The Moon’s effect on the Brain

By: Shyan Chapman 08/19/04

On average the moon is roughly 239,000 miles away from the Earth, yet the moon has a direct effect on everything that inhabits the Earth. Each thing reacts differently during each phase of the moon, especially people and animals. Those people that are considered mentally ill are said to have a slight chemical imbalance in the brain, which makes them more susceptible to feeling the pull of the moon than most people.

This imbalance and sensitivity can manifest in many different ways, driving some people so mad as to hear voices on the night of a full moon, or even to act as various types of animals would on these nights, screaming, howling, and throwing things around with enhanced strength due to stronger flow of adrenaline. This imbalance may also cause altered physical traits as well, as documented in some Clinical cases of Schizophrenia, in which the body may twist and contort in various forms, which is highly susceptible to the effects of the moon.

The moons gravitational field in conjunction with the spin of the Earth can cause the Ocean’s tides to ebb and flow twice a day, creating the circadian rhythm of the planet, which mirrors that of our body throughout various periods of the day and night.

This rhythm can even be observed in woman’s menstrual and gestation cycles, which are directly related to the rotation of the Moon and the Earth, as well as Solar and Interplanetary activities.

Women are made up of more water than men, but both are equally affected.

Ever wonder where the term Lunatic came from? Luna is another name for the moon, so a Lunatic is someone whom is highly in-tune with his or her inner rhythm as it interacts with the moon.

“Even a man who is pure at heart

And says his prayers by night

May become a wolf when the Wolf bane blooms

And the moon is full and bright.”

~The Wolf Man (1941) a Gypsy recited these famous lines to Lon Chaney Jr.

During a full moon there are more positive ions in the air which cause 75% of the population to become more hyperactive, depressed, have violent behavior such as road rage, and have more occurrences of migraines and asthma. Ions are charged particles in the air, some are negative and some are positive. Most people have a more “normal” reaction to negative ions than to positive ions. Positive ions can effect hormonal reactions.

In some middle east countries Judges are more lenient on criminals if the crime was committed during a full moon or an increased positive ion wind condition.

Until recently the moon was even accepted in law as a cause of insanity.

The moon’s effects have been apart of Eastern and Western folklore and literature since at least 400bc. It is mentioned in the Bible, the Koran, and the Talmud (written tradition of the Torah, referenced in the Kaballah).