By Ansur

There are four major definitions of a blue moon:

1. The first is two full moons in the same month.

2. The second is two full moons in the same sign of the zodiac.

3. The third is the fourth moon in a season.

4. The fourth is the third moon in a four full moon season.

However, technically speaking, there is a problem with the first definition.  This problem has to do with the difference in what constitutes a month.  The old Pagan Calendar had 13 months of 28 days plus one extra day each year.  (This is where we get the �year and a day� concept).  However, the modern Gregorian Calendar has months with various numbers of days.  So, the question then is, do we count two full moons in a month per the old Pagan Calendar, or use the current Gregorian Calendar?  

Magically speaking, the ebb and flow of spell-power peaks at crossover points�like the equinoxes, cross-quarter days, etc. and/or at unusual occurrences/times�like eclipses, certain moon phases, and that includes Blue Moons�whatever their definition.  Most �Borders/Crossover Points� have a strange power�this is even noticeable in vegetation; the forest is more lush at its edges and the raspberries and blackberries grow best at the point where they run into each other.  (With some plants there is a battle where one will win but the winner will then grow best at that edge).  The Witches� sacred circle creates a border�outside of normal time and space that allows magical wills to amplify out into the universe.  All crossover points can be important.  

AN EXAMPLE OF BLUE MOON POWER:

I tried to quit smoking for many years�and failed miserably.  I went to the American Cancer meetings, joined the 7-day Adventist program, and used the special filters to decrease the amount of nicotine going into my lungs, I also tried to go cold turkey several times�but nothing worked.  (Nicotine gum was not on the market factor at that time).  During these trial periods, my craving for tobacco was so overwhelming that I came to realize that I was thoroughly �hooked�.  Finally, I just gave up and accepted the fact that I would never be able to stop and that, as the saying went: �They would have to pry my last cigarette out of my cold dead hand.�

Then came a time when a newly assembled coven performed a ritual of freedom for me.  This was done during a blue moon over 18 years ago.  In the beginning, nothing happened.  However, two weeks later, the magic manifested and I threw my cigarettes away�including several full packs left the carton.  For the next 5 days, I had a just a few minor cravings that were easily overcome.  Moreover, by the sixth day, I had forgotten I had ever smoked!  The end-result was miraculous and totally unlike the disastrous quitting experiences I had ever had before!  There is definitely great power available during Blue Moons!

Modern and ancient definitions of Blue Moons differ but the most likely �real� and powerful Blue Moon is the third of four moons in a season.  There are normally three full moons in a season�say from Spring Equinox to Mid-Summer.   However, occasionally there are four full moons in a season.   When this happens, the third of those four is likely the original ancient interpretation of a Blue Moon.


Bibliography:

Astronomy Magazine, December 1990

Planetarian, December, 1993

Griffith Observer, July 1996

Sky & Telescope Magazine, May 1999

so depending on which definition we choose we may have a " blue moon " for the New Year 2010....

Out of curiosity, so I don't have to go back and count on the pagan calender, when is the next blue moon on the pagan calender??

Got it.
November 2010.

ok, fitting to ad a piccie of the Blue Moon!!!

Yup this is at night!!! I luvs me new camera!!! Sunset setting.

*staals Novia's Camera* (What kind is it?)

Awesome, Novia.  Thank you.  I'm afraid it is raining here tonight so I can't see her, but I know she's there.  

Sony a230

Hugs.  

I shoulda left the angle wider. might notta been so fuzzy. Gonna have to get used to slower shutter picture taking.  

Very nice.  We are having the S word here, so we can't see it.  It's very sweet of you to share the lady with us, Novia!  Won't be able to do much but a quiet visualization.  The kids won't let me have a moment to myself and we have to go to bed early tonight as we must drive the kidlings back into Idaho in the morning.  Maybe I can do something nice and quiet out by the river tomorrow!