Once in a Blue Moon

(Written on 8-19-24)

Ever heard of the saying “Once in a Blue Moon”? But what about the elusive Super Blue Moon? Probably not, because it’s a rare treat happening right now as we speak. How cool is that?

Don’t go picturing a blue-colored moon – the term “Blue Moon” is about its scarcity. These celestial gems only grace us about every 30 months. A Blue Moon is the second full moon in a month or the third in a season with four full moons.

The Supermoon

A Super Blue Moon happens far less often since it must simultaneously be both a Blue Moon and a Supermoon. A Supermoon is a full moon while the moon is at its closest approach to Mother Earth. If you are about 25 and reading this, you will be almost 39 when the next one arrives. The next one is scheduled for 2037, occurring every 10 to 20 years. In addition to the event’s rarity, there are some noticeable effects during Supermoon cycles.

First, Supermoons are breathtaking because they seem so large and bright due to their proximity. They can appear almost 15% larger and 30% brighter than a normal full moon. Most people who have taken the time to enjoy such a view on a clear night will agree that the size and brightness alone are enough to award this super title. However, there is a lot more at work during this rare occurrence.

Our connection with the moon

Even ancient sailors caught on to the moon’s mischief, cranking up the tides during its full glow. They might not have had a science degree, but they sure felt the moon, sun, and Earth playing tug-of-war with the ocean thanks to a sneaky character named Gravity. Beauty aside, those seafarers knew the moon was up to something more than just shining bright!

Picture the scene: a deckhand’s eyes bug out at seeing a Supermoon. This cosmic showstopper seems to shine brighter and bigger. She also seems to be making the sea dance even more fiercely. The deckhand isn’t imagining things. This Supermoon flexes her gravitational muscles. She is tugging at the tides 5 to 10 percent harder than a normal full moon because she is closer to the sea.

A person living near the ocean might be able to take advantage of how high the tides are and what treasures are revealed at low tide. Certainly, things are also different on land during a full moon and a Supermoon. If the night is clear, nocturnal creatures must be cautious since the moon’s bright light gives predators a better chance to strike.

Then, there is all the talk of how humans behave due to the moon. All this fuss about humans going bonkers during a full moon! We’ve all seen the cliché image of a wolf howling at the moon, which can seem mysterious.  Wild animals are the true moon enthusiasts. However, most experts will conclude that evidence suggests that domesticated animals, like humans, let our imaginations get the best of us during these lunar moments.

I lean towards most of the science in downplaying the hype, and I feel rest assured we can still pop to the store at night without getting caught up in a full-moon frenzy! Yet, before we dismiss all the chatter completely, we may want to keep an open mind. Not many years ago, the mainstream scientific communities debunked practices that are now in use and have roots aligned with ancient traditions—some of the same ancient cultures that produced fascinating folklore.

The moon and its connection to meditation and mindfulness

In chapter five of our book, Become the Boss of You, we delve into the importance of things that can have a lasting effect on us. Things that can improve the overall quality of our lives. If you own the book, I recommend you reread chapter five, especially the parts about mindfulness and meditation. Ancient cultures and traditions believed that meditation can be enhanced during a full moon and certainly during a Supermoon due to the energetic environment the moon brings during this time. So yes, before we dismiss all the wisdom in all the ancient traditions as rubbish, let me remind us that we know the scientific fact that the moon has a noticeable effect on water and has a make-up of about 70% of water.

I find the spiritual and wellness communities’ belief that meditation can be enhanced during a full moon or a supermoon too numerous to dismiss completely. I would go as far as to say that the beauty of a supermoon alone can enhance our feeling of oneness and connection with our greater self. I remember hearing an old saying, “The sun burns, and the moon shines.” The woman speaking to me was trying to tell me of the benefits of evening meditation and meditation at night. She knew I loved the moon and felt I could benefit from meditating at night due to this connection.

I have adopted this practice when it becomes convenient for me. I find the moon meditative in and of itself. In addition, the world is quieter. Life is slower and more peaceful at night. The concept that the moon shines is rooted in the moon’s association with illumination. I am far from the only person who has reaped benefits while sitting quietly in prayer or meditation while sharing a clear night sky with the moon.

I love praying or meditating at night under the moon when my schedule allows. The moon represents a constant to me. It is a reminder of the harmony of the universe. I start my meditation, and she is there, like a friend who will not leave me. She is not just a friend. She is a faithful friend. Any moon is a breathtakingly beautiful companion, but a full moon is even more so, and a Supermoon is a rare beauty. I find it almost impossible not to be connected to nature under a clear sky with a moon smiling at me.

The story goes that Budha gained enlightenment while meditating under a full moon. Based on my limited experience but my fondness for the experience that I do have, I can find no better environment in which to achieve that.

The easiest way to enjoy the Super Blue Moon

The best way to learn about the Super Blue Moon is to get out there and look at her. It’s like anything else. Start small and go from there. Plan to go out tonight and experience a phenomenon that will not reoccur for another 12 to 13 years. As you get to know her, be grateful that this universe is so cool and that you can participate. Just enjoy it and spend some time alone or with a loved one with her if you can. One thing we mention in our book “Become the Boss of You” is to make time to integrate mindfulness and meditation. I can think of no better way to enjoy a breath exercise or a mindfulness session than to be present under a Super Blue Moon.

If you own our journal workbook, I suggest you journal your experience of the Super Blue Moon in a few of the supplemental pages. You will not be disappointed when you review your journal workbook in the future. Journalling, your experiences of this Super Blue Moon, can also be a great stress reducer. You get to relive the very cool experience, and you may find it easier to let stuff go under the watchful eye of a celestial orb.

When you wish upon a moon

Walt Disney made a huge impact with his idea of wishing upon a star. There is something very wonderful about invoking our deep desires with the cosmos. I want to piggyback on that idea and say you can also wish upon the Supermoon. In the next few nights, ask the universe for something you want.

Try a prayer if meditating under the moon is too much for you. If you are not the prayer type, maybe make a wish. At any rate, at least go outside and hang out with this special night guardian during this special time. The cycle is only around for a few more days. Dream a little bit with the moon. Have fun with her. Play with her while she is still here. She won’t be here for long.

Peace, Ishall Dogood

Sources you should check out:

1. https://www.thegardnernews.com/story/news/2024/08/20/what-is-the-blue-super-moon-2024/74869049007/
2. https://www.almanac.com/myths-about-moon