moon phases
Astrological Forecast November 30 – December 6, 2020
A lunar eclipse greets us today, as the Gemini Moon (also known as the Frosty Moon) waxes full and marks the first of two eclipses this month, along with a significant shift in direction for the next six months. Eclipses tend to come in pairs, one lunar and one solar, and the solar eclipse will occur in two weeks, on Monday, December 14th. During this cycle, we need to step back and go within to prepare for new beginnings, release the past, and consider a new focus for the start of 2021. This week’s lunar eclipse encourages us to put aside our emotions, and look more closely at the tangible, practical aspects of our lives.
Mercury will move into Sagittarius tomorrow, turning our thoughts to the coming holiday season. Under Wednesday and Thursday’s Cancer Moon, we may feel inspired to begin decorating our homes for the celebrations ahead or, at the very least, take a closer look at creating more flow and harmony in our surroundings. The remainder of the week unfolds under a Leo Moon, calling us to practice care and generosity not only with those around us, but also with ourselves. It’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves during the astrological eclipses, so the most important thing we can do this weekend will be to put ourselves first!
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 31st, 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?