Full Moon Effect

First published in Daily Tribune under Anthony Vivero's Vibes and Vision dated November 17, 2008.


Throughout history, people have paid special attention to the moon and its phases. The earliest records showing moon sketching was on Cro-Magnon bone tools (c. 28,000 BCE) indicating the moon was already very important in the lives of the people at the time.

Our ancestors knew that their daily lives were influenced by natural cycles and were aware of the moon cycles and the earth’s seasonal changes. They focused on the moon’s lunar energy, based on their experience, to meet their goals and objectives. Up to modern times these traditional concepts are still used for both personal or community goal setting and empowerment. The main concern in the during the onset of agriculture in olden times was their crop. The so-called Farmer’s Almanac was based on the moon cycles, where phases were timings for planting and harvesting.

Prior to the discovery of agriculture, hunters and gathering communities used the moon as their calendar. On a full moon, oceans ran a high tide as the gravitational force of the moon pulls the waters of the earth toward it at full force. It is because of this natural occurrence that the moon is a valuable tool for sailors and fishermen all over the world.

Ancient priests who became experts in the then-primitive science of astronomy predicted phases of the moon for the use of their communities to observe religious practices and rituals.

Up to today, the phases of the moon are the basis of Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and most other religions as their sources of information for their religious activities and feasts. It is also the source used in Christian holidays like Easter.

As the moon waxes and wanes, the earth’s natural satellite affects us in many ways.

It is also known that man is made of the same elements as the surface of the earth and in the same proportion: 80 percent liquid and 20 percent solid. The human brain floats in fluid, which both nourishes it and cushions it against shock. The gravitational pull of the moon on human beings has its effects on our bodily elements, particularly its liquid content. From the belief that the moon affects the mind emerged the words lunar and lunatic, derived from the Latin word luna, meaning “moon.”

On a full moon, most of us, as writers say, are prone to overly emotional behavior. In some cases, we become “crazy” or “nuts,” abandoning our inhibitions or becoming overnight romantics.

Awareness of the environment and its effects on human behavior has become a part of the present popularity of total wellness. Connecting with nature is one of the basic pleasures of life that had fallen out of style because of our hi-tech obsession. Listening to the waves of the ocean on a full moon is a real pleasure one should experience and rediscover once in a while.

Phases of the moon

The phases of the moon result from the positions of earth, moon and sun. Like all other satellites and planets, the moon shines primarily from light received from the sun. A full moon occurs when the sunlight is reflected directly back to earth. It is said that a Full Moon is nine times brighter than the moon at its first quarter. Just as the moon waxes and wanes in the night, so do tides of lunar energy ebb and flow around us and within us.

Waxing cycle

The moon is increasing in size. It is in the period from the new moon to the full moon. The energy from this cycle should be used in inviting what you want towards you. This is a good time to begin new projects or expand current endeavors, to work on love, harmony, balance and peace, as well as for protection and healing.

Waning cycle

The moon is decreasing in size. The moon is in the period from the full moon to the new moon. Use this time to remove and reject negative in your or your life such as disease, negative behavior and also for dissolving destructive energies.

Waning moon/last quarter starts six hours after the full moon

Full moon

The moon and the sun are in opposition, and starts exactly at its fullest up to the fifth hour. The entire moon is bright. When the Earth, sun and moon are nearly in a straight line, with the Earth in the middle, we have a full moon. The full moon is the best time to announce new things, especially things to do with our emotions. This is also an ideal time for rituals and other spiritual celebrations and events. A full moon symbolizes a happy home life when moving to a new house.

New moon

When the Earth, sun and moon are nearly in a straight line, with the moon in the middle, we have a new moon. As a general guide, the new moon is a good time to start new things, things that need time to develop.

Do your ritual either during the new or full moon. The difference is in your meditation and mental attitude in preparation. The new moon is a time of outward work and thought, building to the peak of the full moon.

Positive and negative is not the same as good and bad. In this sense, the full moon and the waxing moon are good times for positive desires. The waning moon and new moon are good times for removal of negativity.

Knowing the moon phases can help you plan and prepare for change, new beginnings and endings. Rituals can be enhanced by using the moon and its cycles for specific purposes. Having a goal can greatly affect the outcome of your rituals. Working with the moon’s energy increases your own personal power and supports your intention.

We always see the same face of the moon because the moon’s day is the same length as its year. This is because the moon’s rotational period is the same as its orbital period. The phases of the moon, or its different shapes, are caused by the different angles from which we see the lit part of its surface. Half of the moon is always bright; we just cannot always see all its illuminated parts.

The next full moon is on Dec. 15, 2008. The actual ritual for a full moon will depend greatly on the focus you chose.

New moon starts exactly when the moon is under the umbra or shadow of the sun, up to the fifth hour of its total darkness

What’s a blue moon?

“Once in a blue moon” is an expression we use meaning “not very often,” but what exactly is a blue moon?

First Meaning: It actually means two full moons in a one month. Some years have 13 full moons instead of 12. That’s because lunar cycles are 29 to half days long and most months are 30 or 31 days long. So once every 2.7 years, there’s a second full moon in a month, thus called a “blue moon.” On the average, there will be 41 months that have two full moons in every century, so once in a blue moon actually means once every two-and-a-half years.

Second meaning: From time to time the moon’s color actually becomes bluish. The moon’s color can be affected by atmospheric debris, like volcanic ash, that blocks out the red component of light and gives it a bluish hue. A good example happened in 1991 when Mount Pinatubo erupted.

It is believed that when there is a blue moon, the energy is more powerful, and our wishes and desires are doubled in power and intensity. It is more commonly known for romantic and love rituals.

Moon rituals

The phases of the moon have a direct effect on us, whether we practice lunar rituals or not. The lunar phases based on science do affect the tides and water, around us and within us, so there are gravitation pulls. We are not exempt from to the magical and mystical property of the moon.

The unsettling undercurrents of this time may be a bit disturbing to most of us. But one way to increase our confidence and optimism is to harmonize with the energy of the moon.

Do remember that you must be aware of the time prescribed, otherwise whatever you do would have no effect at all. Spiritual time and astronomical time tables are different because the usage and purpose are different.

Based on my own personal experience and from the notes of different people who believe that that moon possesses magical powers, the full moon is one of the cycles that should be kept in mind, as many rituals are made and done with no limits or segregations — all goals, aims, wishes and purposes are permitted and are applicable.

Different purposes for rituals

1. Love

2. Relationship

3. Tool for soulmate search

4. Energy builder

5. Empowerment

6. Prosperity

7. Health matters

Man has used the magical powers of the moon to gain something desired and needed. Some believers of the New Age were branded as pagans. For me, as long the intention of one practitioner is not to harm nor judge other people, but choose only to open their hearts and minds in the understanding of this natural and cosmic belief, I would even pray for and support them instead. I believe that these people who believe in the magical powers of the moon have more love, respect and understanding of nature and are more spiritual than others.

Happy Mooning!