New Year 2010 comes on a blue moon

Blue Moon New Year's Eve 2010

Every year the New York's Times Square drops the Swarovski crystal filled ball of light on New Year's Eve. But this year, New Year’s Eve is special because it’s a Blue Moon.  According to Pagan folklore, a blue moon is the appearance of a second full moon in any given month.

Really it’s the thirteenth moon in the year, but the Gregorian calendar only allows for twelve moons. That makes the thirteenth moon most auspicious for Pagans, and a fine time for doing our magical prayers and spells.

That extra moon gave rise to the Pagan’s folklore saying, “It happens but once in a blue moon.” Pagans find meaning in such a rare occurrence, and such a rare occurrence on the turning of the year’s wheel from 2009 to 2010 is most auspicious.

Visibly, you won't see anything different. It’s not like the moon actually turns blue or anything, but it certainly will light up the night skies as we welcome in 2010.

The moon was last full at 2:30 a.m. Dec. 2. On Thursday, the moon will be exactly full at 2:13 p.m. The last blue moon came on May 31, 2007. The next one is due in August 2012.

Wiccans and NeoPagans honor the full moon as a time of letting go of the past and then spelling for the future. Pagan cultures consider it lucky to make wishes and pray under the influences of a blue moon.

The women of the Susan B. Anthony Coven Number One across the world are gathering their energies and spelling for women’s prosperity for the future, and good fortune for mind, body and soul. You’re more than welcomed to join our global prayers.

This month's Full Moon is a partial lunar eclipse that will take place on December 31. This Full Moon Lunar Eclipse occurs as the Moon passes through the constellation of Cancer at 10º15'. At exactly 2:13pm the Sun will be moving opposite the Moon through the constellation of Capricorn at 10º15'. The Earth will be moving through Capricorn blocking the light of the Sun to the Moon as it falls in direct alignment at 10º15' with the Sun and Moon. This Eclipse in the Moon's own sign of Cancer can stir deep waters within families and close friendships. Pagans believe we tend to be more emotionally expressive during a Full Moon.

Here in our neighborhood in the San Francisco Bay Area, we’re seeing all sorts of pagan blue moon parties springing up with everything from blue chip, blue cheese dips, blue wines and blue beer,… it’s a pagan’s blue wode social event!

There’s an event called the Full Blue Moon Ritual - Dance Party - New Year's Eve Extravaganza. It’s sponsored by Come As You Are Coven on New Year’s Eve. Doors open at 7:00pm-Midnight, at the BFUU Main Hall, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley. It’s $20 adults, $10 youth under 18, and children under 3 free.

The CAYA New Year's Eve Extravaganza promises food and friends with live music and dancing with Fontain's M.U.S.E! Magickal spell stations, drumming and chanting will welcome in the New Year and blue moon Pagan style. Plus, they have activities for children making it an event the whole family can enjoy.

Enjoy the blue moon! Enjoy the New Calendar Year! May there be peace in this world in our times!

Visit Z Budapest and Bobbie Grennier for more pagan and goddess insights.