Moon Lore

Lunar Lore

The Moon.. our closest body in space. In a world where so much is determined
by the power of the Sun, it is easy to dismiss the more subtle impact of the
Moon. Whether you like or not, the influence of the Moon on life on Earth
comes under the realms of the ancient system of knowledge known as
astrology.

Here's some evidence, thoughts, theories, and folklore about the effects of
the lunar cycle.

The Moon and Natural Phenomena
The link between the Lunar Cycle and the oceanic tides is well established.
In a strict sense tidal motion does not respond directly to the
gravitational pull of the Moon but 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 a long period of time.

The Moon and Plants & Animals
Marine biologists on the Australian Barrier Reef informed me that coral
mates at the full moon.
Herbivores ovulate around the Full Moon. The world's leading expert on deer
states that the height of the deer rutting season occurs around two full
moons. One of the two will be the Leo Full Moon. (late July - late August)
Migratory Birds appear to follow the patterns of the moon for timing and
finding their path of migration. Zoologists in Alaska noticed that animals:
bears, caribou, salmon moved at the Full Moon.
An expert on animal behavior reported that his hamsters turned their
wheels 'more dizzily' during the full moon.
Game birds tend to return to certain locations at the time of the Hunter's
Moon.
Studies into healing revealed that the full moon amplified the electrical
charge in living cells. A sensitive voltmeter, he had 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 [at or after the autumnal equinox].
Farmers and farm workers would take advantage of the additional hours of
light and work through the night in order to complete the harvest.

The Moon and our Time-table
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 thought 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 on the world
commodities exchanges go long of coffee futures around the winter full moons
in Brazil.

The Moon and Emotional Weather
Air stewards report that passengers on aircraft flights are more difficult
to handle and there are more incidents at the full moon.
Modern investigations into human bio-rhythms have discovered that their
emotional cycle ties in with the 28 day lunar cycle.

The Moon and Birth
Female reproductive cycles respond to 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.

Health around the Full Moon
A research team at Leeds University found a significant increase in visits
to medical practices for consultations after the full moon.
Doctors report an increase in epileptic seizures and bleeding ulcers at the
time of the full moon.

The Moon and Madness
The association between the Lunar phases and mental illness is legendary.
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.
Research found a dramatic rise in admissions to psychiatric hospitals in
New York on days of the full Moon.
Arson attacks increase by 100% at the time of the full moon. However,
arson also rises 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 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. Hyde committed a host of 'chilling deeds'
at the time of the Full Moon.
Various studies have shown that suicide rates are higher around the full
moon.

The Moon and Accidents
Alcohol consumption rises at the start and end of the lunar cycle. More
drunk drivers, more crashes and more hangovers occur at this critical time.
It's hard to know if the astrological connection between the Moon and
liquids or the Moon and emotions is the root cause.
At the time of the full moon, hospital accident and emergency units see
about 10% more patients. 80% of casualty nurses and 64% of doctors believe
the moon adversely affects patient behavior.
Crimes of violence increase at the full moon.

There you have it. Fact or Lore. You decide