What is a bue moon and when is the next one? What are its origins? what is the spiritual significance of a blue moon? Are there any old wives tales about blue moons?
by Amelia G. Paho,
Contributing writer, In5D.vip
Secrets Of The Rare Blue Moon Revealed
With an upcoming blue moon, I thought this would be an appropriate time for an all-inclusive article on this subject!
Exactly, What IS a Blue Moon?
A blue moon captivates the imagination with its rarity and mystique, but what exactly is it? A blue moon refers to the second full moon occurring within the same calendar month, a phenomenon that happens because the lunar cycle of 29.5 days doesn’t align perfectly with the 30 or 31 days in most months. This misalignment allows for an extra full moon about every two to three years, making blue moons a special event for skywatchers and spiritual enthusiasts alike.
Contrary to its name, a blue moon doesn’t appear blue, though atmospheric conditions like volcanic ash or wildfire smoke can occasionally tint the moon with a bluish hue, adding to its allure.
Origins of the Term
The origin of the term “blue moon” is steeped in linguistic history rather than celestial color. It first appeared in English around the 16th century as a phrase meaning something absurd or impossible, akin to saying “once in a blue moon” for rare events.
The modern definition, however, emerged in the 1940s when amateur astronomer James Hugh Pruett misinterpreted a 1937 article in the Maine Farmers’ 
Almanac. The almanac originally defined a blue moon as the third full moon in a season with four full moons, but Pruett’s error, defining it as the second full moon in a month, caught on after being popularized in a 1946 Sky & Telescope article. This definition stuck, and today, it’s the most widely accepted meaning, though the seasonal definition still holds in some circles.
Historical Blue Moon Moments
Historically, blue moons have been noted in various records, often tied to significant events. For instance, the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa in Indonesia released ash that turned the moon blue for months, coinciding with a blue moon in the seasonal sense, as recorded in global almanacs of the time.
In 1980, a blue moon on December 31 marked the end of the year with a rare lunar event, inspiring celebrations and media coverage.
These occurrences often amplified the moon’s mystique, with cultures attributing special meaning to its rarity, seeing it as a time for reflection, intention setting, or heightened spiritual energy.
Also see: Blue Moon Facts and Trivia
Old Wives Tales and Beliefs
Old wives’ tales surrounding blue moons add a layer of folklore to their charm. One common belief holds that a blue moon is a powerful time for manifesting dreams, as its rarity amplifies lunar energy, making wishes more likely to come true.
Another tale warns that babies born under a blue moon will have a life of unpredictability, blessed with luck but prone to sudden changes.
Some farmers’ legends suggest that planting crops during a blue moon leads to an abundant harvest, as the moon’s double appearance in a month is thought to double its influence on growth.
While these stories lack scientific backing, they reflect the cultural fascination with this lunar event.
How Often Do Blue Moons Occur
The frequency of blue moons makes them a delightful rarity. On average, they occur every two to three years, as the lunar cycle’s 29.5 days slowly drifts out of sync with the calendar. The last blue moon, defined as the second full moon in a calendar month, illuminated the sky on August 19, 2024, captivating stargazers worldwide. Looking ahead, the next blue moon of this type will grace the night on May 31, 2026, offering another opportunity for lunar enthusiasts to celebrate its magic.
Seasonal Blue Moons Explained
For those who follow the seasonal definition, a blue moon is the third full moon in a season with four full moons, a slightly different calculation. The next seasonal blue moon will occur on May 20, 2027, providing a unique moment to observe this alternative interpretation. Whether you prefer the monthly or seasonal definition, blue moons remind us of the cosmos’ rhythms and their subtle influence on our lives.
Spiritual Significance of Blue Moons
Blue moons also inspire modern traditions and spiritual practices. Many in the metaphysical community view them as a time for deep introspection, setting powerful intentions, or performing rituals to release old patterns. Astrologers note that a blue moon’s energy can amplify the traits of the zodiac sign it falls in; on May 31, 2026, the blue moon will be in Gemini, potentially enhancing communication and intellectual pursuits. This connection to astrology adds another layer of meaning for those who see the moon as a guide.
Related article: Buzz Aldrin Admits to Conan O’Brien That Moon Landing Was Staged
Pagan Influences on Blue Moon Traditions
Pagan traditions have long revered blue moons as potent times for magic and ritual, viewing their rarity as a cosmic signal for heightened energy.
In Wiccan practices, a blue moon is often seen as an ideal moment for casting spells related to personal growth, divination, or breaking old cycles, as its double appearance amplifies the moon’s influence. Many Wiccans perform rituals under a blue moon to harness its heightened energy, believing it enhances intuition and psychic abilities. This rare lunar event is also a time for setting powerful intentions, as the amplified lunar vibrations are thought to strengthen magical outcomes.
