The Connection Between Our Mood And The Moon
Explore the intriguing correlation between human mood and lunar cycles in this thought-provoking article. Delve into the mystical connection that has captivated minds for centuries, as we unravel the subtle influences the moon may have on our emotions and wellbeing.
By Liv Surtees / Jan 23 2024
Ever felt uncontrollably emotional or indescribably angry and realised it’s a full moon? Perhaps you notice that at different times of the month you feel certain things more deeply? Or maybe you actually track your mood and the lunar cycle and you’re noticing some repeated patterns?
Well, you’re definitely not alone - the moon might be affecting you!
People have been aware of the connection between our mood and the moon for centuries and have created rituals and traditions surrounding the changing lunar cycle.
But, is it all superstition or is there truth in the way the moon affects us?
Well, this article is going to answer that! We’re going to take a deeper look at the relationship between the moon and our mood so that you can be a little more aware of the potential reasoning behind why you feel so vastly different throughout the month, whilst also telling you how the lunar cycle can affect you and how you can channel the energy each phase brings.
when + where did these beliefs begin?
From Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, Aristotle and Pliny the Elder, respectively, believed that since the moon affects the tides, it also affects us and our brains (they believed that the brain was moist).
Over time, this idea remained and was investigated more closely: looking at more recent research, Arnold Lieber, a renowned psychiatrist from the 1970s, created a hypothesis that since the human body is made up of around 70% water, the moon could potentially affect us, just as Aristotle and Pliny had suggested.
Lieber also researched incidents around the full moon (the phase of the moon most commonly associated with affecting our mood) and found that during a full moon, murder, suicide, assault, psychiatric emergencies, and deaths by car accidents increased.
Obviously, this research is quite alarming. However, since then, various scientists and professionals within this field have suggested that the moon’s pull wouldn’t affect the body, regardless of the fact that we are made up of nearly 70% water.
Interestingly though, there are still many people that believe the lunar cycle does affect mood and they notice dramatic changes during different phases, such as the full moon. A large number of spiritual individuals and collectives believe in not only the outstanding research that backs up the connection between mood and the moon, but in the fact that we’re connected to everything and just like any other cycle, the lunar cycle does have the ability to affect us.
SHOP
mind + spirit
how the different stages of the moon affect your mood
There’s a lot of compelling information and research out there that does support the relationship between the moon and moods, stating that each phase of the lunar cycle affects you in different ways. So, let’s take a look at exactly how these different stages may influence your mood and what you can expect during these phases.
The lunar cycle, which repeats every 29.5 days, has eight phases - new moon, waxing crescent, first-quarter moon, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third-quarter moon, and waning crescent.
Let’s take a look at each of these phases and what you may be able to expect from them.
new moon
The new moon always represents a fresh start and brings this energy into our lives.
Although you might not feel a burst of energy, per se, you will notice a sense of calm and be able to clearly communicate, take on new things, and plan for the month ahead - the moon and sun are on the same side as earth and therefore there’s a lack of tension that won’t be holding you back.
What to do during a new moon: Set intentions for the month ahead and think about what you want to call into your life.
waxing crescent
During the waxing crescent phase, there’s an air of high energy and motivation - this is the perfect time to take action on actually working towards the goals you created on the new moon and actively bringing the intentions you set into your daily life.
What to do during the waxing crescent phase: Channel energy into going for your goals, work hard, and move your body. However, make sure you find time for self-care practices too so you don’t burnout.
first-quarter moon
During this phase the moon is a quarter of the way through the lunar cycle - this is a time where things may feel a little bit more difficult.
Although you may still have the energy from the waxing crescent phase, issues or roadblocks may occur when working towards your goals and taking action. This is actually a good time to let your foot off the gas slightly, take a breather and step back.
What to do during the first-quarter moon: Don’t get hung up on things that aren’t doing your way and put more emphasis on looking after yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.
waxing gibbous
The waxing gibbous phase lets you down gently from the issues you may have been experiencing during the first-quarter moon.
Although roadblocks may still be in your way, this phase supports re-direction and flexibility, therefore making it easier for you to deal with any issues coming up and move forward, taking things on the chin or adapting the way you’re working on things.
What to do during the waxing gibbous phase: Think outside the box, take time to reevaluate things, take the power into your own hands, and work towards goals with an air of flexibility.
full moon
The full moon is the most typically tumultuous time in the lunar phase and it’s the one that affects people most powerfully.
During this time, emotions are heightened, and these can be any emotions coming out to play - you may feel angry, ecstatic, out of control, or even just a little low. There’s chaotic energy surrounding full moons (and this can interrupt sleep patterns too), so it’s important to acknowledge that your feelings will pass and you’ll get through it. However, it’s also important to state that although full moons can bring chaotic energy, they can be positive too - you may experience a breakthrough during this time.
What to do during the full moon: Try to spend time finding balance within yourself but don’t beat yourself up if you feel a little all over the place. Take time to tune into yourself and make sure you’re processing the good things during this time too.
waning gibbous
The waning gibbous phase brings gratitude, collaboration, and communication to a central focus.
After the intensity of the full moon, you may feel calmer, more inclined to socialise, and feel more compelled to show gratitude to others and yourself during this time.
What to do during the waning gibbous phase: Enjoy the fruits of your labour from the beginning of the month, spend time with loved ones, and take pleasure in expressing gratitude.
third-quarter moon
The third-quarter moon calls forgiveness, clarity, and more peace into your life.
During this phase, you may feel compelled to let go of certain emotions that aren’t serving you, you might be able to forgive yourself and others for things that caused you some kind of distress earlier in the month, and you’re likely to want to do a deep clean of your physical space and your mind.
What to do during the third-quarter moon: Spend time de-cluttering your home, focus on rest and recuperation, and let go of the things that aren’t serving you that you can no longer control.
waning crescent
The waning crescent phase sits just before the new moon - it brings every lunar cycle to an end and looks towards the beginning of a new one.
During this time you may feel called to reflect on the past month, you may feel inclined to rest more, and you might want to simply surrender to whatever is happening during this time. This is a good time for self-care and gentle introspection.
What to do during the waning crescent phase: Take time to reflect on the previous month, enjoy self-care practices, look inward, and prioritise rest.
ready to channel the energy of the lunar cycle?
Whether or not you truly believe that there’s a connection between our mood and the moon, working together with the lunar cycle and the different types of energy it brings is a great way to segment your month and ensure you’re managing rest, socialisation, relaxation, and action.
Channelling this energy can be pretty powerful, so even if you’re a little sceptical about it, why not start tracking the moon phases and give it a go? After all, you have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain!
DANDY DEVOTION...
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