Does the Black Moon Howl?

Does the Black Moon Howl? Let’s Clear Up the Lunar Mystery

Ever heard of a Black Moon? The name itself conjures up images of dark nights and maybe even a werewolf howling in the distance, right? But what is it, really? And does it actually mean anything, or is it just spooky folklore? Let’s dive in and see what’s fact and what’s fiction.

So, unlike its brighter cousin, the Blue Moon, the term “Black Moon” isn’t exactly something astronomers use in their official lingo. Instead, it’s more of a casual term with a few different meanings, none of which are set in stone. The most common way people use “Black Moon” is to describe the second new moon that pops up in a single month. Think about it: the moon’s cycle is about 29.5 days, which is a bit shorter than most months. Because of that, we get a Black Moon roughly every 29 months.

But wait, there’s more! It gets a little confusing because there are other ways to define it.

• Seasonal Black Moon: This is the third new moon in a season (like spring or fall) that happens to have four new moons total. This one’s a bit rarer, showing up about every 33 months.
• February’s Lunar Vacation: Imagine a February with no new moon at all! That’s another kind of Black Moon, and it’s pretty unusual, only happening every 19 years or so.
• Full Moon MI Similar to the above, sometimes February just doesn’t have a full moon. This is just as rare as the “no new moon” scenario.
• Every New Moon Ever: And then there are some folks who just use the term to refer to any new moon, since the moon’s dark side is facing us then, making it invisible.

So, What Actually Happens During a Black Moon?

Honestly? Not a whole lot that you can see. A Black Moon is a new moon, after all. That means the moon is hanging out between the Earth and the Sun. The side that reflects sunlight is facing away from us, so it looks dark.

But here’s a cool thing: with no moonlight to wash things out, it’s a fantastic time for stargazing. You can see fainter stars and other cool stuff in the sky that you’d normally miss. Plus, the combined gravity of the sun and moon can make the tides a bit stronger during a new moon.

Cultural Vibes and Mystical Meanings

Okay, so scientifically, it’s not a huge deal. But for some people, the Black Moon has cultural or spiritual significance. Some believe it’s a time for fresh starts, thinking about what you want, and setting intentions. I’ve even heard of some pagan traditions considering it a powerful time for rituals. On the flip side, some believe that activities should not be conducted during this time .

And What About Those Howling Werewolves?

Ah, yes, the million-dollar question! We all know the classic image of a werewolf transforming under a full moon. But remember, the Black Moon is a new moon, meaning it’s dark. So, it’s not exactly going to add any extra light or magical oomph to trigger a transformation. If anything, you’d think the lack of moonlight would be a werewolf’s night off! Of course, werewolves themselves are firmly in the realm of myth and legend.

The Bottom Line

The Black Moon is more like a quirky calendar event than some major astronomical happening. It’s just a reminder of how the moon’s cycles and our calendar interact. While it won’t make werewolves howl (sorry to disappoint!), it does give stargazers a darker sky to enjoy and offers a moment for reflection for those who dig its cultural vibes. By the way, mark your calendars: the next seasonal Black Moon is coming up on August 23, 2025.