Spiritual Meanings of Blood Moon (Symbolism)

Have you ever seen the movie "Bewitched"? Nicole Kidman’s character looks up, crying, "Blood on the moon!" Is there a deeper understanding behind this striking sight? Let's explore the blood moon's significance and its interpretations across cultures and histories. This is prepared by SSP.

What is a Blood Moon?

The term "blood moon" refers to various lunar events. Specifically, it occurs during a total lunar eclipse. This alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun blocks sunlight, casting a red hue on the moon.

The red glow happens because light solely reaches the moon filtered by Earth’s atmosphere. In this process, atmospheric particles scatter light, disproportionately affecting blue wavelengths. As a result, the moon shines a rosy shade, less vibrant than a true deep red.

Total lunar eclipses are rare, typically happening twice every three years. Different geographic locations may provide varying views of what counts as a blood moon, adding to its intrigue.

On occasion, a typical moon can appear red without an eclipse. Heavy dust or haze in the atmosphere can filter blue light, leading to a more crimson moon. Moreover, during autumn, a moon shining through branches of red-leafed trees might also be called a blood moon.

The Blood Moon Prophecy

While scientific evidence describes the blood moon's cause, some see spiritual meanings woven in its stunning appearance. This perspective gained attention with the Blood Moon Prophecy coined by two American preachers in 2013.

They highlighted a rare tetrad occurring between April 2014 and September 2015. This consisted of "four full lunar eclipses" landing precisely on Jewish holidays. These eclipses, unlike many, were total—with six full moons intervening without partial eclipses. In particular, the final eclipse on September 28, 2015, drew significant attention due to its brilliant, blood-red charm.

These preachers, Mark Blitz and John Hagee, claimed that this tetrad indicated forthcoming apocalyptic events as foretold in Biblical texts. Hagee wrote a bestselling book tying previous tetrads to events in Jewish history, despite not predicting specific calamities.

Blood Moons in the Bible

Biblical references further note blood moons across key scriptures. In the Book of Joel, a prophecy describes darkness over the sun and a blood-colored moon before the "great and terrible day." Similarly, in the Book of Acts, the disciple Peter mentions a fulfilled version of this prophecy at Pentecost, diverging from distant future implications. The Book of Revelation reveals an additional reference, which notes the moon turning "as blood" upon opening the "sixth seal".

Given these connections, many associate blood moons with negative connotations.

Blood Moons as Ill Omens

Islamic scripture also links lunar eclipses and significant events. They believe eclipses signify Judgment Day, with the sun and moon temporarily uniting. Some Muslims offer prayers during eclipses, recognizing Allah’s majesty over nature.

Folklore in Different Traditions

Eastern traditions, such as Hindu beliefs, view eclipses as a twist of fate orchestrated by the demon Rahu, known for seeking vengeance on both sun and moon. Practically, many in India cover food and drink during a blood moon to block contamination, wary that expectant mothers particularly face risk.

In the British Isles, an old wives’ tale suggests that pointing at a blood moon is inauspicious—nine times amplifies this bad luck. In Europe, as late as the 1950s, it lingered that hanging baby’s nappies out during this phase also attracted misfortune.

Blood Moons in Ancient Cultures

Ancient civilizations often interpreted lunar events dramatically. The Incans believed that when a jaguar consumed the moon, it posed a threat to Earth itself. They reacted by making noise to ward off the animal. Similar themes emerged across cultures. The ancient Chinese ascribed lunar eclipses to dragons, while Viking legend credited wolves.

The Babylonians feared that blood moons indicated ominous events toward their king. Their advanced observations allowed them to predict eclipses. During this cosmic event, a proxy king replaced the real one, facing dire conditions once the eclipse passed.

Positive Interpretations of Blood Moons

Secretly, some cultures formed positive relations with blood moons. Ancient Celts linked these events to fertility, employing respectful terms when mentioning the moon. The Luiseño and Hupa peoples viewed the blood moon as delicate and in need of care and healing. They sang and chanted appealingly toward the moon.

Different Native American tribes envisioned eclipses as heralds of change, according to the moon's integral role over Earth’s fate.

In Africa, the Battamaliba people dedicated good examples during eclipses to resolve disagreements, thereby promoting peace. Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhists believe that any actions performed under a blood moon multiply in significance, whether positive or negative.

For Wiccans, the harvest moon—an October blood moon—is seen positively, marking a time for commencing new projects and releasing toxic habits, illustrating the range of interpretations.

What Does the Science Say?

A closer look reveals meticulous research contradicting many blood moon beliefs connected to behavior, also dismissing superstitions like the lunar events triggering earthquakes.

However, a Japanese study raised curiosity over varying earthquake intensity phases linked to the moon. They observed slightly intensified earthquakes during blood moons when compared regionally.

Finding Personal Meanings in the Blood Moon

Feedback indicates that blood moons resonate uniquely depending on personal perspectives. Meditation proves effective in tuning into one's relationship with lunar events. During full moons, introspection helps reveal suppressed emotions, guiding us towards personal consciousness and healing pathways.

Some chose to mirror heartfelt thoughts onto paper in the luminous moonlight before gracefully discarding it later. Others believe in reinforcing positive affirmations through targeted phrases to nurture self-esteem.

The profound ways individuals connect spiritually underscore the blood moon’s significance and the celestial body as a guide encouraging self-exploration and reflection.

Earlier, SSP explained the meaning of unknown guy dreams.