The Full Moon Effect, aka The Lunar Effect

The Full Moon Effect, aka The Lunar Effect

For centuries, the moon has been one of the cosmic bodies said to change the characteristics of a person. Its ability to transform one from within comes from a long line of belief that it has the power to change a person’s inner molecular structure even if just for a moment. Bards sang tales about how people changed in mood, physique, and even in personality whenever the moon was full. The lunar effect even worked it’s way into the English language providing the etymological origin for the word lunacy.

Neurotic behavior was common and there are even many stories that tell of those who change into savage wolves on a full moon’s night. It is said that once the full moon passes the person has minimal or no recollection of any changes. The biggest question is whether there is any correlation with full moons and behavior change or people acting strangely. And for the most part, it seems that answer is yes, but it depends on many things which include the date, time, year, location, zodiac sign, emotional state, and one’s spiritual maturity.

The Effects Of Full Moon on Emotions

In general, the moon is connected to our emotional selves. Many of the full moon effects on human behavior and emotions are hidden deep within our subconscious. So when the moon is full, it emits energy that greatly affects us all personally as well as collectively.

Each week that passes, the moon transits through each zodiac house clearing its path from whatever debris is in its way. The elements it clears and/or reboots are actually energy vessels that are connected to our soul. The full moon ruffles this bridge that connects us within, causing changes.

Some of these adjustments are subtle while others are drastic, and that is why you see many acting out of character. For the most part, though it is not out of character, it is actually their true selves presenting to the world. To themselves or peers this may appear to be out of the norm because the person does not know how to manage this abrupt inner change. And since the jolt of energy is potent many are not spiritually and/or emotionally equipped to handle it.

Connecting With the Full Moon

You can build a relationship with the full moon and keep track of how it affects you personally. Dedicate time for meditation, inner journeys, and connect with your body’s structural components.

For at least three consecutive months see what date the full moon falls on and if possible (but not necessary) what zodiac sign it is in. If you find out what zodiac sign it’s transiting through, then look at some of the characteristics of that sign to help with your notes. Have a journal handy and write down the changes you feel or what others may see in your temperament for the three days prior and the three days after the full moon.

Although the full moon has a date on the calendar, it is said that its energy lingers within the week it is in transit. Connect with this energy for your unique personal experience. Let the full moon set clarity on your path and help you shed any emotional baggage.

This month of July blesses us with not one but two full moons. This rare occasion literally only happens once every two or three years, and it’s always packed with potent vibrations for all.

 

“When two full moons occur in a calendar month it is often referred to as a blue moon and many use the phrase, ‘once in a blue moon’ because it’s associated with something that is rare.”

 

But the blue moon is a term that is fairly new; an older explanation is that it is either a third or fourth full moon that happens in a season. Since we are still in the summer season it would be our third full moon thus far.

Learn More About Astrology

Common Traits for Full Moons for Each Zodiac Sign

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FULL MOONS FOR ARIES

For Aries, it would be all about mastering time. You love to have things in order so when there is a full moon this can be a very productive time. Looking your best and showing others you are capable of being a responsible asset to society is essential. During this time you can also experience many enlightened conversations. It would also be wise to watch income until after the full moon.

FULL MOONS FOR TAURUS

Full moons bring beauty for Taurus. You beautify your home as well as make changes in image. Creativity is heightened especially in the kitchen. Cooking, baking, and creating, in general, are important during this time. This is also a great time for budgeting and seeing how much you can save for the upcoming months. Communication can be troublesome but with your positive spirits, you will overcome.

FULL MOONS FOR GEMINI

The energy in full moons brings the talkative character out of Gemini. Chatting via email or phone calls from those you know from all over makes this air sign quite happy. Finances can be stale, but this quickly turns around once the full moon is over. During this time revelations are also possible. It is beneficial for Geminis to write down ideas and talk about them with investors.

FULL MOONS FOR CANCER

For Cancers, full moons can be extreme in the sense that you never know what you will get out of them. It is nostalgia and hopes mixed all into one. Laugh and cry about the past, but don’t let it consume you. Communicate with your partner(s) and family about your needs. Full moons also bring rejuvenation, so make sure to tend to your spiritual side. Be spontaneous with others.

FULL MOONS FOR LEO

The energy of full moons brings detail for Leos. It is important to pay attention to your thoughts, actions, paperwork, and anything having to do with long-term commitments. Projects can pick up, and using your networking skills will show to bring abundance. Full moons also stimulate the need for hydration. Health comes to center stage so that you can tend to anything and everything.

FULL MOONS FOR VIRGO

The full moon brings travel for Virgo. This can be either physical or spiritual. Personal journeys are important for this Earth sign because it helps you with grounding. This phase also ignites expression. Singing, writing, and dancing soothe the soul and also attracts more people to your social circle. Family is also important around this time, and it would benefit to show them you love them.

