"Once in a blue moon" . . .We use this phrase to mean something rare, something that doesn't happen very often. A "Blue Moon" is the second full moon in one calendar month. It only happens about once every 2.5 years. The last one was in May 2007 and the next one is August 31, 2012.
The Blue Moon is not really blue in color though - it's just a name given to the 13th full moon in the years where it occurs. The phase period of the moon is 29.5 days and there are usually 12 full moons each year. But some years we end up with 13 full moons. Back in the days before calendars and watches, full moons were given names relating to the weather and crop needs of the season (Seed Moon, Harvest Moon, etc.). That 13th full moon meant that the monthly "seasons" would come too early, so the early moon was called a "blue moon", thus re-aligning the year's moons and seasons.
The term "blue moon" goes back to the 1500's and meant something absurd, and evolved to mean never. During the 19th century there were some fairly rare occurances of dust from volcanic eruptions and/or smoke from forest fires making the moon appear blue in color. Of course, the moon wasn't actually blue - how absurd!
Tonight's Full Moon is truly a "once in a blue moon" occurance. It takes place on New Year's Eve. This only happens every 19 years; the next one won't be until December 31, 2028!
To Wiccans, the Blue Moon is known as the "Goal Moon", meaning, of course, a time to set goals for yourself. And what could be a more perfect time to set goals and plan fresh starts and new beginnings than New Year's Eve? Use the power of this night to set meaningful and achievable goals for the upcoming year.
