Blue Moon Meaning in 2024 and Its Spiritual Lunar Glow
The spiritual meaning of the Blue Moon in 2024 brings together ideas from spirituality and astrology. It’s not only about Science but also deep spiritual magic.
A Blue Moon is a chance to connect with your feelings, spread kindness, and make the world a bit more luminous, just like the moon in the night sky. When I talk about the spiritual side of the blue moon, I’m referencing our feelings, thoughts, and ideas that go beyond what we see. The blue moon is like a magical mirror, and it reflects the dreams we have in our hearts.
Every full moon has its own name based on the month or the season in which it appears. Creating a name for each full Moon allowed people to reflect on each season and how it affects them AND the natural world. There can be some variation on the Full Moon names due to the origins from whence they came.
Most Full Moon names are English translations of Native American names; others are rooted in Celtic, European (Anglo-Saxon and Germanic), and more recent Neo-Pagan origins. I created a guide to each Full Moon, complete with their meanings and how you can celebrate
Please note that I make every effort to ensure this information is correct and accurate through my own experiences and referencing sources throughout AND at the bottom of this article.
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Table of Contents
What is a Blue Moon?
A Blue Moon is when two full moons occur within a calendar month or seasonal cycle. Since they occur only about every two to three years, they’re considered a rare and magical event.
It’s important to note that a blue moon does not actually appear blue in color. The name is purely a calendrical term and has nothing to do with the moon’s actual appearance.
Below, I’ll explain the two different types of Blue Moons and their definitions!
Seasonal Blue Moon
A Seasonal Blue Moon occurs when there is an extra full Moon in a season, determined by the equinoxes and solstices. Anytime there are four full Moons in a season, the third Full Moon is considered a Blue Moon.
Calendrical Blue Moon
A Calendrical Blue Moon occurs when two full Moons appear in the same calendar month. Nowadays, a calendrical is the most commonly known type of Blue Moon, but the seasonal definition was actually used first.
On average, a blue moon occurs once every 33 months or full moons, 41 times per century, or about seven times every 19 years.
An even rarer event is when two blue moons happen in the same calendar year, which happens about four times per century.
Britannica – Blue Moon Astrology
When is the next Blue Moon in 2024?
The next Blue Moon occurs on August 19th, 2024. This is during August’s Sturgeon moon, which peaks at 2:26 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
The Full Moon of August is named the Sturgeon Moon to symbolize and represent the freshwater fish easily caught during this hot summer month in North America. These impressive gray-green fish are archaic-looking, and their existence can be traced back over 200 million years!
Blue Moon Spiritual Meaning
Every full Moon is filled with incredibly potent energy and signifies the completion of goals and peak vitality. However, a Blue Moon meaning and intentions have an extra bit of luck and magic! Setting goals and intentions during a Blue Moon boosts full Moon energy even further.
Many spiritual practitioners believe the intentions you set during this time are so powerful and intense; they can continue until the next Blue Moon!
Blue Moons are a time of clear-headedness and a great connection to Nature and the self or soul. Since Blue Moon is a more modern term, there are no strict traditions, but many still embrace it as a magical and unique time.
Blue Moon History
There are some instances of the term Blue Moon being used as far back as the 16th century, but its definition didn’t have anything to do with the moon phase we know today. Instead, it was a term to define something ridiculous or untrue.
The earliest references to a blue moon are in a phrase remarkably like early references to the moon’s “green cheese.” Both phrases were used as examples of obvious absurdities about which there could be no argument.
Four hundred years ago, if someone said, “He would argue the moon was blue,” the average sixteenth-century man would take it the way we understand, “He’d argue that black is white.” This understanding of a blue moon being absurd (the first meaning) led eventually to a second meaning, that of “never.”
Philip Hiscock – Folklore of the “Blue Moon”
Modern Blue Moon Meaning and Origins
So, where did the modern Blue Moon meaning come from? It likely originated from the March 1946 issue of Sky and Telescope magazine, which included an article from James Hugh Pruett titled Once in a Blue Moon.
He was citing a little-known essay from the 1937 Maine Farmer’s Almanac, but his interpretation was unintentionally incorrect. In the magazine article, James Hugh Pruett said –
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.
However, his mistake gave life to a new characterization and definition of a Blue Moon!
Here is a fantastic timeline of how the term Blue Moon was used and its progression I sourced from Sky and Telescope –
[Timeline of the tradition of referring to the second full Moon in a month as a Blue Moon]
1937. Some full Moons are referred to as Blue Moons in a Maine Farmers’ Almanac (although not referencing the second one in a calendar month).
1943. In a trivia article for Sky & Telescope, L. J. Lafleur uses the Maine almanac as a source.
1946. J. Hugh Pruett in Sky & Telescope provides the second-full Moon explanation, using Lafleur’s article and the almanac.
January 1980. The term Blue Moon was later used by Deborah Byrd in her National Public Radio program, Star Date, giving the new definition its greatest exposure to date.
1985. A children’s “Facts and Records” book, published in 1985, spread the meaning even further.
1986. Trivial Pursuit places the Blue Moon in their game, and uses the children’s “Facts and Records” book as a source.
May 1988. Public curiosity is sparked by international press coverage, which gives the phrase the most exposure yet.
