The effects of a full moon

How Does the Appearance of a Full Moon Affect Your Energy and Mood?

Actual facts versus myths that abound to this day

I love to see a full moon. It’s a beautiful mesmerizing sight. It energizes me and my daughter. She reorganized the closets in our home during the last new moon phase. She reminded me of the energizer bunny.

I was a critical care nurse for many years. During the time of the full moon we had more patients admitted from accidents. On the obstetrical unit, more mothers seemed to give birth. And when shifts don’t operate like a normal day, nurses ask, “Is there a full moon out?”

I have heard police report an uptick in domestic abuse and crimes of violence. Firemen notice an increase in fires and 911 pleas. Psychologists receive more calls for help with suicidal and anxiety issues.

Even animals display erratic behavior under a full moon. Wolves and dogs howl at the bright orb. Cats tend to hide. Veterinarians see more injuries with cats and dogs.

Some gardeners plant seeds only during a full moon. They believe it results in better germination.

Science says there is nothing to support these allegations. They’re simply myths.

The truth based on fact:

The moon exerts a gravitational pull on earth. This stabilizes our rotation while in orbit. Our planet tilts at 23.5 degrees on its axis. When the North Pole tilts towards the sun we have summer and the opposite Pole will be in winter.

That pull is slowing the earth’s rotation, increasing the length of our days by milliseconds. How does this compute with the feeling that time is speeding up?

Gravity causes predictable rises and falls in the seas, known as tides. We’ve all seen that effect. Scientists also believe gravity stabilizes our climate so life can flourish. The moon offers us a tremendous gift in that respect.

Dutch researchers theorize this pull might also affect our brain. This might explain erratic behavior since there is so much water in our brain cells.

I’ve blessed the full moon while climbing mountains after midnight. We don’t have to wear head lamps for we can see the route clearly.

“Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.” ― Mark Twain

The moon doesn’t have seasons. The side that faces us is bathed in light. Dark patches are actually craters and mountains. The ancients referred to this image as the man in the moon. The other side is dark all the time.

The energy of the moon does affect emotions, according to astrologer, Alejandrez-Prasad. She says it is a time to release negative energy before initiating a significant project. Arguments are likely to escalate so avoid heated discussions. More accidents and chaos may occur, because release is often accompanied by grief.

Many people notice they have trouble sleeping. They’re not as calm and have more anxiety. Research shows that we do tend to sleep less. This would explain tension and tiredness during the full moon.

Reflect on your own reaction and behavior during a full moon. Does it match any of the statements revealed in this post?

This article is written in response to the prompt “The amazing moon is a gift of nature” by Dr. Preeti Singh.

In the spirit of reciprocity I recently read three great articles worthy of your time.

Katie Michaelson writes a hilarious piece on ten things she would never put on her bucket list. Judging from the responses, there are many who would agree with her. Enjoy the chuckle.

B.R. Shenoy writes a challenge prompt about letting loved ones know our feelings about them. The words are lovely. As the phases of the moon are fleeting, so also are our lives.

Josephine Crispin has written a heartfelt story about her mother. The woman slapped her face once and didn’t support her children with love. As the moon has a dark side, so do we humans as Mark Twain recognized. This brought tears to my eyes for it reminded me of my mother.