The Spiritual Meaning Of A Blue Moon + Rituals & Manifestation
Chances are you’ve come across the saying, “once in a blue moon.” But have you ever wondered what a blue moon actually is and whether it has a deeper, spiritual meaning?
The moon and her cycle mirror a woman’s menstrual cycle, so living and leading in harmony with her phases is powerful.
What is a blue moon?
A blue moon occurs when there are two full moons within the same month or astrological season or four full moons in a season rather than three.
The saying, “once in a blue moon,” suggests that something is rare or unlikely because a blue moon only happens roughly once every two and a half years.
Calendrical blue moon
A calendrical blue moon occurs when there are two full moons in the same calendar month, e.g., January or August. The second full moon is known as the blue moon.
Astrological blue moon
An astrological blue moon occurs when there are two full moons within the same astrological season, e.g., between December 22nd and January 19th, which is Capricorn season. The second full moon is known as the blue moon.
Seasonal blue moon
A seasonal blue moon happens when there are four full moons in a season rather than three, e.g., in Spring, which is determined by the equinoxes and solstices. In this case, the third full moon is known as a blue moon.
When we lived in moons instead of months
Typically, there is only one new moon and one full moon each month, totaling 12 moons a year. But this is not always the case because the moon has a 29-ish day cycle, while our calendar months range between 28-31 days long. This throws the lunar cycle out of whack.
In ancient times, society followed the lunar cycle rather than the solar cycle. This means instead of 12 man-made months and 365 days, there were always 13 moons every year.
In the years that we have a blue moon, there are 13 moons in the year. This is how it always was, which is why a blue moon is so special.
Is a blue moon actually blue?
Before I explain the spiritual meaning of a blue moon, let’s clear this up. A blue moon doesn’t appear blue in the sky!
A blue moon will look like the moon always does. This changes slightly in size and color depending on the time of year, but generally, it won’t be blue.
What is the spiritual meaning of a blue moon?
Now that you know what a blue moon is and when it can happen, what does it symbolize?
A full moon is typically nourishing, expansive, and a time to celebrate. This is the most high-energy phase of the moon cycle.
So, the spiritual meaning of a blue moon is like a full moon on steroids! The energy is even bigger and brighter and expands everything. Blue moons are said to be full of luck and magic and are the perfect time to craft spells, make a wish, perform rituals, and connect with your intuition.
Because blue moons are rare, this might symbolize a rare opportunity that is about to find you. But regardless of whether this happens, a blue moon is full of the energy you need to reignite passion and enthusiasm for your dreams and start walking towards them.
How to create a blue moon ritual
To help you work with and embrace the moon’s energy, you can do a moon ritual during all phases (new moon, full moon, waxing moon, waning moon).
Celebrate a blue moon like you would a typical full moon, with a few tweaks. Here’s how to create your own blue moon ritual at home.
Create a sacred space
I always begin any ritual or spell by physically and energetically cleansing the space around me.
Tidy any clutter and give your room a clean. Burn some herbs, put on a diffuser, use a room spray, or use sound to cleanse the energy, banish any negative vibes, and feel clear and light for your ritual.
Decorate your altar
Collect crystals, candles, plants, herbs, tarot cards, and other sacred objects that you want with you for this ritual and arrange them on your altar.
I love to decorate my altar using the astrological seasons and wheel of the year sabbats as inspiration. Although the moon is not blue, as you’re creating a blue moon ritual, it might be nice to weave this color into your altar. Alternatively, use the zodiac sign the moon is in to guide you.
Reflect on where you are
A full moon is a wonderful time to express gratitude for all that’s good in your life. Take stock of where you are today.
What has been happening in your world? Is there anything you need to let go of? What changes would you like to make?
Is there anything you want to complete or finish up, like a project, a business launch, or something else?
Set an intention
Full moons are not typically a time for setting new intentions. The energy of the new moon is more aligned with this. However, given the spiritual meaning of a blue moon and its magic, it would be a shame not to harness this energy and use it to make a wish or set an intention.
Think about a long-term goal you’d love to achieve and manifest between now and the next blue moon. Write a letter of thanks to the Universe as though it has already come true. Visualize it in your mind. What can you see? How do you feel? Who is with you? Draw on all five of your senses to create a vivid picture.
When you’re done, put your letter somewhere safe, or even place it in a pocket or handbag and carry it with you as a reminder of what you wish to manifest.
Connect with loved ones
A full moon has a very feminine, nourishing energy to it, which is amplified on a blue moon. So make the most of this by spending time with the people you love most and nourishing your relationships.
Now is the perfect time to do things outside and immerse yourself in nature (picnics, walks on the beach, stargazing) or something creative (a dance class, painting, or cooking together).
Make moon water
The full moon is always a perfect time to make moon water; the blue moon energy will pack even more punch.
Fill a bowl with tap or rain water, and place it on a balcony or somewhere outside over the night of the blue moon. Add crystals to the water if you want to cleanse and recharge them (just make sure they are water-friendly!)
You can store this in an airtight container for months and use it in spells, rituals, or baths.
Take a bath
I love taking a bath anytime, especially on the new and full moon. On the new moon, I do it as a reset, to wash away the old and welcome in the new. On the full moon, I do it as an act of self-care and a way to connect with grandmamma moon (she rules the tides, and therefore the element of water offers a strong connection to her).
You can bring your altar items into your bath ritual (candles, crystals, herbs, flowers, etc.). Flowers, herbs, salts, and essential oils will create a divine bath that smells amazing and nourishes your mind, body, and soul. Pop on a soothing playlist and rest in this tranquil space.
Think about your blue moon intention and what you want to come to fruition between now and the next blue moon.
Moonbathe
Sunbathing is great because it fills you with vitamin D and gives you a lovely, healthy, bronzed glow. But moonbathing is just as good for you. The moon has a super nourishing light and can really help us (especially as women) reconnect to the divine feminine, our intuition, and our subconscious thoughts. Because the blue moon is like a full moon but magnified, you want to make the most of this moonlight!
Go for a walk when the moon is out, sit in your back garden, and bask in her glow. We don’t do this enough.
Ready to make magic on the next blue moon?
Now that you know what a blue moon is and its spiritual meaning, you’re ready to make magic and manifest your biggest dream when the next blue moon comes along. You’ll never think of the saying, “once in a blue moon,” the same way again!
Got a question about blue moons? Drop it in the comments below.