Left/Above: paining by Goutami Mishra
I never really knew what a Blue Moon was until there was a full Blue Moon last Halloween. A full Moon on All Hallows Eve is quite rare but being a Blue Moon made it even more unique. Turns out the most common interpretation of this lunar anomaly isn't completely accurate. There are a few explanations for this, here are the main ones I've learned.
The modern definition of a Blue Moon is when two full Moons occur in one month. This is not a “true” Blue Moon. The interpretation of this occurrence was introduced in the 1940's by astronomer James High Pruett in an article he wrote for “Sky and Telescope” magazine. Pruett's misinterpretation was repeated throughout the years and is now known as a Calendric Blue Moon. The appearance of two full Moons in one month takes place about every three years and is quite unique, but not super uncommon.
A “true” Blue Moon happens when there are two consecutive full Moons in the same astrological sign equating to four full Moons within one season. This takes place when the first full Moon falls between 0 – 1 degree of the sign and the second between 28 - 29 degrees of the same sign. This rare astrological event is called a Seasonal Blue Moon and will take place this month while the Moon remains in the sign of Aquarius. In my opinion, the “true” Blue Moon is worthy of the namesake phrase “Once in a Blue Moon” as it only occurs once every 19 years.
Lastly, an Environmental Blue Moon can take place when smoke or volcanic ash is present in the atmosphere. When viewed through smoke or ash the Moon may appear slightly blue. This is also rare but could become more commonplace due to the increase of seasonal wildfires throughout the world.
Although there may be controversy that surrounds the definition of a Blue Moon the rarity of each lunar event remains. This month's full Moon may bring opportunities to reflect upon the extraordinary time we're currently living through and to acknowledge the massive changes occurring. Regardless of what may take place in the future, it's important to simply marvel at the present and appreciate the uniqueness of it all.
If you'd like to read more about this subject, here's two articles I found very helpful: "What is a Blue Moon - Really?" by Cayelin Castell and "Where Did the Term Blue Moon Come From?" by Joseph Stromberg.
To read about Aquarius and its influence on the moon, check out Full Moon Offerings Issue No. 10 issue here.