First lunar eclipse of 2019: Superstitions linked with Blood Moon

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Representational Image
Representational Image

New Delhi : The first total lunar eclipse of 2019 will take place on the night of Jan 20. The magical event will start at 6:36 pm and will end at 11:48 pm. Scientists say that if we were on the moon, we would see an orange ring around the earth. Along with the natural changes, the blood moon eclipse in January is associated with bizarre superstitions and beliefs.

A lunar eclipse is simply the full moon sliding into our planet’s shadow. During totality the lunar surface turns a copper orange due to sunlight refracting or passing through our atmosphere much like those hot summer sunsets on earth.  The next total lunar eclipse seen from Canadian soil will take place on May 16, 2022 where the east and central part of the country are favoured to see the entire eclipse.

On January 21, the Moon will pass into the Earth’s shadow and radiate a brilliant red glow of refracted sunlight. The astronomical occurrence, which happens once or twice a year, is often associated with spiritual and mystic powers. One popular Blood Moon superstition is the eclipse is an ominous sign of evil, dark magic and malevolence. Some Christian conspiracy theorists believe the Blood Moon is a prophetic sign of the Apocalypse, foretold in the Book of Revelation.

Revelation reads: “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

“And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

“And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”

Other ancient cultures, such as the Inca Empire in modern-day Columbia, held fearful superstitions tied to the Blood Moon.

According to David Dearborn, a researcher at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Inca “didn’t see eclipses as being anything at all good”.

The Inca would howl at the red Moon and shake their weapons in its direction, believing a monstrous jaguar was attempting to devour the lunar orb.

In Ancient Babylonia, the Mesopotamians considered the Blood Moon a dire prophetic sign of tragedy.

In the Babylonian book The Gods Anua and Enlil, Blood Moons were declared a sign of the ruling king’s impending death.

Followers of Wicca tradition observe the Blood Moon eclipse for a heightened sense of spiritual and esoteric energy in the air.

Some witches prepare for a lunar eclipse by preparing jars or glasses to collect Moon Water – blessed water used in rituals and spells.

Astrologers also look toward the Blood Moon to try an understand how the astronomical event will affect the horoscopes.

Jamie Partridge of AstrologyKing.com wrote: “Like a regular full moon only stronger, a lunar eclipse focuses attention on your emotions, intimate relationships, and your home and family.

“A total lunar eclipse has an even strong influence on your private life.”