What is a lunation number
How to track the lunar months through time
Intro & History
Lunation numbering is a system that assigns a sequential number to each lunar month. The astrological system was created in 1923 by Professor Earnest W. Brown, and coined Brown Lunar Number (BLN). Lunation number 1 began on the New Moon, January 17, 1923, with each lunar month numbered in a sequential order. Quick note, any lunar phase before 1923 is numbered as a negative. The numeration provides simplistic method to track each lunar cycle and makes it easier to attribute to today’s current calendar (Gregorian). Another form of lunar numbering is seen in the Hebrew and Chinese lunar calendars, though theses numerical systems differ. The BLN-numbering of the lunar months is a simple way to assign the moon to today’s solar calendar system and throughout time.
How it works
The lunation number (BLN) begins on the new moon, and includes a 4 lunar phase cycle: New Moon, First Quarter Moon, Full Moon, Last Quarter Moon. Therefore, each of these phases falls under one lunation number. For example, the last lunation, 1251 began on February 11, 2024, New Moon. Lunation number 1252 will begin on the March 10, 2024. Each of the 4 phases (New, First Quarter, Full, Last Quarter) are included in a single lunation number; marking one lunar month. There are two methods to calculate the moon, synodic and sidereal. The lunar months are on a synodic system which is 29 days (earth) 12 hours and 44 minutes. The Synodic month, (the one we’re concerned with) is when the moon and sun meet at the same position against the stars, e.g. the new moon. This takes 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes to complete. In other words, the lunation number tracks each lunar month, and can be tracked to their exact position against the stars in the past or the future. Because we can calculate how long and how much time it takes for one lunar rotation, and the degrees it traverses through the stars with the earth we can find the exact positions in space for each lunar month.
Summary
The lunar months correspond to the synodic months within a single seasonal year. For those interested in delving deeper into lunar studies, the lunation months offer a broader perspective on the moon's positions throughout the year. They also facilitate connections to other lunar cycles through a simple numbering system. This numerical approach groups the cycles and offers an additional methodology for synchronizing today's modern calendar, which has become detached from the lunar cycles that influence seasonal changes. While it is just one of several methods to associate numbers with the forces that influence us and to tap into the deeper wisdom embedded within the celestial bodies.
To dive deeper into tracking the Moon, check out
www.infinitelyunboundpress.com for the 2024-2025 LunarSolar Calendar and the Nakshatra Workbook to work with the moon and stars.