On November 8th, you’ll want to turn your eyes skyward and watch the last total lunar eclipse for three years. The next one won’t occur until March 14, 2025, although we will have a few partial eclipses between now and then.
The lunar spectacle will transform the Beaver Moon into a Blood Moon. Learn all about the November 2022 lunar eclipse, when to watch it, and how you can harness that energy to amplify your full-moon rituals.
What Is a Blood Moon?
A Blood Moon is basically another term for a total lunar eclipse.
Why?
Because the Earth’s shadow turns the moon red.
During the course of a total lunar eclipse, the moon will pass through two distinct phases of the Earth’s shadow: the penumbra and the umbra.
The penumbra is the shadow’s outer edge. The central part of the shadow, which is also the darkest part, is the umbra.
During the transition between the penumbra and the umbra, rays of sunlight bend around the earth and scatter short wavelengths (blue/green). This casts an orange-red tint across the moon, hence the term “Blood Moon.” Although it’s unusual to see this effect on the moon, we actually see the phenomenon all the time here on Earth when atmospheric particles scatter light rays and paint vibrant, warm colors across the sky during the sunrise and sunset.
A lunar eclipse is different than a solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the moon completely blocks out the sun. However, during a lunar eclipse, the moon will remain visible. Even as the umbra’s red shadow passes across the moon, you’ll still be able to see it.
The eclipse will last for several hours. During that time, the Beaver Moon will transform from a bright white to a dark, coppery red.
What Is a Beaver Moon?
Early Native American tribes bestowed a name for each full moon. Every calendar month has at least one full moon, sometimes two (the second one is called a Blue Moon).
November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon, although it’s also sometimes called the Frost Moon. It’s called the Beaver Moon because November was the time of year when Native Americans and European trappers set out beaver traps to collect pelts before the beavers retreated into their lodges for the winter and the ponds froze.
Seasonal activities like this are what inspired most of the full moon names. Some moons, such as the Flower Moon, Strawberry Moon, and Pink Moon, were based on seasonal flora. Others, including the Hunter’s Moon and Harvest Moon, reflected tribal activities during that time of the year. And other moons, such as the Wolf Moon, Worm Moon, and Buck Moon, were named based on animal activities throughout the year.
Learn more about the Beaver Moon here, and see the full list of 2022’s full moons here.
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Is It Safe To Watch a Lunar Eclipse?
Yes, it’s safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye. Unlike a solar eclipse, the Beaver Blood Moon eclipse doesn’t require any special glasses or lenses to protect your eyes.
Although the peak of the eclipse will be short, the red-toned hues of the Earth’s shadow will change throughout the night. For the best view of the full Beaver Moon passing through the penumbra and umbra, try to find an unobstructed view away from bright lights.
What Spiritual Energy Will the Beaver Blood Moon Eclipse Bring?
The full moon is a powerful source of spiritual energy on its own. But when you amplify that power with the intensity of a Blood Moon, you’re multiplying it ten-fold.
The symbolism of a Blood Moon and the normal Beaver Moon actually go hand-in-hand, making an even more potent combination.
A Blood Moon eclipse symbolizes a door closing. It’s a prominent shift in the soul’s spiritual journey and a reminder to embrace closure. Now is the time to let go. We must release what’s holding us back and choose to move forward.
A Beaver Moon embodies similar energy. It comes at the end of the three harvest festivals in the Wheel of the Year as we prepare for a period of rest during the dark half of the year. It’s the end of a season. All around us, the trees are letting go of their leaves, the animals are preparing to hibernate, and the Earth is getting ready to recharge under a blanket of snow.
Embracing change can be difficult, especially if it requires cutting ties with someone or something that you once held dear. But the Beaver Blood Moon reminds us that life is a continuous cycle of change. We can’t begin the next chapter until the previous one ends. When in doubt, believe that everything will eventually fall into place. You are where you’re meant to be.
The energy of a Blood Moon can be intense. It’s okay if you feel the need to close yourself off for some inner contemplation. You may need to conserve your energy if you’re feeling drained. That’s normal. The entire northern hemisphere is preparing for rest — listen to your mind, body, and soul, and take care of yourself.
The Beaver Blood Moon energy doesn’t fade immediately, so you’ll likely feel it ramping up as the eclipse approaches, and it will probably remain with you for days or even weeks afterward. Listen to your inner voice if it’s stirring. This is a prime opportunity to consult your favorite oracle or tarot deck, runes, and other divination tools. The eclipse is also a good time to cleanse your home and take a ritualistic bath to help relax.
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BE AWARE: the eclipse brings intense, chaotic energy. If you are planning to charge your crystals or make moon water, do so at your own risk. This type of energy might not be what you want to harness.
When to Watch the 2022 Flower Blood Moon Eclipse
The total lunar eclipse will be visible in parts of North and South America, Australia, and Asia. However, most of the Blood Moon’s peak will occur while it’s over the Pacific Ocean. The map below indicates which areas will be able to view the phases of the eclipse:
Here are the times you need to know for the eclipse, according to NASA:
| UTC | EST | PST | Milestone |
| 8:02 | 3:02 a.m. | 12:02 a.m. | Penumbral eclipse begins |
| 9:09 | 4:09 a.m. | 1:09 a.m. | Partial eclipse begins |
| 10:17 | 5:17 a.m. | 2:17 a.m. | Totality begins |
| 11:42 | 6:42 a.m. | 3:42 a.m. | Totality ends |
| 12:49 | — Moon has set | 4:49 a.m. | Partial eclipse ends |
| 13:50 | — Moon has set | 5:50 a.m. | Penumbral eclipse ends |
If it’s a cloudy night or you can’t get a good view of the moon, you can watch the eclipse live:
The Beaver Blood Moon eclipse is going to be a powerful night. Are you ready to tap into the potent energy of the last total lunar eclipse we’ll see for three years?
Award-winning fantasy author, freelance writer, spiritual explorer, and sole founder of Green Witch Lunar Witch. She created her first website in 2016 and published her first novel two years later. Sara spends most of her time writing, creating, and daydreaming.