What is a Blood Moon? Are All Lunar Eclipses Blood Moons?

A Blood Moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse, when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that blocks direct sunlight. The deep red hue comes from Earth's atmosphere filtering and scattering sunlight, allowing only red and orange wavelengths to reach the Moon’s surface.

However, not all lunar eclipses are Blood Moons.

• A partial eclipse happens when only part of the Moon moves into Earth's shadow.
• A penumbral eclipse creates only a slight dimming of the Moon’s surface.
• A total lunar eclipse is what gives us the striking red glow, making it a true Blood Moon.

How Rare is a Blood Moon?

Total lunar eclipses, or Blood Moons, are relatively rare. Any specific location on Earth experiences one approximately once every 2.5 years. The most recent Blood Moon occurred on November 8, 2022, with the next one expected on March 14, 2025. Following this, another total lunar eclipse will occur on September 7, 2025, and then again on March 3, 2026.

This celestial event has captivated cultures for centuries, inspiring myths, spiritual interpretations, and rituals across the world.

Cultural history of the Blood Moon:

Throughout history, lunar eclipses have been seen as more than just astronomical events—they've been viewed as omens, cosmic messages, or moments of transformation. Different cultures have their own interpretations:

• Inca Civilisation: The Incas believed a lunar eclipse was caused by a jaguar attacking the Moon. To prevent it from descending to Earth, they would make noise and throw spears toward the sky.
• Mesopotamian Beliefs: Ancient Mesopotamians saw lunar eclipses as attacks by demons on their king. To protect the monarch, they placed a substitute king on the throne during the eclipse, who would bear any negative consequences.
• Chinese Traditions: In ancient China, people believed a celestial dragon was devouring the Moon during an eclipse. To scare it away, they would bang drums and make loud noises.

While interpretations differ, one theme remains consistent—lunar eclipses have always been seen as moments of change, requiring awareness, action, and reflection.

The Spiritual Meaning of the Blood Moon

Unlike a typical Full Moon, which is often linked to clarity and illumination, a Blood Moon invites us into the depths—into what we usually prefer to keep unseen.

This eclipse is a gateway into the subconscious, an opportunity to sit with emotions we often suppress—grief, rage, fear, longing. These feelings may surface, not to overwhelm us, but to be acknowledged. Rather than something to fear, the Blood Moon reminds us that immense power and intelligence exist in the shadows if we have the courage to explore them.

This mirrors the yin-yang philosophy—the idea that both light and dark, action and rest, joy and pain are essential and interwoven. A Blood Moon is not just about releasing what no longer serves us—it’s about honouring every part of ourselves, even the ones we struggle to accept.

Under this lunar energy, intuitive messages, subconscious fears, or long-buried emotions may rise to the surface. Rather than reacting impulsively, this is a time to observe, integrate, and move forward with deeper awareness.

A Blood Moon Ritual: Blue Lotus Tea Ceremony

The Blood Moon is a time for stillness, reflection, and inner exploration. One way to connect with this energy is through a Blue Lotus tea ceremony, a ritual that encourages deep relaxation and heightened intuition.

Why Blue Lotus?

For centuries, Blue Lotus has been a sacred plant used to expand consciousness, promote relaxation, and enhance meditation. In ancient Egypt, priests and healers used it to induce dream-like states and connect with the divine.

Drinking Blue Lotus tea during a lunar eclipse can help you:

• Calm the nervous system and move into a state of deep rest.
• Open the third eye and enhance intuitive awareness.
• Allow suppressed emotions to surface without resistance.
  
  

How to Perform Your Blood Moon Blue Lotus Ritual

1. Prepare Your Space

• Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
• Dim the lights, light a candle, and set up a small altar with any objects that resonate with your intentions (crystals, journal, tarot/oracle cards, etc.).
• Play soft music or allow silence to guide you.
• You may also like to apply Blue Lotus Oil to your pulse points.

2. Brew Your Blue Lotus Tea

• Add a handful of dried Blue Lotus petals to 2-3 cups of hot water.
• Let it steep for about 6 minutes before straining.
• (Optional) Add honey 

3. Set an Intention & Sip Mindfully

Before drinking, take a deep breath and reflect:

• What emotions or thoughts have I been avoiding?
• What parts of myself am I ready to integrate?
• How can I honour both my light and my shadows?

As you sip the tea, allow yourself to feel whatever comes up—without judgment.

4. Reflect & Journal

Use these Blood Moon journal prompts to deepen your reflection:

• What emotions have I been suppressing, and why?
• What past versions of myself am I still holding onto?
• How can I create space for both my light and my shadows to coexist?

5. Close the Ritual

When you feel complete, thank yourself for showing up, thank the Moon for its guidance, and release your intentions to the universe. Blow out your candle and sit in stillness for a moment before returning to your evening.

A Blood Moon is not something to fear—it’s a powerful moment to slow down, go inward, and embrace the parts of yourself that are ready to be seen.

Whether you witness the eclipse from your backyard or work with its energy through ritual, let this be a time of deep presence and self-trust.

Will you be watching the Blood Moon? Let us know in the comments or tag us in your lunar rituals. 🌙💙