seasons have four full moons. The term “blue moon” is used to identify these extra full moons.

All Moon Names are listed in order by regular calendar month names

Some of the Native American names for the Northern and Eastern Tribes/Nations

Wolf

Snow

Worm

Pink

Flower

Strawberry

Buck

Sturgeon

Harvest or Corn

Hunter or Harvest

Beaver

Cold or Long Nights

COLONIAL AMERICA

Winter

Trapper’s

Fish

Planter’s

Milk

Rose

Summer

Dog Day’s

Harvest

Beaver

Christmas

CHINESE

Holiday

Budding

Sleepy

Peony

Dragon

Lotus

Hungry Ghost

Harvest

Chrysanthemum

Kindly

White

Bitter

NATIVE AMERICAN- CHEROKEE

Cold

Bony

Windy

Flower

Planting

Green Corn

Ripe Corn

Fruit

Nut

Harvest

Trading

Snow

NATIVE AMERICAN-CHOCTAW

Cooking

Little Famine

Big Famine

Wild Cat

Panther

Windy

Crane

Women’s

Mulberry

Blackberry

Sassafras

Peach

NATIVE AMERICAN-DAKOTAH SIOUX

Moon of the Terrible

Moon of the Raccoon, Moon when trees pop

Moon when eyes are sore from bright snow

Moon when Geese return in scattered formation

Moon when leaves are green, Moon to plant

Moon when June berries are ripe

Moon of the middle Summer

Moon when all things ripen

Moon when calves grow hair

Moon when quilling sand beading is done

Moon when horns are broken off

Twelfth Moon

NATIVE AMMERICAN-ALGONQUIN

Wolf

Snow

Sap

Seed

Flower

Strawberry

Buck

Sturgeon

Corn

Raven

Hunter’s

Cold

CELTIC-TWO VERSION

(The Celts also you a 13 month lunar calender of Trees. This does not fit into months we are use to.)

Quite or Storm

Moon of Ice or Chaste

Moon of Winds or Seed

Growing or Hare

Bright or Dyan

Moon of Horses or Mead

Moon of Claiming or Corn

Dispute or Barely

Singing or Blood

Harvest or Snow

Dark or Oak

Cold or Wolf

ENGLISH MEDIEVAL

Wolf

Storm

Chaste

Seed

Hare

Dyan

Mead

Corn

Barley

Blood

Snow

Oak

NEO PAGAN

Ice

Snow

Death

Awakening

Grass

Planting

Rose

Lightening

Harvest

Blood

Tree

Long Night

New Guinea

(These do not go by our calender months)

Rainbow Fish Moon

Parriotfish Moon

Palolo Worm Moon

Flying Fish Moon

Black Trevally Moon

Open Sea Moon

Tiger Sharl Moon

Rain & Wind Moon

CELTIC-LUNAR

(This calendar does not have months like we are use to. It has thirteen months based on 29.5 days or from one Full Moon to the next. I have included the dates the coincide with our regular calendar)

Birch (December 24 – January 20)

Elder (November 25 – December 23)

Birch (December 24 – January 20)

Rowan (January 21 – February 17)

Ash (February 18 _ March 17)

Alder (March 18 – April 14)

Willow (April 15 – May 12)

Hawthorn (May 13 – June9)

Oak (June 19 – July 7)

Holly (July 8 – August 4)

Hazel (August 5 – September 1)

Vine (September 2 – September 29)

Ivy (September 30 – October 27)

Reed (October 28 – November 23)

Elder (November 24 – December 23)

Working by the Moon

Working by the Moon

Moon time is the oldest measurement of time used by humans and it accords with our natural rhythms in the lives of men as well as women. In magick we primarily look to the moon for timings.

The waxing or increasing moon from the crescent to the night before the full moon is potent for all forms of attracting magick, for the gradual increase of money, love, happiness or health and for fertility spells. These powers will grow daily as the physical moon size increase to reach their height on the full moon.

The full moon represents a surge of power that can be plugged into for fertility, the consummation of love or commitment, a major money gain or for launching a creative venture. Also, because the full moon is unstable, this day and night is good for initiating change.

The waning moon helps us to let go of what we no longer need or wish for in our lives an can banish pain, sorrow or a destructive influence, a perfect phase of starting diet spells. As the moon decreases in size so the pull that holds negative people or factors in your life likewise weakens.

Current Moon Phase for Aug. 25 – Gibbous Moon

Gibbous Moon

(waning /66% illumination)

This is a tremendous time of transmutation. All of the prior elements are coming together for a final burst of creative output. You have seen a clear view of your own needs and the posture of significant others. Now the accumulation of that input is leading to a deep, core change within you. In this phase, you will naturally be inclined to seek higher guidance so that you can emerge from this transformation successfully. The Disseminting Moon favors sharing what you have learned (and are learning) with others.

Current Moon Phase for August 23 – Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/80% illumination)

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.

Current Moon Phase for Aug. 22 – Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/86% illumination)

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.

Current Moon Phase for August 21: Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/94% illumination)

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.

Witches Almanac for Monday, September 17

The Witches Almanac for *Monday, September 17

 

*Monday (Moon):  Peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friends, psychic awareness, purification and fertility.

Rosh Hashanah

Moon Sign:  *Libra

*Libra:  Favors cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance, and partnership.

*Waxing Moon

*The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Incense:  Lily

Moon Phase:  First Quarter

Color:  White

Current Moon Phase for Sept. 7: Waning Gibbous

Waning Gibbous Moon

(waning /54% illumination)

This is a tremendous time of transmutation. All of the prior elements are coming together for a final burst of creative output. You have seen a clear view of your own needs and the posture of significant others. Now the accumulation of that input is leading to a deep, core change within you. In this phase, you will naturally be inclined to seek higher guidance so that you can emerge from this transformation successfully. The Disseminting Moon favors sharing what you have learned (and are learning) with others.