Ancient Celtic pagans associated blue moons with the goddess Cerridwen, believing they opened portals to the Otherworld for spiritual communication. They would honor her with offerings of sacred herbs like vervain, seeking her wisdom during this potent lunar phase. Druids often conducted ceremonies under a blue moon, using its energy to connect with ancestors and gain insights from the spirit realm.
Offerings of herbs like mugwort or moonstone were common during these events to honor lunar deities and harness the moon’s transformative power. This deep connection to nature and the cosmos continues to inspire modern pagan celebrations of blue moons.
Also see: The Moon Rock Cover-Up: How NASA Lied to the World
Blue Moons in Pop Culture
Blue moons have left a significant mark on pop culture, inspiring a range of creative works across music, film, and literature.
The 1934 song “Blue Moon” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart became a cultural touchstone, covered by icons like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and The Marcels, with its lyrics about rare love resonating widely. It even appeared in the 1978 film Grease during a playful scene.
Other artists, like Van Morrison with his song “Once in a Blue Moon,” and Beck with his 2014 track “Blue Moon,” have used the term to evoke rarity and emotional depth.
In literature, Lee Child’s 2019 book Blue Moon, the 24th in the Jack Reacher series, uses the term for its action-packed narrative, while on screen, films like the 2000 romcom Blue Moon starring Rita Moreno and a 2021 Romanian thriller of the same name draw on the phrase’s mystique, showcasing its enduring appeal in storytelling.
Also see: Dream Message About Receiving More Communication
Blue Moons and Human Psychology
Blue moons, as rare celestial events, have long sparked curiosity about their potential influence on human behavior, yet scientific evidence remains inconclusive. Some psychologists note a tendency for people to attribute emotional intensity or unusual behavior to full moons, including blue moons, due to confirmation bias, where individuals seek patterns that align with preexisting beliefs, such as increased crime rates or emergency room visits during these times.
However, numerous studies have failed to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship between lunar phases and human actions, suggesting that cultural beliefs and folklore may play a larger role in shaping perceptions than any measurable psychological impact.
In the metaphysical community, blue moons are often seen as amplifying emotional and spiritual energy, encouraging self-reflection, but this remains a subjective experience rather than a proven effect.
Also see: 10 Signs Your Spirit Guides Are Trying to Communicate With You
Blue Moons and Indigenous Traditions
Indigenous cultures worldwide have long revered the moon, weaving its cycles into their spiritual and practical lives, though the Western concept of a blue moon isn’t typically part of their traditions.
For example, the Algonquin tribes named each full moon based on seasonal activities, like the Strawberry Moon for June harvests, as recorded in the Old Farmer’s Almanac, using these cycles to guide planting and hunting (Native American Full Moon Names, skyandtelescope.org).
The Anishinaabeg tracked 13 moons in a year, each with a specific name tied to nature, such as the Sugar Moon for maple sap collection (Moons of the Anishinaabeg, nmu.edu).
In Nuenonne traditions of Tasmania, the moon, called Venna, is a female figure married to the sun, her cycles influencing fertility, weather prediction, and navigation, as noted in creation stories (From the vault: Lunar traditions of the First Australians, cosmosmagazine.com).
While these cultures deeply honor lunar rhythms, the idea of a blue moon as a rare event doesn’t align with their lunar calendars, which focus on consistent natural cycles rather than the Gregorian month structure.
A Cosmic Invitation
In essence, blue moons are more than just a lunar quirk; they’re a blend of science, history, and folklore that continues to enchant us. From their misunderstood origins to their role in old wives’ tales, they offer a moment to pause and connect with the universe. Mark your calendars for May 31, 2026, and May 20, 2027, to witness the next blue moons and perhaps tap into their rare, transformative energy.
Also see: 7 Ways to Communicate to Our Multi-Dimensional Soul Tribe
Click here for more article by Amelia G. Paho
Also see: Are You Ready to Communicate With Your Guides?
About the author: Amelia G. Paho is a passionate explorer of astrology, metaphysical mysteries, consciousness, and personal transformation. Her spiritual awakening was profoundly influenced by a 2009 In5D video, 2012: The Online Movie, which opened her eyes to new perspectives on the universe and the nature of existence. Since then, she has delved into ancient wisdom, cosmic phenomena, and the interconnectedness of all things. Her writings reflect a deep sense of wonder and discovery, inspiring others on their own journeys of self-awareness and enlightenment. When she’s not immersed in research, she enjoys meditative practices, nature’s tranquility, and thought-provoking discussions about life’s deeper mysteries.
