Lunar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse

Types of Lunar Eclipses (science portion)

An eclipse of the Moon (or lunar eclipse) can only occur at Full Moon and only if the Moon passes through some portion of Earth's shadow. That shadow is actually composed of two cone-shaped components, one nested inside the other. The outer or penumbral shadow is a zone where the Earth blocks part but not all of the Sun's rays from reaching the Moon. In contrast, the inner or umbral shadow is a region where the Earth blocks all direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Astronomers recognize three basic types of lunar eclipses:
1. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
The Moon passes through Earth's penumbral shadow.
These events are of only academic interest because they are subtle and hard to observe.

2. Partial Lunar Eclipse
A portion of the Moon passes through Earth's umbral shadow.
These events are easy to see, even with the unaided eye.

3. Total Lunar Eclipse
The entire Moon passes through Earth's umbral shadow.
These events are quite striking due to the Moon's vibrant red color during the total phase (totality).

Now you might be wondering "If the Moon orbits Earth every 29.5 days and lunar eclipses only occur at Full Moon, then why don't we have an eclipse once a month during Full Moon?". I'm glad you asked! You see, the Moon's orbit around Earth is actually tipped about 5 degrees to Earth's orbit around the Sun. This means that the Moon spends most of the time either above or below the plane of Earth's orbit. And the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun is important because Earth's shadows lie exactly in the same plane. During Full Moon, our natural satellite usually passes above or below Earth's shadows and misses them entirely. No eclipse takes place. But two to four times each year, the Moon passes through some portion of the Earth's penumbral or umbral shadows and one of the above three types of eclipses occurs. When an eclipse of the Moon takes place, everyone on the night side of Earth can see it. About 35% of all eclipses are of the penumbral types which are very difficult to detect, even with a telescope. Another 30% are partial eclipses which are easy to see with the unaided eye. The final 35% or so are total eclipses, and these are quite extraordinary events to behold.

April’s Full Moon Lunar Eclipse

2013 Apr 25, Partial, 27m, Europe, Africa, Asia, Aus.
Date, Type, Duration, Where visible.

Magicakal Purposes (Wiccan portion )

During a lunar eclipse, we experience what might be called a "micro month". The moon is full, then partially or completely hidden, and then visible again. Within just a few minutes, an energy similar to a complete cycle of full, waning, new/black (if it is a total lunar eclipse), waxing and full again. 

In addition to this cyclical energy, we are aware of the Earth's presence. Her shadow falls across the Moon as she appears between the Moon and the Sun. This adds the unification of earth and lunar energy, reinforcing the sense of wholeness, completion and cycles of a lunar eclipse. Because both the Earth and the Moon are considered "feminine," it is a good time to focus on the Goddess aspect if you desire. 

Consider this fact about lunar eclipses: A lunar eclipse can only occur during the night of a full moon. This means you will be working with full moon energy. 

A lunar eclipse does not have to be visible for you to work magic. You won't be able to see every eclipse unless you can travel all over the world easily! Simply look at charts and almanacs to find the exact time of the eclipse, and work your magic then. 

A good example of magic to perform during a lunar eclipse would be to work on your psychic skills. As the moon wanes during the eclipse, you could focus on ridding yourself of blocks. As it waxes back to full, you could focus on increasing your psychic skills. 

Consider the energy of the Full Moon, of the energy of the Moon going through all of Her cycles in just a few minutes, and consider the energy of the Earth's shadow on the Moon's face

Idea of how to celebrate this occasion:

Eclipses are times of potent magics and mysteries. Celebrate the eclipsed Full Moon by spending a full day honoring our favorite satellite. 
Wear silver or white. 
Divide your day into eight sections-one for each of the lunar phases: new, waxing quarter, waxing half, waxing gibbous, full, waning gibbous, waning half, waning quarter, and new again. At each section, meditate on the lunar phase, keeping the Moon on your mind. 
Arrange the day so you're available at the moment of Full Moon and eclipse. Reaching skyward, draw down the lunar energies. This is an excellent time to charge water, oils, or other spell materials, as well as to bless and charge tools. 
The moment of maximum eclipse is possibly the most powerful time for writing in your Book of Shadows. Working under eclipsed moonlight, use a special pen to capture the lunar energies, literally "writing down the Moon" into your own spell and ritual craft.