Recently, as we do every month, we had a full moon. I have always been fascinated by the full moon as it can look so massive and big when full. Obviously it is always big but at this time it appears even more so.
So what is a full moon? A full moon is the lunar phase that occurs when the moon is completely illuminated as seen from the earth.
Full moons have been traditionally associated with such things as temporal insomnia, insanity (which is where we get the terms lunacy and lunatic) and a lot of various “magical phenomena” such as lycanthropy, which is people turning into werewolves.
There are some websites that say the full moon gives a very favorable energy for divination.
It was said that witches spells and incantations were performed in the nights with full moon, because that moon was believed to bring a major influence on human body and mind. However, sometimes, witches could be seen flying in the night skies marked by full moon. Black magic and devil worship were, they say, usual activities in the full moon nights.
Oooh. Scary.
The good news is psychologists have found that there is no strong evidence for effects on human behavior around the time of a full moon. So worry not. Go outside and enjoy the full moon. It has no crazy effects on folks.
But since we are about smiles here let’s talk about some positve superstitions associated with the full moon.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, who is currently the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space and my second favorite astrophysicist, author, and science communicator had this to say about the full moon- “Let me tell you something about the full moon: kids don’t care about a full moon. They’ll play in a full moon, no worries at all. They only get scared of magic or werewolves from stupid adults and their stupid adult stories.” Yeah! So there!
(For those of you paying attention you may have noticed I said he is my second favorite astrophysicist. My favorite? Brian May. Yes, that Brian May.)
It is said if you are broke and are in need of a lot of cash, just wait for a full moon, then come outside under its bright rays, open up your pocket widely or open your wallet and say “Fill it up.” nine times. Within a few days the money will be flowing! In fact, in ancient times, men thought the moon was made of silver and thus had the power to attract money. Of course this meant the full moon was especially favorable as it was richer and more generous since there was more of it.
I am told in Feng Shui the energy of a full moon is ideal to get rid of the things which prevent the development of your self, whether it’s about people, things, circumstances, or attitudes. Since the energy is strong this is the best time to manifest your desires say practitioners of Feng Shui
Even politician Richard H. Baker said this about the full moon- “For most people, we often marvel at the beauty of a sunrise or the magnificence of a full moon, but it is impossible to fathom the magnitude of the universe that surrounds us.”
I would certainly have to agree. When I see a full moon, I can not help to wonder where my place is in such a large universe. And then I remind myself of just how large it is and how I, little me, can make a huge difference. And that makes me smile.
In her book “Full Circle” Irina Serban wrote, “The moon was reigning over their world, glowing its full splendor to all those willing to look up.”
Are you willing to look up?
What are your thoughts on a full moon? Would you like to go to the moon? Let me know in the comments. I would love to hear from you.