Lunacy!

Since ancient times it has been a belief in many culture that the moon influences cycles and patterns in nature. The word lunacy refers to this common belief of madness increasing or being somehow related to the full moon. Legends of werewolves imply the idea as well. The moon cycles have been historically believed to affect behavior. Have you ever noticed a change associated with the cycles of the moon?

Modern science has taken a look. Researcher's conclusions vary between studies. Some show strong statistical evidence for a full moon effect, others not so.

One study published in the British Medical Journal indicated a strange trend in increased animal bites occuring during the time of the full moon.

Number of animal bite admissions to an emergency room were compared from 1997 to 1999. The records of 1621 patients admitted for animal bites were correlated with the lunar phase. They concluded a strong correlation between an increase in animal bite and the full moon.Picture Source: BMJ

Another study from Australia seems to contradict these findings. This study also published in BMJ compared dog bite admissions to an emergency room over the period of one year. No increase in dog bite admissions was indicated during the full moon.

Interestly there was a weak correlation though not statistically significant with a decrease in dog bites in relation to the moon's fullness. When looking at the graph of the lunar year, I can't help but notice a quite obvious pattern related to the lunar cycle.

Picture Source: BMJ

A Study published in Experientia found a strong correlation with a decrease in the predatory behavior of mites in relation to the full moon.

Research published in Current Urology tracked urological emergencies in relation to the lunar cycle. Though the findings from this study were not statistically significant, there was a general trend of urology emergency escalating during the full moon.

The verdict is still out from scientific research. If there is a relationship how does it effect behavior. Light has been found to effect some hormonal cycles. Our circadian rhythm or sleep cycles based on the pineal gland's release of melatonin are known to be related to light exposure. Could the brightness of the full moon shift our biochemistry.

Louise Lacey wrote a book in the 70s called Lunaception. In the book, she describes how with the use of a night light in her bedroom, she was able to synchronize her menstrual cycle with the moon phases. Since then Lacey has taught her technique to many women claiming to have similar results. Can the light of the moon effect hormonal cycles. To my knowledge there has not been much scientific research in this area. However, many claim to use this technique successfully in understanding and becoming aware of their fertility. For more information on fertility awareness, click here.

Some mystical traditions relate the light of the moon to metaphysical energies. It is thought that one can harness the energy of the moon for one's own purposes. Some shamanic traditions use the natural cycles of the moon in healing. Such traditions believe it is beneficial to time healing with the natural energetic trends of the environment. Thus it would be beneficial to build a persons immune system or somehow strengthen them during the period when the moon is heading towards becoming full - waxing. During the waning phase or as the moon transitions from full to new it would be beneficial to try and eradicate an infection or decrease a tumor. In other words the waxing phase of the moon is mystically connected to building, while the waning phase is associated with taking apart or diminishing.

Click here to see a current moon phase calendar. Does the moon effect behavior? Watch the moon and see for yourself.

Animated image (top) shows moon phases and libration (the wobble) in high speed - available through Wikipedia.