Once In A Blue Moon

The metaphysics for this month is subject to an astrological rarity. October 2020 features what is known as a Blue Moon, or a second Full Moon in the same calendar month. This month’s second Full Moon will take place next week, on October 31^st, and is traditionally known as the Hunter’s Moon. It follows the Harvest Full Moon that took place on October 1st.

As you may have guessed, the phenomenon of the Blue Moon gave rise to the popular saying ‘once in a blue moon.’ It is used to refer to something that is unusual or special, or a rare event that seldom happens.

The origin of the term itself is unclear, but it has nothing to do with the actual color of the Moon. The earliest written record of the term ‘blue moon’ has been found in an 1528 pamphlet composed by two friars, William Roy and Jerome Barlow, in which they state, “Oh church men are wily foxes… If they say the moon is blue, we must believe that it is true.” It has since become part of pop culture and modern folklore, including being the namesake of popular songs and movies.

Astrologically speaking, two full moons in a month only takes place about seven times every nineteen years, due to the way the Moon’s orbital cycle does not line up exactly with calendars on Earth. It’s a rarity, for sure.

So, what can we expect during such a rare event?

The moon will guide you through the night with her brightness, but she will always dwell in the darkness, in order to be seen ~ Shannon L. Alder

The full moon cycle in general is a time when our emotions and subconscious thoughts are brought to the fore. The Moon, representing our hidden aspects, is brought to full light by the Sun during a Full Moon. It is also a period when creativity and the power of possibility are at its peak. It’s has also been suggested that a Full Moon brings out the interesting people in the world.

A second full moon in a calendar month, in addition to being rare, therefore suggests a greater than average possibility for creative endeavor, as well as working through more difficult or intense emotions. If you’re the type of person who tends to push these things aside, this is the perfect time to explore what’s really going on in your life.

In particular, this month’s Blue Moon is a unique opportunity for change. Full moons, and especially blue moons, are associated with metaphysical power and good fortune, so it’s a good time to take chances and try something new.

If it’s warm enough in your area, consider doing your spiritual work or meditation outside in the light of this second Full Moon. Fall is typically a time of reflection on the past year and introspection as we head into the colder, shorter days.

There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery ~ Joseph Conrad

If you live in an area which observes daylight savings time, the night of the Blue Moon also happens to be the night when clocks will ‘fall back,’ giving you an extra hour in the day. Take that extra hour to reflect on your possibilities for the future, especially as 2020 has been such an extremely challenging year.

If it’s warm enough in your area, consider doing your spiritual work or meditation outside in the light of this second Full Moon. Let your subconscious, hidden self glow in the bright light of this Moon. Just like the Moon, fully revealed to us on Earth, you can now present your authentic self. If you’re doing this for, well, the first time in a blue moon, expect great things and be ready for anything!