What is a Black Moon and what does it mean?

THERE was a rare Black Moon last night - but what is the phenomenon and why do they happen?
The astrological phenomenon takes place when there is no new moon because the satellite's Earth-facing side is fully in shadow, meaning it is completely dark.
What is a Black Moon?
Black Moons are very rare, and only happen every 32 months.
There isn't one single accepted definition to the phenomenon, however, the Black Moon is widely accepted as the third new moon in a season with four.
The Black Moon is invisible, like all other new moons.
A new moon refers to the moment when the moon's Earth-facing side is in complete shadow, while a full moon is the opposite, and means when the moon's Earth-facing side is completely illuminated by the sun.
A Black Moon occurred in the UK on August 19, 2020 at 02:41 GMT.
After that, the next Black Moon will occur on May 19, 2023.
What is the meaning of a Black Moon?
The Black Moon, sometimes referred to as the Dark Moon, may be just as spooky as its name suggests.
Some believe the phenomenon may usher in the end of the world.
Amanda Cooper, for the , reveals: “There are many superstitions about the Black Moon and many are fearing the worst with its arrival.
"One theorist states that the Black Moon signals the end of the world and the end of all life on earth.
"I guess all we can do is wait."
In some aspects of paganism, especially Wiccans, a Black Moon is considered a special time when spells and rituals are considered to be more powerful and effective.
However, in some belief systems, they think that rituals and other workings should not be carried out during this time.
Astrologers also believe that you should trim your NAILS and hair at the start of each lunar calendar, as there is evidence the movements of the moon can affect growth.
Kimberly Peta Dewhirst, of MindBodyGreen.com said: "It’s widely accepted by farmers and gardeners that the moon supports the planting of crops for a better harvest, and many use the lunar phases in their biodynamic planting, but the discovery that the moon could dictate how hair grew was music to my ears.
"I find it very difficult not to follow the lunar cycle in my beauty routine — I’m a total convert."
According to teachings in the Eastern-influenced Dark Moon Lillith, a Dark Moon period can also bring a Dark Moon Lillith - which can make "serene beings become blinded with hatred and revenge."
"It happens at that time of the month when the moon passes through the same part of the sky as the sun and as such, the moon's dark or un-illuminated side faces Earth."
This is not to be confused with a Blue Moon - a different lunar phenomenon.
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Joe Rao explained: "A second full moon in a single calendar month is sometimes called a Blue Moon.
"A Black Moon is supposedly the flip side of a Blue Moon."
As well as capturing the attention of astrologists, pagans also consider a Black Moon an important event.
Because of time zone differences these Black Moons may not happen all over the world.
Black Moon timetable
If taking the definition of a Black Moon as the third new moon in a season that has four, there is no dependency on time zones as the seasons are tied to the winter solstice.
Instances of this phenomenon are:
- 20/05/2012
- 18/02/ 2015
- 21/08/2017
- 19/08/2020
The next Black Moon will not appear until:
- 19/05/2023