A full moon occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth so that the Earth is between the moon and the sun. The amount of moon we see grows from its right side toward its left side, which is why it looks full.
For centuries, the moon has been associated with bizarre human behavior and activities. In the meantime, here is what recent studies have revealed. The foundation is yet to be established, but this is what they have found out so far.
How does a full moon affect us? Read on.
Full moon effects on the physiological aspect
During a full moon, the Earth’s gravitational pull changes, which causes high tides to the bodies of water. In 2013, The National Library Medicine studied male students if this gravitational pull has effects on their cardiovascular system. They found out that the blood pressure of the student participants dropped by around 5m Hg. It is not only the blood pressured that had dropped, but their heart rate also was lower than when it was not a full moon.
On January 27, 2021, scientists at the University of Washington, the National University of Quilmes in Argentina, and Yale University reported that people sleep less and go to bed later on nights before a full moon. They found out a significant relationship between our natural circadian rhythms and the phases of the lunar cycle. Circadian rhythms are our body’s natural process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It responses to the environment, and since during a full moon, the sky is brighter, our innate circadian clock gets disrupted and unwillingly delays our bedtime.
Since the human body is composed of 80 % water, just like how the ocean has high tides during a full moon, so is the height of human emotions—particularly feelings of arousal. China Press reported that women experience heightened sexual desires during a full moon. A phenomenon called the “white moon cycle” when women’s testosterone level rises and makes their sex drive shoot up. According to a survey conducted by a French dating website, women said that “making love in the moonlight makes them happier, and they are more confident about their figure.”
Astrology and the full moon
Astrologists believe that it is best to cut your hair on a full moon. The hair will grow back quicker, stronger, and thicker. Just as the Earth is at its most fertile state during this lunar phase, creating a more productive and healthier crop, so is the principle behind the “lunar hair”. When the moon pulls the tides in the ocean, the moisture on the earth rises, which encourages growth.
If you are more deeply interested in astrology, you may know that the full moon occurs in a different sign of the horoscope each month. Accordingly the events of the period are partly receding. For example, if the full moon is in fiery signs, such as a Leo, Sagittarius, or Aries, you will have a desire to express your fiery feelings during the full moon.
For example, if the full moon is in water signs, such as Pisces, Scorpio, or Cancer, in particular, you may be highly sensitive for the entire period before, during, and after the full moon. This is because water signs control our feelings and emotions, and specifically, the sign of Cancer will then be most affected because the moon is the ruling planet of the sign of Cancer.
Effects on the mental health aspect
Back in the olden days, people believed that a full moon makes people crazy. The term they called “lunacy” or the “Transylvania effect“ when the full moon’s eerie silver sparkle and the people on earth below go mad. The term “lunatic” is still being used nowadays pertaining to people who have lost their temper and acting really mad. They even persisted that more suicides and traumas happen on a full moon, but it has no scientific basis and therefore cannot be concluded as such.
The National Library of Medicine, however, reported that the changes in the sleep pattern of bipolar patients due to a full moon triggers a shift rapidly from depression symptoms to mania symptoms. It means that from low energy, the patient experiences extreme mood elation during a full moon.
Full moon and spirituality
The full moon is the perfect time to let go of negativity. Just like how a full moon gives way to the new moon, so are you opening your life to a new chapter. Candle lighting, meditation, visualizing your goals, speaking your intention for forgiveness aloud to the full moon, full moon rituals or spells are highly recommended during this period.
As the ancient proverb says, “The sun sees your body, the moon sees your soul.” Although there is no concrete and strong evidence that the moon has significant effects on human behavior, the fact remains that the moon shines through and sees us during our darkest hours.
