As we know, the moon does have certain effects upon the earth, but just how much influence does this lunar body have? Rumor has it, the full moon produces changes in our behavior, including thoughts of suicide, depression, and even arousal.

The full moon has also been linked to the menstrual cycle and the most well-known myth about the lycanthrope. It stands to question whether the full moon really produces such changes.

Let’s look a little closer at the full moon and human behavior to get an idea of how and why these ideas arise.

First of all, the full moon occurs when the geocentric longitudes between the sun and moon have a difference of 180 degrees.

Here, the moon and sun face off directly, making the moon shine brighter and seemingly bigger with the help of the solar rays. The complete opposite side of the moon — “the dark side of the moon” — is completely void of light.

The lunar cycle

Before concerning ourselves with full moon drama, let’s take a look at the basic cycles. The cycle of the moon is explained in a very simple way. When the moon travels around the earth, we experience the full lunar cycle.

This takes a month, respectively, as we know. As the moon moves around the earth, the appearance changes — a process called “lunation”. There are eight distinct phases of the moon’s travel.

New moon

On the new moon, the heavenly body is positioned between the sun and earth and the appearance is almost completely dark. The back side of the moon is completely illuminated.

Waxing Crescent

At this stage, the moon is beginning to show us the light from the sun, but still, less than half of the moon’s surface is illuminated.

First Quarter

Here, the moon is considered the half-moon, showing light at a 90-degree angle.

Waxing Gibbous

More than half the moon is now illuminated. The full moon is fast approaching.

Full Moon

Now, the earth, moon, and sun are in complete alignment, as stated before. The moon seems bigger and brighter, allowing a much better view of the lunar terrain. Here we may experience the drastic human and earth changes.

Waning Gibbous

The full moon is over and illumination is retreating along the moon’s surface.

Third Quarter

This quarter is very similar to the first quarter, meaning it is again experiencing light at a 90-degree angle. The only difference is that the opposite side of the moon is half illuminated.

Waning Crescent

The light is almost gone, a sliver of the moon is now illuminated, giving the appearance of a “crescent” shape. The cycle is preparing for the next new moon.

Now begins the next moon cycle!

Research on the Full Moon and Human Behavior

So, now we understand the lunar cycle. Let’s examine the tales surrounding full moons! The idea that the full moon creates changes in our minds, bodies and the earth is not a new idea at all. For centuries, we have put emphasis on this intriguing part of the lunar cycle.

Since ancient times, women and men depended upon the lunar cycle to play their fates. Many scientific reviews have shown that the full moon has an extraordinary impact on human behavior.

We already know that the moon affects the tidal waves of the ocean, and since we are comprised of 80% water, why can’t it affect our biological workings just the same?

Unfortunately, some of these workings are dark and evil deeds, attributed to the full moon phase. Crimes such as murder, arson, and rape have been linked to the full moon! But don’t despair, there are other effects, less heinous.

It seems that medical issues are affected as well. Dr. Edson J. Andrews of the Florida Medical Association stated that bleeding after major surgery was up 82% during a full moon.

Another source, Curtis Jackson, controller of the California Methodist Hospital, said that more babies were conceived during the full moon as well, which backs up the notion of increased sexual tension during this time.

It also suggests that conception is easier during the full moon. James W. Buehler, a German researcher, states that there are also more male births at this time.

Other scientists claim that the link between the full moon and human behavior is a myth

So some people recommend staying at home at the full moon night to avoid social interactions and possible conflicts. But some experts say that the full moon’s effect on human psychology can not be verified scientifically.

According to British experts, the belief that the full moon brings us to “madness” is a myth.

In 1996, U.S.researchers studied the files of a regional hospital, where there had been recorded more than 150,000 visits to the emergency room.

As they explained in a publication in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, they did not detect any difference in the number of patient visits between the full moon nights and usual nights.

The full moon and animal behavior

Thus, according to this research, it seems that the full moon does not affect human behavior, but what about animals? In 2007, the experts at the University of Colorado conducted a study to find out how many cats and dogs were admitted to the veterinary emergency clinic of the institution.

They found that cats were 23% more likely to visit the vet during a full moon. In the case of dogs, the percentage rose to 28%.

A British study published in December 2000 in the British Medical Journal showed that during the full moon, veterinary clinics accept more cases involving animal bites, compared with other nights when the moon is in other phases. So could it be that the effect of the full moon is more profound on animal behavior?

Final thoughts

Whether these statements are true or not, it stands to reason that the full moon definitely has some effects on the earth and our bodies and minds.

If we grow mad or feel aroused, or if we simply feel a tingle of curious animalistic intentions, we should pay attention to the lunar cycle.

Maybe we can map these links between the full moon and human behavior and thus understand the various connections we truly have with our universe. Maybe we all have werewolf tendencies, or maybe it is all in the mind!


Copyright © 2012-2024 Learning Mind. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint, contact us.

power of misfits book banner desktop

Like what you are reading? Subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss new thought-provoking articles!

Leave a Reply