The Full Moon Effect

The Full Moon Effect

The link between the lunar cycle and the ocean’s tides is well-established. In a strict sense, tidal motion does not respond directly to the gravitational pull of the Moon, but instead follows a pattern of resonance. This resonant pattern has been set in motion by the gravitational effect of the orbiting moon on the rotating earth over an extended period of time. If the moon has such a significant effect on the oceans, does it also affect plants, animals and humans? Many think so and studies prove they’re right.

Full Moon Effect on Plants and Animals:

• Marine biologists on the Australian Barrier Reef have discovered coral mates at the full of the moon.

 
• Herbivores ovulate around the time of the full moon. The world's leading expert on deer says the height of the deer rutting season occurs around two full moons and one of the two is the Leo full moon in July/August.

• Migratory birds appear to follow the patterns of the moon for timing and finding their paths of migration.

 
• Zoologists in Alaska noticed that animals, including bears, caribou and salmon, move at the full moon.

• An animal behavior expert noticed his hamsters turned their wheels “more dizzily” during the full moon.

• Game birds tend to return to specific locations during the Hunter's Moon.

• Studies concerning healing revealed that the full moon amplified the electrical charge in living cells. A sensitive voltmeter attached to a tree picked up a faint electrical force. However, at the time of the full moon, this force soared upward on the scale.

The Moon and Agriculture: The Harvest Moon occurs in late summer around the time of the autumnal equinox. Farmers take advantage of the additional hours of light and sometimes work through the night in order to finish the harvest.

The Moon and Our Timetable: Many Religious and Traditional Festivals are scheduled in line with lunar phases.

• The Chinese New Year is celebrated on the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice.

• Easter Sunday is the first Sunday on or after the first Full Moon after the spring equinox.

The Moon and Weather:

• The moon is believed to influence the formation of tropical hurricanes.

• The connection between the full moon and frost is so well-established that it affects investment patterns. For example, investors in the world commodities exchange go long on coffee futures around the winter full moons in Brazil.

The Moon and Human Emotions:

• Air stewards/stewardesses report that passengers are more difficult to handle and there are more unpleasant incidents during the full moon.

• Modern investigations into human biorhythms have discovered their emotional cycle ties in with the 28-day lunar cycle.

• There was a reason those suffering from the mythological werewolf curse shape-shifted at the full moon.

The Moon and Birth:

• Female reproductive cycles are the same as the lunar cycle.

• Medical staff report that women who have already had children are significantly more likely to give birth on the day of the full moon.

• Fertility expert, editor of Correlation Journal and astrologer Dr. Pat Harris' initial research into 114 IVF treatments discovered that astrology, clinic location and family history (reproductive health problems) all had significant associations with success and failure of outcome. She associates the moon, along with the positions of Venus and Jupiter, with fertility and an increased likelihood of pregnancy.

Health and the Full Moon:

• A research team at Leeds University found a significant increase in visits to medical practitioners for consultations following the full moon.

• Doctors report an increase in epileptic seizures and bleeding ulcers during the full moon.

The Moon and Madness: The association between the lunar phases and mental illness is legendary and the word “lunatic” comes from the Latin word luna for moon.

• In Britain, the 1824 Lunacy Act stated that people were liable to go mad when the moon was full.

• A New York study found a dramatic increase in admissions to psychiatric hospitals during the full moon.

• Arson attacks increase by 100% at the time of the full moon. However, arson also increases when there is a drop in the atmospheric pressure, which may also be connected with the phases of the moon.

• A higher number of mental patients become highly disturbed around the time of full moon.

Murder/Violence and the Full Moon:

• According to a US study, murders – many apparently motiveless – trebled around the time of the full moon.

• Author, Robert Louis Stevenson's classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was inspired by the true story of Charles Hyde, who committed a host of “chilling deeds” at the time of the full moon.

• Various studies have shown that suicide rates are higher during the full moon.

• Crimes of violence increase at the full moon.

The Moon and Accidents:

• Alcohol consumption rises at the beginning and end of the lunar cycle: more drunk drivers, more crashes and more hangovers occur at this critical time. It is difficult to ascertain if the astrological connection between the moon and liquids or the moon and emotions is at the root of the problem.

• At the time of the full moon, hospital accident and emergency units have around a 10% increase in patients, and 13. 8% of casualty nurses and 64% of doctors believe the moon adversely affects patient behavior.

Sources: EquinoxAstrology and Full Moon Lore.

See also “The Dark Triad: Creatures of the Night”: whatliesbeyond.boards.net/thread/4956/dark-triad-creatures-night
“Does the Full Moon Keep You Awake?”: whatliesbeyond.boards.net/thread/edit/7382
“The Full Moon Brings Restless Nights”: whatliesbeyond.boards.net/thread/4524/full-moon-brings-restless-nights