Pondering During the Blood Moon

Predictions, Folklore and Moonlight 

Awaiting the occurrence of the Lunar Eclipse on April 14~15, 2014, has got me pondering why some people identify this event with malevolence and why it is known as the Blood Moon.  The moon's red color can be explained by scientific principles, if I dare mention science in today's society.  The sunlight is scattered through the Earth's atmosphere and as the moon is shadowed by the earth, the reflected sunlight appears as red or orange.

Since this Blood Moon coincides with Passover, Tabernacles and Easter Sunday, it brings much religious significance.  In the book of Joel and also in Revelation, predictions are stated regarding blood and the moon with the Coming of the Lord and the Great Tribulation.  Furthermore, this is the first in a series of four Blood Moons within the next 18 months and some people are anxiously waiting what might be heading our way. 

Moonlight in general has brought fears and played on people's imaginations as far back as recorded history.  Moonlight has always believed to have a powerful influence on people.

  In 1486 the “Malleus Maleficarum” warns that “The stars can influence the devils themselves… Certain men who are called lunatics are molested by devils more at one time than at another; and the devils… would rather molest them at all times, unless they themselves were deeply affected by certain phases of the moon.”

In 1621, a guide to healthy living gives warnings “When thou goest to thy bed… draw close the curtaines to shut out the Moone-light, which is very offensive and hurtfull to the braine, especially to those that sleepe.” Furthermore, "Those careless enough to sleep under a full moon risked insanity, blindness, or even being turned into a werewolf."

Late as the 1950s, the Moira Tatem’s classic “Dictionary of Superstitions” mothers are warned not to hang their baby's nappies out in the moonlight for fear of bad luck.

If the moon can affect even supernatural beings, then surely ordinary people are no match for moonlight!

Well due to this moon turning red and the color of blood while in eclipse it must have sinister meaning.  Not only is our present day Blood Moon coinciding with religious events, it also marks the Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.  The R.M.S. Titanic struck the iceberg at 2340 hours (ship time) on April 14th, 1912 and sank two hours later at 0220 hours on April 15th or 0518 hours GMT!

So maybe there is significance as to why people fear the Blood Moon.  I mean, death is related to the color of blood and in ancient times, people were known to be sacrificed on a blood moon.  In medieval Japan, a blood moon predicted the coming of spilt blood and war.

And what about the belief that a woman came into her full power with her strongest magic when her cycle fell on the full moon. 

Well, I must admit that this Blood Moon was pretty eerie looking as I watched while sipping my Bordeaux for good luck.  However so far the only bad luck has been to a lizard that my cat decapitated and one of my fish who passed during the night.  And more red wine sounds like a good omen for their passing.