This coming 23rd August 2025 A Black Moon appears is a fairly rare occurrence.
Because the lunar calendar almost lines up with Earth’s calendar year, there is typically one full moon and one new moon each month. A second full moon in a single calendar month is sometimes called a “Blue Moon.” By this definition, a Black Moon is the flip side of a Blue Moon: the second new moon in a single calendar month. These Black Moons occur approximately once every 29 months and are the most common type of Black Moon according to Time and Date.
By the second definition, a Black Moon refers to an extra full moon in a season. Because Earth’s seasons are approximately three months long, they typically have three new moons. When a season has four new moons the third new moon is called a Black Moon. These seasonal Black Moons occur about once every 33 months according to Time and Date.
In Chinese metaphysics, the term “black moon” (黑月) doesn’t have a single, universally defined meaning across all disciplines like Qimen Dunjia, Feng Shui, or Bazi. Instead, its significance is often interpreted through the broader lens of Chinese cosmology, which is centered on the concepts of yin and yang and the Five Elements.
General Concepts of “Black Moon”
The most common interpretation of a “black moon” in modern contexts is derived from Western astronomy, referring to a second new moon in a single calendar month. However, within traditional Chinese metaphysical systems, the concept is more nuanced and is usually understood in one of these ways:
Darkness and Yin Energy: In Chinese philosophy, the moon is the ultimate symbol of yin energy—the dark, passive, receptive, and feminine principle. A “black moon” represents the extreme of this yin energy. It is a time when the moon is completely unilluminated and hidden from view, symbolizing a period of deep introspection, rest, and hidden potential.
A Time of Void and Reset: The absence of moonlight is seen as a void or an energetic reset. This is not necessarily negative. It is a time for planting seeds for the future, both literally and figuratively. It’s a period for quiet planning, inner work, and preparing for the return of light (yang energy).
The Latter Half of the Lunar Month: In ancient Chinese and Buddhist traditions, the term 黑分 (hēi fēn), or “darkening half,” referred to the period of the waning moon, when the light gradually disappears. This is in contrast to the 白分 (bái fēn), or “whitening half,” which is the period of the waxing moon. In this sense, “black moon” is not a single event but a phase of the lunar cycle.
“Black Moon” in Specific Disciplines
While there isn’t a specific formation named “Black Moon” in the way that Qimen Dunjia has specific star and stem combinations, the principles of a “black moon” are reflected in how each discipline interprets lunar cycles and the balance of energy.
Qimen Dunjia: This system focuses on specific combinations of celestial stems and palaces. While it doesn’t have a 黑月 formation, the effects of a “black moon” would be interpreted by analyzing the energy of the lunar palace (such as Kan Palace, which is associated with water and darkness) and the interactions of the stems within it. A combination that indicates “darkness brings light” (like the Ding Fire in Kan Palace) would be a positive omen, showing a breakthrough from a difficult situation.
Feng Shui: In Feng Shui, the concept of a “black moon” relates to the flow of energy. A period of low light would be seen as a time of heightened yin energy. From a home and environment perspective, this is a time for cleansing and clearing out stagnant energy, creating a void that can be filled with positive energy once the light returns.
Chinese Folk Traditions: In some folk traditions, the lunar cycle is closely tied to rituals and beliefs. The “Ghost Month” (農曆七月) is a well-known example. During this time, yin energy is at its peak, and people observe many taboos to avoid inviting trouble. The “black moon” could be seen as a particularly intense moment within this period, a time when the veil between worlds is thinnest. In our practice of Faqimen we make offering to ancestors dedicating merits on their behalf.
Praying to Zhen Wu Da Di (玄武大帝）for blessing and protection.
至心皈命禮
混元六天，傳法教主。修真悟道，濟度羣迷。普爲衆生，消除災障。八十二化，三教祖師。大慈大悲，救苦救難。三元都總管，九天游弈使。左天罡北極，右垣大將軍。鎮天助順，真武靈應。福德衍慶，仁慈正烈。協運真君，治世福神。玉虛師相，玄天上帝。金闕化身，盪魔天尊。
Zhì xīn guī mìng lǐ
hùn yuán liù tiān, chuán fǎ jiàozhǔ. Xiūzhēn wùdào, jì dù qún mí. Pǔ wèi zhòngshēng, xiāochú zāi zhàng. Bāshí’èr huà, sān jiào zǔshī. Dàcí dàbēi, jiùkǔjiùnàn. Sān yuán dōu zǒngguǎn, jiǔtiān yóu yì shǐ. Zuǒ tiāngāng běijí, yòu yuán dà jiàng jūn. Zhèn tiānzhù shùn, zhēnwǔ líng yīng. Fú dé yǎn qìng, réncí zhèng liè. Xié yùn zhēn jūn, zhìshí fúshén. Yù xū shī xiāng, xuán tiān shàngdì. Jīn què huàshēn, dàng mó tiānzūn.
A Sincere Homage
Emperor of the Primordial Chaos,
Master who transmits the Dharma and guides all beings.
He cultivates truth, attains enlightenment, and saves the lost masses.
For all living things, he removes disasters and obstacles.
With eighty-two transformations, he is the ancestor of the Three Teachings.
He is a compassionate and benevolent one, who rescues from suffering and difficulty.
He is the overall commander of the Three Primes,
The heavenly inspector who patrols the Nine Heavens.
The Celestial Guardian of the Northern Pole on the left,
And the Great General of the Right Wall.
He suppresses the heavens, assists in order, and responds with true power.
He is virtuous, auspicious, benevolent, and truly righteous.
He is the True Lord who assists in the cosmic order,
The God of Blessings who governs the world.
The Master of the Jade Void, the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven.
The Incarnation of the Golden Palace, the Celestial Venerable who purifies all demons.
Can recite the paying homage several times for blessings. He’s one of our lineage teacher in our Faqimen school.
