Humans have always felt closely tied to the moon, but can it affect our behavior, emotions, and health?

At least one study suggests that almost 81% of mental health workers believe the full moon can impact your health.

Also known as the “lunar effect,” the belief that humans become more irrational, aggressive, and impulsive during a full moon is an ancient thought (think werewolves and other myths.) Extensive studies may not reveal that moon phases cause crime and lunacy, but there is evidence that the moon’s gravitational forces can do strange things to humans and animals. We know that gravity significantly impacts the nervous system and can cause irritability, anxiety, drowsiness, and more. Those with mood disorders or stress may be sensitive to the changes in the moon.

The Moon’s Effects on Human Bodies and Behavior

Both animals and humans are sensitive to lunar, cyclical, and circadian rhythms. We know, for example, that humans can maintain a biological rhythm that corresponds with the lunar cycle. For centuries, women would synchronize their menstrual cycle with the lunar cycle, both being the same length of time. Moon phases have impacted fertility and birth rates for as long as humans have looked up to the skies.

Health conditions (hospital room and ER visits) correlate with different lunar phases, as do car accidents, suicides, and homicides. In animals, the different phases of the moon can also affect hormonal changes, reproduction, and more.

Spirituality and Moon Phases

The moon influences your inner shadow, emotions, and desires in astrology. Often seen as a mother and protector, many women have turned to the moon's silver light for healing, energy, and protection. However, the moon’s energy changes as it moves through its cycle.

New Moon (New Beginnings)

When the moon and sun are on the same side of the Earth, it looks like there is no moon. New moons signal a fresh start, a time to clean your slate and embark on a new career, friendship, relationship, etc. This is an excellent time to gather energy to rid yourself of bad habits, energies, people, etc.

Waxing Crescent

As the moon becomes illuminated by the sun, a thin fingernail crescent of light appears on the moon. This moon phase is hopeful, revealing your wishes, hopes, and desires. This is the part of your journey that you start working towards your goals. As the moon moves from a new moon and starts to get brighter, you move with it to achieve your goals and take care of yourself. This is the time to clean your house, do your laundry, practice self-care, and focus on your needs.

Waxing Gibbous

At this point, the moon is almost full, but not quite yet. This is a time to start wrapping up projects, redirect your energy if needed, take a look at your patterns and pay attention to things that need to be directed.

Full Moon

The moon and sun are opposite, and now the moon is fully illuminated. Historically, full moons are when emotions and tensions are highest. This is also a time to start planting new seeds, like a spiritual gardener.

Waning Gibbous

The moon is slowly moving back towards the sun. It is still mostly illuminated except for a fingernail portion of darkness. This is an excellent time to practice gratitude for all the hard work. You should start seeing some results from your labor and intentions. You may feel the need to slow down and reflect.