We’ve all heard about the "power" of the full moon, the shimmering orb that lights up the night sky. Some people believe it brings out strange behaviour, heightened emotions, and an overall sense of chaos. Others feel a deep sense of connection to the lunar cycle, experiencing moments of clarity, insight, or emotional release. But what is it about the full moon that impacts us so deeply, and why does it seem to affect our moods?
The truth is, the full moon has a fascinating, subtle influence on both the natural world and our inner worlds. From ancient cultures to modern science, the relationship between the moon and human behaviour has been acknowledged for centuries. Whether you believe in its mystical qualities or not, there’s no denying that it plays a significant role in our emotional and mental states.
Let’s look a little at how the full moon affects our moods and why these lunar energies seem to stir such intense feelings, and how to help yourself during this powerful time.
What is the full moon?
The full moon is the lunar phase when the moon is fully illuminated by the sun, creating a bright, glowing orb in the night sky. This phase occurs roughly once a month when the moon is opposite the sun in the sky, and the Earth is in between. It’s often a time of culmination and completion, marking the end of a lunar cycle.
In many spiritual traditions, the full moon represents a time for releasing what no longer serves us and manifesting our desires. The idea is that the moon’s energy offers a powerful moment of reflection, emotional clarity, and renewal. For those who are in tune with the lunar cycle, it’s a time to pause and reconnect with personal intentions.
How does the full moon affect our moods?
Heightened emotions and intensity
The full moon often leads to an increase in emotional intensity. You might feel more sensitive, impulsive, or reactive during this phase. Research suggests that the full moon can influence our mood regulation, making us more prone to feeling excited, anxious, irritable, or even euphoric.
The reason for this heightened emotional state is connected to the moon's gravitational pull on the Earth, particularly its effects on water. Since the human body is made up of approximately 60% water, it’s believed that the moon’s pull may influence our physical and emotional states, similar to how it impacts tides in the ocean.
During the full moon, our emotions can feel amplified. If you're already experiencing stress or unresolved emotions, the full moon’s energy can bring them to the surface, prompting a sense of emotional overwhelm. Conversely, it can also trigger a surge of creativity, joy, and empowerment for some, especially when people use this time to channel their emotions into positive action.
Sleep disruption and restlessness
Many people report experiencing sleep disruptions around the full moon. Studies have shown that people tend to sleep less deeply during this time, with some experiencing more vivid dreams or even difficulty falling asleep altogether.
The exact reasons behind this phenomenon are still being researched, but one explanation is that the brightness of the full moon disrupts our circadian rhythms, which are heavily influenced by light and darkness. Another theory suggests that the heightened energy of the full moon causes an increase in mental activity, leaving us feeling more restless or agitated at night.
If you find yourself tossing and turning under the full moon’s glow, try practicing relaxation techniques before bed, such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. This can help calm your nervous system and bring more peace to your sleep during this intense phase.
Increased sensitivity and intuition
The full moon is often linked to a heightened sense of intuition and psychic sensitivity. If you're someone who is highly attuned to their emotions or energy, you may find that your instincts feel sharper during this time.
The moon has long been associated with the subconscious, intuition, and the emotional realm. Because the full moon illuminates the sky, it’s seen as a time of clarity and understanding, shedding light on what was previously hidden in the shadows. This can trigger deep emotional insights or “aha” moments, where feelings, desires, and truths that have been buried come to the surface.
For some, the full moon acts as a release valve for built-up tension, emotions, or suppressed thoughts. It’s often a time to process unresolved emotions, let go of old baggage, and make peace with the past. By acknowledging what’s surfacing emotionally during the full moon, you may experience a sense of healing or catharsis, allowing you to move forward with clarity and renewed purpose.
Impulsiveness and action
The full moon’s intense energy can also spark a desire for change or a need to act quickly. During this time, people may feel more motivated to make decisions, tackle projects, or set new goals. This can lead to bursts of enthusiasm or a sense of urgency, as the full moon creates a sense of closure and momentum.
However, this heightened energy can also make us prone to rash decisions or impulsive behaviour. It’s important to balance this energy by grounding yourself and taking time to reflect before making big choices. While the full moon is a time for action, it’s also a time for reflection, and finding a balance between the two can be key to making thoughtful, informed decisions.
