Have you seen the Super Moon doubled with a lunar eclipse?
Super Red Moon and Eclipse (26/05/2021) PHOTO/ Secret Fern.
It just happened on Wednesday, May 26 (NZ Time) started at 11:11 pm and lasted for around 15 minutes only.
Last night in NZ, many braved the chilly night to gaze at the show quietly, watching the moon disappear into darkness revealing a shimmering halo.
And it was big!
There is something fascinating about the moon, the sun and stars; I guess it helps us understand our small place in this vast universe…
Imagine that each grain of sand is a milky way: That concept is mind blowing.
This red moon yesterday was coined “Flower moon” because it is said to be a time when flowers bloom.
Since the beginning of age, we have always had a close bond with the moon, and many say that have been influenced by moon cycles or cycles influence forces of nature - such as Super moons or Full moons king tides or triggering earthquakes.
But the tidal force of the moon depends on how close the moon is from Earth, its phase is unrelated.
Just after this moon, a friend posted about the Red Blood moon on social media also mentioning of an Earthquake in Taupo that morning therefore creating an implicit link between the two events.
In regards to earthquake, science seem to be contrasted.
The British Geological Survey website says that several studies have reported "no correlation between the Earth tide and earthquake occurrence, e.g. Kennedy et al., 2004. [...] Other studies have reported small positive correlations, e.g. Kasahara, 2002."
It also says that if there is a correlation scientists have no way to measure which faults are close to failure therefore creating a statistic evidence between Earth tides and earthquake activity.
But again, another study from 2016 (ie., & Nat. Geoscience), says the reverse: Full and new moons might increase tidal stresses meaning the strength of earthquakes.
"For more than 10,000 earthquakes of around magnitude 5.5, the researchers found, an earthquake that began during a time of high tidal stress was more likely to grow to magnitude 8 or above."
Exceptional tidal waves during the Flower Moon (26/05/2021) - Waihi Beach.
PHOTO/ Secret Fern.
What about us?
How many friends have you had told you: “I could not sleep that [full moon] night” or mentions of increased hospital admissions, crimes etc., during the full moon.
I remember that as a child (and not really paying attention to the moon), I used to sleep like a baby except on full moon nights. These sleepless nights I used to open my shutters and each time... Here was the full moon shining bright.
Was I affected by the moon or the look at the moon created a belief which was reinforced overtime by re-affirming my behaviour of "open the shutters and seeing the full moon".
A study from National Library of Medicine, “The lunar cycle: effects on human and animal behavior and physiology” mentioned about the effect of the moon on animals.
“[…]Animal studies revealed that the lunar cycle may affect hormonal changes early in phylogenesis (insects). In fish the lunar clock influences reproduction and involves the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. In birds, the daily variations in melatonin and corticosterone disappear during full-moon days. The lunar cycle also exerts effects on laboratory rats with regard to taste sensitivity and the ultrastructure of pineal gland cells.[…]”
NZ view of the Milky Way - PHOTO/ Secret Fern.
So, if animals and plants are sensitive to the lunar cycle, are we?
Well, due to the lack of scientific studies, researchers have not come to a consensus.
The study says that the release of neurohormones may be triggered by the electromagnetic radiation and/or the gravitational pull of the moon.
The correlation between the full moon and strange/violent behaviour takes its roots in the Middle Ages.
This belief was so impregnated that the word “moon” in latin “luna” comes from Late Latin “lunatic” and then French “Lunatique” to become “Lunatic” meaning “insanity” in Old English.
Full/Blood moons have always been part of our Pop Culture too, in Hollywood movies where werewolves have been hauling and witches flying their brooms past this big bright moon.
In Astrology, many say Super or Full moons are emotionally-charged periods especially around for releasing old patterns, habits that do not serve us anymore or be prepared for change. A similar belief can also be found in Paganism - tradition which follows closely the phase of the moon - and the full moon is closely related to a time of healing, spiritual growth and intuitive awareness.
PHOTO/ Chiplanay chiplanay.
Also more beliefs such as "cutting your hair or nails during a full moon for them to re-grow faster, thicker", my grandma used to tell me - and many You Tubers still claim - have no scientific background.
Due to a lack of evidences, is it just about misconceptions?
The moon has not unveiled all its mysteries. All we can say is that watching the moon rising or a Super Moon is a fascinating show.
My Full/Blood moon ritual includes cleansing my crystals under the moonlight, meditating, gazing and taking time to reflect.
It is humbling to be part of it, as us humans, tiny specks of sand among this greatness we still have to comprehend.
AROHA