Lunar Eclipse & Astronomical Samhain

Tonight is not just a full Beaver Moon, (in Taurus), not just a full moon eclipse, it’s also astronomical Samhain / Nos Calan Gaeaf. It’s truly a magickal time. The moon begins eclipsing at 3:14 AM here in SW Michigan (Eastern Daylight Time), and will be fully hidden around 5 AM. The cycle will be complete after sunrise, so it may not be visible here'bouts.

A moon eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye – not like the solar eclipses where you have to wear welding goggles. It’s reflected light. The eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the moon and the sun, occluding the solar light. It’s also a conjunction, when planets appear to line up in a row, giving the strength of the combined heavenly bodies.

Earth, Moon, and Sun correspond with Donia, Arianrhod or Rhiannon, and Llew in our southern Cymraeg tradition. Call upon deities to be with you during this auspicious time.

This is a period of incredible power. It’s a beneficial time to make moon water for spells and workings, to set out talismans and ritual tools to be cleansed under the moonlight – then darkness – then light. When the moon turns red from atmospheric particles, it’s a wonderful time to do blood magick. Rid yourself of old attachments. Complete projects. Empower yourself. Cut off unwanted ties. Ready yourself to accept new blessings. Drink in the power of moon and earth and sun. Honor our beloved deities and folk entities.

Astronomical Samhain / Nos Calan Gaeaf occurs when the stars of the Pleiades are fixed at their highest point in the sky at midnight. The sun reaches 15 degrees in the constellation of Scorpio. It’s the cross quarter (in Wicca and some Witchcraft traditions) and a quarter-day in Celtic traditions. This event marks the exact midpoint between Autumnal Equinox and Winter Solstice.

The meaning of astronomical Samhain is the same as the meaning of Halloween. Honor ancestors and the beloved dead. Perform divination. Fix intention. Prepare yourself for the coming winter months – storm windows, warm clothing, filling the propane tank, getting out the snow shovels, find a long-term indoor project to last through the nights of cold. Thank deities and ancestors for the blessings they’ve given. Make offerings to the Fae.

This is will be the last lunar eclipse until 2025, so make the most of it!

​(images swiped from NASA)