Witchcraft

Blue Moon

You've probably heard the phrase "once in a blue moon" used to describe rare occurrences. But what exactly are?? Blue moons are astrologically significant.

What is a blue moon?

There are 3 different definitions of a Blue Moon.  The most common usage today is the second Full Moon in a single calendar month, which happens every two or three years.  Use of the term "blue moon" in that way comes from a misinterpretation of the traditional definition that appeared in the March 1946 issue of the magazine Sky and Telescope. 
Prior to that time, the term was used to describe the third Full Moon in a season with four, a season being defined as the time period between a solstice and an equinox, or vice versa. 
The third definition of a Blue Moon is two Full Moons in the same astrological sign.  Because a blue moon is uncommon, the term "once in a blue moon" is used to mean a rare event.  The term has nothing to do with the actual color of the moon.

How to Harness Its Magickal Energy

You've probably heard the phrase "once in a blue moon" used to describe rare occurrences. Maybe you've also heard the ballad "Blue Moon," sung by doo-wop group The Marcels and later covered by Elvis. Blue moons have a saying, a song, and even corresponding beauty products, but what exactly are they, and what's so great about them? Blue moons are astrologically significant, and so we spoke with a modern witch to find out what you should know about them - plus how to harness their energy for your benefit.

What is a blue moon?

A blue moon is the second full moon in a month. Despite what you may have heard, it's not actually that rare of a phenomenon, happening roughly once every two and a half years. This year, however, we're getting two blue moons - the first happened in January, and on Saturday, March 31, we'll see the second.

Is there another definition?

Yep. Before the 1940s, a blue moon was defined as the fourth full moon in a season. (The next one of that kind of blue moon will happen on May 18, 2019.) In 1946, the astronomy magazine Sky & Telescope published a bit of fake news when it quoted an astronomer defining a blue moon as the second full moon in a calendar month. This definition went viral and was repeated again and again, most notably as an answer in a 1986 version of Trivial Pursuit. Today, it's considered an alternate definition rather than a mistake.

So is the upcoming calendar blue moon less legit than a seasonal blue moon?

Nah, says Cat Cabral, a New York-based witch, tarot reader, and practical magickian (or practitioner of occult magick). Culturally, we've accepted the modern interpretation of a blue moon, which means each blue moon has the potential be as powerful as any other. "Magick is about raising energy," Cabral says. "The more people concentrate their collective energy towards something [like a blue moon], the more powerful it becomes."

What's so special about this blue moon?

Well, it's the second one in a year, which makes it "a little more intense than usual," Cabra says. Plus, the spring equinox just happened, which means that now is the time for rebirth and new beginnings. The blue moon will be in Libra, the zodiac's most diplomatic sign, known for balance and harmony. Libra energy is the opposite of the energy of Aries, the sign we're in now: Aries is known for acting first and thinking later. (Did we mention we're also in a Mercury retrograde? "People have no filter right now, and the full moon will intensify that," Cabral says.) These opposing energies make the blue moon a great time for self-care, beauty rituals, and grounding yourself outside in nature.
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How can I harness blue moon energy to make my life more awesome?

Just be clear about what your intention is and do something tangible to show the universe that you mean business. How you do that is your choice. You can take a cleansing bath (try Species by the Thousands Full Moon Bath Salts, which blends chamomile flowers and peppermint leaves). You can write down a list of things that no longer serve you - like toxic friendships, negative self-talk, or body insecurities - on a piece of paper and burn it. Or you can simply blast your favorite music and dance like no one is watching. (Really let go. Blindfold yourself if you prefer)
At the end of the day of the blue moon, find a private moment to connect with divine energy. Writing out a letter of intention and speaking it out loud has just as much value as looking up somebody else's spell. That said, if you are interested in following steps, here's a blue moon ritual you can also try.

Ritual

You will need:

The Empress tarot card.She represents the Goddess, who can be called on for balance, self-love, and guidance, at Her most fertile and radiant.

Seasonal flowers.

A candle.

A dish with sea salt. Place any talismans, charms, or crystals you'd like to cleanse inside.

Incense. Sandalwood, lavender, sage, and Palo Santo all have purifying qualities.

Place these items on your altar.Light the candle and the incense, then repeat these words:
Empress of balance, grace, justice, and beauty / On this blue moon, release any known or unknown obstacles / Down towards Mother Earth, underneath my feet / So that I am renewed for this next lunar cycle.

This ritual is for releasing what doesn't serve you and welcoming what does