Is a Blue Moon really Blue?
No, the date of a Full Moon does not affect its color. There is some confusion because, in 1883, the Indonesian volcano Krakatoa erupted, and all the ash in the air gave the Moon a blueish-green color. Ash from other volcanos and forest fires has created a similar effect, but remember it’s from the dust particles and not the actual color of the Moon.
Most Blue Moon photographs are created using a filter or edited to look blue later.
The Atmosphere can sometimes cause the Harvest Moon to take on a reddish-orange color and appear much more prominent than usual when it is just over the horizon.
Blue Moon Correspondences
The spiritual correspondences and intentions associated with a Blue Moon vary depending on the spiritual or cultural traditions being referenced. However, here are some general themes and correspondences often associated with this celestial event to help get you started!
Blue Moon Spiritual Intentions
- Second chances
- Knowledge
- Divination
- Love
- Protection
- Fertility
- Abundance
- Spirit communication
Crystals Associated with a Blue Moon
- Clear Quartz (to help amplify the energy)
- Moonstone (great for connecting with the divine feminine)
- Tigers Eye (protection)
- Lapis Lazuli (wisdom)
- Rose Quartz (love)
- Aquamarine (communication)
- Any other crystals relating to the spiritual intentions above
How I Celebrate the Blue Moon
Blue Moon rituals can be as unique as each spiritual practitioner. Here are some ideas for celebrating this beautiful moon phase!
For an even bigger and more detailed list of ideas, check out Full Moon Rituals: Manifest Insane Energy!
Create A Sacred Space
Embrace the Blue Moon’s spiritual meaning by creating a meditation or sacred space and utilizing the color blue. Blue candles, cloth, crystals, food, fabric, lighting, or try infused Moon water by adding blue herbs or berries.
Don’t feel this is necessary, though! You can use anything that resonates with you! White and black are also some good color options right now as well!
Manifestation and Intention Setting
This is a rare moment of deep spirituality and a heightened connectedness to the universe. As I mentioned above, many spiritual practitioners believe the goals and intentions you set now will last until the next Blue Moon.
- Remember to focus on long-term goals you would like to see come to fruition by the next Blue Moon (you can choose seasonal or calendrical). Attract your intentions by doing a manifestation ritual to bring your desires to fruition. Even goals you may have previously thought were unattainable.
- Write out a letter to the universe expressing your gratitude as if it’s already happened. Be very detailed and use all five senses for your descriptions. Imagine telling a loved one of your manifestation and visualize their excitement for you.
- Remember, when manifesting, it’s essential to feel what you’re trying to manifest. Put on headphones and listen to music that makes you feel positive and happy while writing your letter.
- When you’re finished, you can either store it somewhere safe or burn it so the intentions will go out into the universe. There are differing beliefs on this, so the choice is up to you.
- Some people believe burning allows the energy to flow out into the universe and represents your open and trusting intentions. Others think it’s important to date it and store it somewhere safe for reflections later.
Stroll In The Moonlight
Think about it; you charge water beneath the Moon. Why not do the same with your own body? Let that magickal moonlight energy fill you up!
Make sure and keep this moment calm and serene. Relax and enjoy this moment. Think about what you are grateful for. Bonus points for a walk in the woods, on the beach, or in a secluded place out in Nature.
Seek Knowledge and Wisdom
Some connect the Blue Moon with wisdom and knowledge or the Crone phase of life. Use this time to learn something new! You can seek knowledge from a relative or loved one, especially an elder you respect.
Read a book on a topic or hobby you’ve always wanted to know more about (this is why I always say the library is one of the most magical places). Listen to a podcast or watch a documentary. Y
ou can also speak to someone of a different religion or heritage so you can see things from another point of view. You are never too young or old to learn more! Don’t forget to add your knowledge to your Grimoire, Book of Shadows, or journal!
More Blue Moon Ritual Ideas
A Blue Moon is an excellent time for setting powerful intentions and doing spiritual work! Feel free to develop and create your own, but here are a few ideas to get you started.
Love is a big spiritual intention during a Blue Moon. Find a way to connect with your partner right now. Especially something that gets you outdoors in Nature or gets your creative juices flowing! Maybe take a pottery class together, get a massage, take a cooking class, or try something you’ve always wanted to learn. My hubby and I enjoy hiking or driving together and taking photos. We also love to snuggle and stargaze! The choice is completely up to you!
Spend some time in the bath or shower. I know this is recommended frequently, but this can truly be a wonderful way to connect spiritually. It’s a time when you can be left alone (hopefully) and can focus on your own thoughts, intentions, and breathwork. Make a whole ritual out of the process! Clean your bath/shower beforehand with natural cleaners (maybe you made some out of Moon Water).
Depending on what you’d like to focus on, Runes would be a wonderful ritual to incorporate during a Blue Moon. Feel free to create your own set, create a unique bind rune, utilize them for divination work, or add protection runes (like Algiz) around your home.
Full Moon Schedule 2024
I hope this answers all your Blue Moon spiritual meaning questions! Lots of love to you, and remember, as always…
