44 Once in a Blue Moon

Once in a Blue Moon: A Lunar Infusion for the Rarest Night of the Year On the night of May 30–31, 2026, three rare things converged in the same sky: a Blue Moon, a micromoon, and an occultation of Antares — the ancient heart-star of the Scorpion. In this episode, we follow the phrase "once in a blue moon" all the way back to its origins, from a 1528 anti-clerical pamphlet to a 1946 magazine misprint that changed the definition forever. We explore the Celtic lunisolar calendar, the intercalary moon that belonged to no festival, and the Irish folk practice of bringing the sick to a lake on the sixth night of a full moon so the reflected moonlight could touch them. And we close with a simple lunar infusion — mugwort, vervain, and rose — three herbs that have kept company with the moon for as long as anyone has been watching the sky.   Herbs featured in this Show: 1. Mugwort Dried Herb https://amzn.to/4dZOP5D 2. Vervain Dried Herb https://amzn.to/4fifTz8 3. Rose Dried Herb https://amzn.to/3SbYrCJ   My favorite tea-making tools:   BAYKA French Press Coffee Maker, https://amzn.to/4r4LYNH   Cold Brew Coffee Filter for Wide Mouth Mason Jar,  https://amzn.to/4qWQr4L   Heat proof wide mouth mason jars https://amzn.to/4pNflmq   📚Bookstore - Brenda J. Sullivan Books https://www.brendajsullivanbooks.com/   🌱 My Garden Journal – A How-To Garden Book for Kids Because every gardener starts with a single seed — and a little curiosity. My Garden Journal is part how-to guide, part creative keepsake, designed to help children (and their grown-ups) learn the basics of growing food and flowers while documenting their journey. Inside you'll find: Simple planting guidance Space for drawings, photos, and notes Imaginative themed gardens (Harry Potter Herb Garden, Young Chef's Garden, Monarch Butterfly Garden) Perfect for homeschooling families, budding herbalists, and anyone who wants to grow confidence by growing plants. ✨ You'll be amazed at how much you — and your garden — grow when you take time to journal the journey.   🌿 Work With Me 🌙 Herbal Consultations (Now Open) Root your wellness in the wisdom of the plants — and the stars. My one-on-one consultations offer gentle, grounded guidance rooted in traditional herbalism, vitalist principles, and (if you wish) astrology. Each session begins with listening. 👉 Learn more here: https://mailchi.mp/351efb18cd6b/one-on-one-consultations-landing-page   ☕ Buy Me a Cup of Tea If this story brought you comfort, you can support the channel here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thompsonstg   🎶 Music Credits A heartfelt thank you to Alexander Nakarada for the music featured in this story. I am a Patreon supporter of Alexander's work.   🎼 Song: Planning - 320bit -  September 5, 2021 🔗 https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/     🌿 Stay Connected Website: https://thenewenglandherbary.com/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thenewenglandherbary?si=f7_MB0XEz0vn0Xr   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewenglandherbary/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578148227744 Thompson Street Farm LLC is the parent company of the New England Herbary: https://thompsonstreetfarm.com/ 💬 I'd love to hear how this story landed for you. Feel free to share your reflections in the comments.