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When two full moons fall in the same month, the
second is called the "blue moon." This circumstance occurs only once every
few years — hence the expression "once in a blue moon." |
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Full moons occur about once every 29.53 days,
or 12.3683 times a year. Months containing two full moons occur on the
average only every 2.72 years. The first of the full moons must appear
at or near the beginning of the month so that the second will fall within
the same month. |
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The rare phenomenon of two blue moons occurring
in the same year happens approximately once every 19 years. 1999 is one
of those years in which a blue moon appears twice, in January and March. |
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January 1999
2nd — full moon
31st — blue moon |
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March 1999
2nd — full moon
31st — blue moon |
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The months of the double blue moons are always
January and March. That is because the short month that falls in
between them, February, is a key ingredient in this once every nineteen
year phenomenon. For January and March to each have two full moons,
it's necessary for February to have none at all. Since February is
usually 28 days long, and the average span between full moons is 29.53
days, if a full moon occurs at the end of January, it's possible for the
next full moon to skip February entirely and fall in the beginning
of March. |
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For Magical purposes the Blue Moon is used to
enhance or accelerate any work that you might do. It is also
a time to do work for the Earth itself and is a special time for celebrating
the Goddess. Any work that you would normally do on the Full
Moon such as, new beginnings work and spells that are long
and involved are appropriate to do now. Because this is a Blue
Moon you can do healing work, special blessings and initiations. |
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