Like the first 10 minutes of Moulin Rouge, there's a lot going on with this week's full moon and lunar eclipse. Let's break it down.
WHEN IS THE NOVEMBER FULL MOON?
The full moon in Taurus begins on November 8. This full moon is called the Beaver Moon because Indigenous tribes linked the lunar event with the emergence of beaver lodges along local rivers.
WHEN IS THE AUTUMN LUNAR ECLIPSE?
Oh, it's happening at the exact same time. In fact, for 85 minutes, you can see a spectacular red or orange moon in the sky, otherwise known as a Blood Moon. It turns "red" because as the moon enters Earth's shadow, sunlight "clings" to its edges for about 85 minutes.
WHAT ARE ASTROLOGERS SAYING ABOUT ALL THIS?
Historically, eclipses are seen as a time of regeneration and renewal. And because the full moon is in Taurus, many believe it's an opportunity to recognize the stability and love in our own lives, even when we allow ourselves to change—or things begin to change beyond our control.
WHAT TIME CAN I SEE THE BLOOD MOON?
If you're on the East Coast of the United States, scientists recommend peeping between 5:15 and 6:45 AM... which means you can also wake up early and beat the lines to vote?) Central Time viewers can catch it around 4:15—5:45 AM, Mountain Time skywatchers will need to stay awake from 3:15—4:15 AM, and our friends in California can catch the Blood Moon from 2:15—3:45 AM, which makes it one of the only times it may be more convenient to have a sleep-challenged infant or toddler in the house.
IS THE "BLOOD MOON" A BAD OMEN?
Nah, you're good. Besides being gorgeous, Planetary Society scientist Dr. Bruce Betts says "it’s kind of like seeing all the sunsets and sunrises on the Earth at one time." Meanwhile, modern astrologers link the Beaver Moon to a time of intense productivity and teamwork, along with increased focus and decreased sleep. Twitter is having a field day with the Beaver Moon and the Blood Moon happening simultaneously, because: Planetary PMS.
HOW IS BEYONCE CONNECTED TO THE ECLIPSE?
Besides the fact that they're both celestial beings, Beyoncé fans are speculating that she'll be releasing new Renaissance content because a recent teaser shows the pop culture queen in red gloves against a red background. This isn't the first time she's engaged with Blood Moon imagery: In 2019, she wore a red moon print by regenerative designer Marine Serre.
