Get ready for the next full Moon! Scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, March 3rd, this year, it’s bringing us a special bonus: A total lunar eclipse. This spectacular event occurs when the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon and the Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon. The result is a warm reddish color suffusing the moon as sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere. Referred to as a “Blood Moon,” or the Worm Moon, the best time to see it will be early on March 3rd and it will be visible to the naked eye, depending on location.
For handicrafts, the celestial event is another chance to celebrate creativity. With Lantern Moon’s warm ebony wood knitting needles, crochet hooks and accessories handcrafted by skilled artisans, make plans for new projects.
Why Is It Labeled the Worm Moon?
March’s Moon was named by Native Americans in recognition of the lowly ground Worm Moon, which is waking up and beginning to stir on the earth’s surface. This activity is considered one of the first signs that spring is on its way. As the ground begins to soften, earthworms stir and birds come to feed. It’s one of the earliest and most potent signs of spring. The season of awakening, fresh starts and more.
For fiber artists, knitters and crocheters begin with projects for the changing weather, baby knits and gifts.
Folklore
Philosophers and spiritually inclined teachers urge us to look at what’s happening “under the surface” in our hearts and in the land around us. Farmers and naturalists began to prepare the earth for the upcoming growing seasons, figuring that if the worm is stirring, it’s time to get moving.
The Blood Moon
Eclipses have held a special fascination across cultures and religions throughout history. Ancient civilizations saw it as an omen of things to come. In medieval Europe, people feared it signaled war or plague, while others thought it augured the death of a ruler and a regime. Other cultures thought of it as a call to action and a time to explore hidden emotions that may hold us back. For many, a blood moon symbolizes a time to let go of sad memories and heal.
More Moon News!
The end of February (2/28) will bring us a very rare sight: a “Planetary Parade”. During this event, several planets, including Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, may be visible across the sky, depending on viewing conditions and light pollution. While the planets are not actually forming a straight line in space, their orbits place them along a similar viewing plane from Earth, making them appear beautifully arranged. The brightest planets like Venus, Jupiter, and Mars can often be seen with the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune typically require binoculars or a telescope. True alignments of many planets are extremely rare; having six or more visible at once happens only every few decades, so this is a very special opportunity. It occurs just 4 days before the new Worm Moon. We suggest you wrap up warmly and see if you can spot the brightest planets in the sky.
Many knitters and crochet enthusiasts see this as the ideal time to start a project, using a lighter-weight wool, in anticipation of Spring.
Start something simple as a shawl or scarf, for the changing weather. Choose a size 4 (US) circular knitting needle and a vibrant shade of hand-dyed yarn; it is sure to be the perfect accessory for upcoming cool nights. The generous width ensures that it is wide enough to wrap up in and take on a cozy stroll while gazing skyward!
Take, for example, the beautiful lace pattern of Earthy Opulence. Knit with a beautiful merino-silk yarn blend in the soothing shade of Pink Pearl, this is a project that will make you proud of yourself.