Did you ever experience feeling more intense and emotional during a specific time such as during a full moon or blue moon? Do you know how and why your mood and emotions suddenly change during a full moon?
Let’s dive into the details!
If we start to track our major life milestones such as new jobs, marriages, having children and breakups, a pattern emerges. Full moons in particular are often when some of our most emotional and dramatic events unfold.
(They’re essentially the astrological version of the Real Housewives cast.) Shifts, changes and transformations in our lives correlate directly with the lunar cycle and what’s happening up above us in the sky.
But why do full moons have such an intense hold over us? Let’s take a deeper look at what makes full moons so powerful.
Does a Full Moon Actually Affect Our Behavior?
Have you ever experienced a range of intense or swirling emotions out of the blue and wondered where they came from?
At harmonizing we’re fascinated about uncovering the causes of the emotional waves in your life.
We’ve been looking into how these flashes of seemingly random, rollercoaster-like emotions aren’t only linked to our psychology or our hormone cycles but can also be impacted by elements in the natural world.
Why Does the Full Moon Make You Feel Intense and Emotional?
When the moon becomes full, having maximum capacity, it rules our emotions. Our feeling sector is on overdrive and our triggers and sensitivities are heightened.
If you think about it, it does make sense. As astrologer Lisa Stardust told Bustle, our bodies do consist of 50 to 70 percent water and the moon has magnetic pull over tides. So it can stand to reason that it causes energetic shifts within us as well.
Lunar gravitational pull
The most scientific explanation for the moon’s impact on our moods lies in its gravitational pull.
The moon’s influence on Earth is most noticeable in the form of tides but it also affects the fluids within our bodies.
Since we’re made of a large percentage of water, it’s possible that the gravitational forces of the moon may subtly influence our physical and emotional states.
Psychological and symbolic influence
For many, the full moon carries a deep symbolic meaning. It’s a time of completion, transformation, and illumination, and this can trigger powerful psychological responses.
The moon has long been linked to feminine energy, cycles of life and introspection, so it naturally prompts a desire for reflection and self awareness.
Many people choose to harness the full moon’s energy for spiritual practices like journaling, meditation or setting intentions.
Cultural and social conditioning
Throughout history, different cultures have associated the full moon with supernatural events and heightened activities.
The belief that the full moon can affect human behaviour is so ingrained in many societies that it can lead to what psychologists call the “lunar effect”, a phenomenon where people expect their moods or behaviours to change, even if there’s no direct scientific reason.
How to help yourself during the full moon
While the full moon brings powerful energy, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are some practical ways to support yourself during this time:
Ground yourself
When the emotional intensity of the full moon becomes too much, grounding practices can help you feel more centred.
- Spend time outdoors
- Walk barefoot on earth
- Sit quietly in nature
- Try meditation or yoga
These practices can help you to bring your awareness back to the present moment. It also helps anchor your energy and calm your mind.
Practice self-care
During the full moon, emotions can run high, and self-care is essential. Take time to pamper yourself and nourish your body and soul.
- Taking a soothing bath
- Applying face mask
- Reading favourite book
- Journaling your thoughts
This is a time to allow yourself space to relax and rejuvenate, as the full moon’s energy can sometimes feel like a pressure cooker for emotions.
Reflect and release
The full moon is a time for letting go of old energy that no longer serves you. Reflect on any thoughts, habits, relationships, or beliefs that are holding you back.
- Use your time to release them
- Do meditation
- Ritual your own thoughts
- Journalize your thoughts
You can even write down what you want to release, then burn or bury the paper as a symbolic act of letting go.
Stay hydrated and rested
With the moon affecting the water in your body, it’s important to stay hydrated and take extra care of your physical needs during this time.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins
- Aim for a consistent sleep schedule
- listen to your body and rest when you need to
- take naps to counteract any sleep disturbances
This will help you to maintain your emotional balance and keep you relaxed during this high intense period.
Embrace your creativity
If you feel a surge of creativity or motivation during the full moon, embrace it! Channel your heightened energy into creative pursuits such as do some:
- Art practice
- Listen some relaxing music or what you like
- Polish your writing skills
- Try to solve your critical problems by yourself
The full moon’s clarity can be a powerful tool for creative expression, so take advantage of this inspired moment.
Set new intentions
The full moon isn’t just about release, it’s also a time for new beginnings. As you clear away the old, make space for the new.
- Set new intentions or goals
- Write down your desires
- Visualize what you want
- trust the universe is supporting you
Doing these practices you will feel fully prepared for the upcoming weeks and highly confident.
Does The Full Moon Affect Human Health
For centuries, physicians and philosophers blamed behavioral changes on the pull of the moon.
The word “lunatic,” after all, stemmed from the idea that changes in mental state were related to lunar cycles.
The “lunar effect” is based on the belief that health and behavior are altered during specific stages of the lunar cycle, with some claiming that it can affect everything from reproductive health to sleep quality and beyond.
Full Moon May Affect Your Sleep Latency
When the moon is full and bright, it may affect the quality of your sleep.
One 2021 study found that people fell asleep later and slept less overall on the nights before the full moon.
Other research suggests that the full moon may be associated with less deep sleep and increased REM (rapid eye movement) latency.
- May Affect Male and Female Differently
A 2015 study of 205 people found that the full moon may affect sleep differently in males and females.
Many females sleep less and have less REM sleep when the full moon phase is near, whereas males have more REM sleep close to a full moon.
Full Moon May Affect Your Mental Health
According to a research full moon may cause or increase symptoms of certain mental health disorders including:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
But a 2019 review of nearly 18,000 medical records from different facilities found something that there is no relationship between lunar cycles and the length of hospital stays or the number of inpatient admissions or discharges at psychiatric facilities.
Full Moon May Affect Blood Pressure
As the moon comes closer to the Earth, its gravitational pull changes and the Earth’s large bodies of water respond with higher tides.
Scientists have wondered whether the changing gravitational pull might also affect how fluids react inside your body. Here’s what they found.
In a 2013 study on male university students, researchers measured the effects of changing lunar cycles on the participants’ cardiovascular systems. They found that blood pressure dropped by around 5 mm Hg during the new moon and full moon phases.
Full moon and violence, aggression, trauma, and suicide
For centuries, people have persisted in believing that there are more assaults, traumas and suicides during full moon periods.
Numerous researchers have tackled these questions. They’ve reviewed records, conducted their own studies and came to this conclusion: A full moon doesn’t cause an increase in these human behaviors.
In fact, one study found that during a full moon, the incidence of homicide dropped slightly. Similarly, another study showed that there was no significant difference in admissions at a trauma center during a full moon.
You may also want to know:
How moon phases affect your mood and energy?
Conclusions
Full moon may not control us but it stirs something within us. Many people feel more emotional, restless or reflective during this phase.
Full moon phase is a time to slow down, ground yourself and release what no longer serves you. Use its glow as a reminder to reconnect your emotions, your intentions and the natural rhythm that ties us all to the universe.