Why does the full moon affect our moods?
Lunar gravitational pull
The most scientific explanation for the moon’s impact on our moods lies in its gravitational pull. The moon’s influence on Earth is most noticeable in the form of tides, but it also affects the fluids within our bodies. Since we’re made of a large percentage of water, it’s possible that the gravitational forces of the moon may subtly influence our physical and emotional states.
While the exact mechanism is still debated, some scientists believe that the moon’s pull may disrupt our circadian rhythms, affecting our sleep patterns, hormone levels, and emotional responses. This can lead to an increase in irritability, mood swings, or sleep disturbances during the full moon phase.
Psychological and symbolic influence
For many, the full moon carries a deep symbolic meaning. It’s a time of completion, transformation, and illumination, and this can trigger powerful psychological responses. The moon has long been linked to feminine energy, cycles of life, and introspection, so it naturally prompts a desire for reflection and self-awareness.
Many people choose to harness the full moon’s energy for spiritual practices like journaling, meditation, or setting intentions. These practices can help channel the powerful energy of the full moon in a constructive way, allowing us to release old patterns, heal emotional wounds, and manifest our desires. When we tap into the symbolic power of the full moon, we may feel more in tune with our emotions, leading to a greater sense of emotional clarity and peace.
Cultural and social conditioning
Throughout history, different cultures have associated the full moon with supernatural events, madness, and heightened activity. The belief that the full moon can affect human behaviour is so ingrained in many societies that it can lead to what psychologists call the “lunar effect”—a phenomenon where people expect their moods or behaviours to change, even if there’s no direct scientific reason.
For example, the idea of "lunacy" (derived from the Latin word for moon, luna) is tied to the belief that the full moon causes people to act irrationally or erratically. While there may be little scientific evidence for a direct cause-and-effect relationship, cultural expectations and beliefs can contribute to the way we experience the moon's energy.
How to help yourself during the full moon
While the full moon brings powerful energy, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are some practical ways to support yourself during this time:
Ground yourself
When the emotional intensity of the full moon becomes too much, grounding practices can help you feel more centred. Spend time outdoors, walking barefoot on the earth, or sit quietly in nature. If that’s not possible, try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to bring your awareness back to the present moment. These practices help anchor your energy and calm your mind.
Practice self-care
During the full moon, emotions can run high, and self-care is essential. Take time to pamper yourself and nourish your body and soul. This could be a soothing bath, a face mask, reading a favourite book, or journaling your thoughts. Allow yourself space to relax and rejuvenate, as the full moon’s energy can sometimes feel like a pressure cooker for emotions.
Reflect and release
The full moon is a time for letting go of old energy that no longer serves you. Reflect on any thoughts, habits, relationships, or beliefs that are holding you back. Use this time to release them, whether through journaling, meditation, or a ritual of your own design. You can even write down what you want to release, then burn or bury the paper as a symbolic act of letting go.
Stay hydrated and rested
With the moon affecting the water in your body, it’s important to stay hydrated and take extra care of your physical needs during this time. Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and help maintain emotional balance. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and, if possible, take naps to counteract any sleep disturbances. Make sure to listen to your body and rest when you need to.
Embrace your creativity
If you feel a surge of creativity or motivation during the full moon, embrace it! Channel your heightened energy into creative pursuits like art, writing, music, or problem-solving. The full moon’s clarity can be a powerful tool for creative expression, so take advantage of this inspired moment.
Set new intentions
The full moon isn’t just about release, it’s also a time for new beginnings. As you clear away the old, make space for the new. Set new intentions or goals for the coming weeks. What do you want to bring into your life? What do you want to manifest? Write down your desires, visualize them, and trust that the universe is supporting your growth.
The full moon’s emotional power
The full moon holds a magnetic energy that seems to amplify our emotions, stir our creativity, and push us toward personal transformation. Whether you experience heightened feelings or a sense of emotional clarity, the full moon provides an opportunity to reflect, release, and renew.
By understanding how the full moon affects our moods and how to support ourselves during its energy, we can make the most of this powerful phase. Whether you believe in its mystical powers or not, there’s no denying the moon’s ability to stir something deep within us, creating a powerful and transformative experience each time it lights up the night sky. Use this time to harness its energy, reflect, release, and embrace new beginnings.