Why is the Blood Moon So Special?
A blood moon is a relatively rare lunar eclipse phenomenon, where the moon turns reddish or orange in color due to the passage of the Earth between the sun and the moon, as the Earth’s shadow falls on the moon’s surface. The term "blood moon" is also known as a lunar eclipse or a total lunar eclipse.
What is the rarity of blood moons?
Blood moons are rare and occur approximately every two years, with some blood moons being more spectacular than others. The frequency and regularity of blood moons have led to a degree of fascination and superstition among many cultures throughout history. In the 17th century, a particularly remarkable blood moon was interpreted by some as a harbinger of the apocalypse. According to NASA, a blood moon can only occur when a full moon coincides with a lunar eclipse.
What does the Bible say about the blood moon?
In the biblical prophecies, there is a mention of blood moons as a sign of judgment and chaos. For instance, in the book of Joel, it is written: "The moon shall turn to blood before I come, and shall pour out my spirit upon all flesh." (Joel 2:31)
During the first century CE, the apostle Jesus (Matthew 24:29) and the prophet Mark (Mark 13:24) both refer to the sun and the moon turning to blood. There are many theories among eschatologists about what could be the meaning behind this prophecy.
Myths and Legends of the Vikings
The Vikings were an ancient Germanic seafaring people who migrated and settled in Scandinavia during the Viking Age, 793-1066. According to Viking myth and legend, the full moon was considered sacred. A blood moon was associated with the gods, including Thor, Odin, and Loki. In some Nordic sagas, the appearance of a blood moon signaled that the gods were disturbed by human misbehavior. There are also stories that attribute the color of the blood moon to the werewolf, Hati and Skill, who would drink the blood of the wolf-father.
Frequency and Patterns of Blood Moons
A blood moon usually occurs when there is a coincidence between a full moon and a lunar eclipse, with the Earth’s shadow cast on the moon. If the moon is already a full moon when an eclipse occurs, the view on Earth is spectacular – with the moon taking on an orange or reddish color. In the event that the Earth’s umbra (dark shadow) partially covers the moon’s illuminated surface, the observer would see a partial solar eclipse.
Here is the estimated frequency of blood moons between 2015-2050:
| Date | Type of Moon | Type of Blood Moon |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Feb 8 | Full Moon | Total Lunar Eclipse |
Blood moons can be broadly categorized into two types, both of which occur on occasion:
- Total Lunar Eclipse (TLE): If the Earth’s umbral shadow completely covers the Moon, it will become partially or totally dark in most parts of the world.
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: An eclipse in which only a small portion of the moon’s surface is involved by the Earth’s partial or penumbral shadow (the penumbra part of the Earth).
There are a few variations depending on the type and number of blood moons present throughout the year.
- Black Moon: A second new moon in a single month.
- Blue Moon: A second full moon within a single month or during a calendar year that begins with a full moon and ends with a blue moon.
How the Timing of Blood Moons Correlates with Life Patterns
There is often more to blood moons than we initially perceive. Our experience of blood moons also can be seen in several categories:
- The importance of cycles: Like the lunar cycles in an eclipse, the impact may be temporary but always with a lasting effect.
- The relationship between people and events within it: This pattern serves as a reminder there is more our awareness understanding of human beings our place as part our impact.