Here's What You Should Know About the 2020 Lunar Calendar

The moon is one of the most mysterious (yet powerful) celestial bodies of all — it controls the tides, some believe its cycle syncs with menstrual cycles, it can affect your mood, and can even reportedly cleanse and charge healing crystals. And with the start of the new year, you may be wondering what the lunar calendar will look like. 

For example: how many new moons will occur in 2020? And when is the next full moon going to be this year? Is there going to be a month with not just one — but two — full moons? Start taking notes, because here is absolutely everything you need to know about one of the most powerful astronomical figures out there.

OK, before we get started, let's make sure we're on the same page about what a new moon is. The new moon, also known as a black moon, is the first phase of the lunar calendar, and it's not visible to the naked eye without special equipment. According to LPI, it isn't visible because the moon is perfectly aligned in between the earth and the sun, with the illuminated side of the moon facing opposite of the earth. Makes sense, right?

Now, the lunar cycle — or the amount of time it takes for the moon to orbit the earth — takes about 28 days. That's about as long as a calendar month. And since the lunar cycle takes about a full calendar month, that means there are 12 moon cycles every year. So, for this exact reason, according to Earth Sky, there are only 12 new moons a year... including in 2020.

The first full moon of 2020 is coming up in just a few days, so get your crystals ready to charge! The very first full moon of 2020 is going to occur on Friday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. ET, according to Moon Giant. And this isn't just any regular moon — it's going to appear as a penumbral lunar eclipse, which is also known as a Full Wolf Moon Eclipse.

If you aren't yet familiar with the mysterious penumbral lunar eclipse, or the Full Wolf Moon Eclipse, let me bring you up to speed. According to Travel + Leisure, it happens when the Earth is almost (but not quite!) positioned between the sun and a full moon. While the moon starts floating into the realm of the Earth’s penumbra, it's blurred, which makes it look duller and — well — all-around different.

While the lunar cycle lasts a month long, there are sometimes two full moons in a month. And this year in 2020, there is going to be one month with two full moons: October 2020. According to Moon Giant, there's going to be a full moon on Oct. 1, and on Oct. 31. So get ready for an extremely bright Halloween.

The lunar calendar is looking especially ~bright~ for 2020, so prepare for a seriously solid year. My crystals are eagerly waiting.