FULL MOONS FOR LIBRA

For Libras, full moons emphasize the need for love. Your affectionate side shows and many are fortunate to experience this side of you. Full moons also bring liberation, but only if you are a positive Libra. It would be beneficial to keep a list of the pros and cons of different things in your life. Once the full moon is over you will have the clarity you need to answer many of your own questions.

FULL MOONS FOR SCORPIO

The energy of full moons creates laughter for Scorpios. At first, they can take things personally but then realize that life is too short to waste it on drama. Speak your mind, but don’t let others attack your tender heart. This time also brings flames of passion. Bring those you love close to you, share moments of bliss, and create long-lasting memories. In finances double-check invoices.

FULL MOONS FOR SAGITTARIUS

Full moons bring stimulation to your intellectual side, Sagittarius. Your mind craves conversations and knowledge about everything. Connect with those who are outside of your normal social circle to reap the most benefits of this energy. The full moon also brings togetherness. Move all relationships in the right direction with your compassionate heart.

FULL MOONS FOR CAPRICORN

For Capricorn’s full moon, energy can bring some aggravation but only because you will have less tolerance for mistakes. This madness quickly turns around, though, when you realize that you are handling others without a care. Your natural side takes over and turns your perspective into kindheartedness. Many reach out to seek your companionship. You are loved by many and they show it.

FULL MOONS FOR AQUARIUS

The energy of full moons stimulates your need for balance. Your senses will tell you exactly what it is you need to set things right on your path; it’s just a matter of listening to yourself, Aquarius. This energy also brings expansion. Your mind activates so that you can receive and/or bury futuristic ideas. Review your life with a compassionate eye and make changes where necessary.

FULL MOONS FOR PISCES

Full moons bring options for Pisces. The phrase “when one door closes the other opens” deems true, and this energy blasts opportunity for change. Some will reap its rewards while others will float in a bubble-like dream of emotions. This dream-like state can bring revelation. It is important to clearly communicate your needs to others. If others don’t listen verbally, then look for alternative ways to say what you need to say.



Samhain Unveiled: Tracing its Origins and Time-Honored Rituals

Samhain Unveiled: Tracing its Origins and Time-Honored Rituals

Samhain is a time-honored tradition followed by witches, Wiccans, ancient druids, and countless other modern pagans across the world, and celebrated as October turns to November. Samhain is a festival of the dead, meaning “Summer’s End,” and though you’re probably tempted to pronounce it “sam-hane,” it’s actually pronounced saah-win or saah-ween.

What is a Samhain Celebration?

Samhain is a sacred and ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It holds deep spiritual significance as it honors our ancestors, acknowledges the time of year when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest, and embraces the mysteries of life and death. Samhain typically takes place from October 31st to November 1st and involves various rituals and traditions, such as ancestor veneration, divination, bonfires, costume dressing, feasting, and releasing and renewing rituals. It’s also celebrated as the beginning of the spiritual new year for Wicca practitioners, which is also why it’s nicknamed “The Witches’ New Year.” Samhain serves as a time of reflection, transformation, and connection with the natural and supernatural realms, reminding us of the cyclical nature of existence and the eternal bond with our ancestral heritage. If this celebration sounds oddly familiar, it’s because our modern Halloween, although different, originates from this Gaelic tradition. Historically, most American Halloween traditions were brought over by Irish and Scottish immigrants.

How to Celebrate Samhain

Samhain is typically celebrated by preparing a dinner to celebrate the harvest. The holiday is meant to be shared with those who have passed on as well as those still with us. Set a place at the table for those in the spiritual plane, providing an offering for them upon every serving throughout the meal. In addition to those who have passed, invite friends and family to enjoy the feast with you. Typical beverages include mulled wine, cider, and mead, and are to be shared with the dead throughout the meal.

Halloween Similarities & Differences

Despite occurring at similar times and containing similar themes, Samhain and Halloween are not the same holiday. Halloween, short for All Hallow’s Eve, is celebrated on and around Oct. 31 and tends to be more family-focused. On the other hand, Samhain is more religious in focus and spiritually observed by practitioners.

There are some more light-hearted observances in honor of the dead through Samhain, but the underlying tone of Samhain is one of a serious religious practice rather than a light-hearted make-believe re-enactment. Today’s Pagan Samhain rites are benevolent, and although they are somber and centered on death, they do not involve human or animal sacrifices, as some rumors may claim. Another difference between Samhain and Halloween is that most Samhain rituals are held in private rather than in public.

When to Start the Celebrations

If you want to start honoring this pagan tradition, you might wonder when to start. The timing of contemporary Samhain celebrations varies according to spiritual tradition and geography. Practitioners state to celebrate Samhain over several days and nights, and these extended observances usually include a series of solo rites as well as ceremonies, feasts, and gatherings with family, friends, and the spiritual community.

In the northern hemisphere, many Pagans celebrate Samhain from sundown on October 31 through November 1. Others hold Samhain celebrations on the nearest weekend or on the Full or New Moon closest to this time. Some Pagans observe Samhain a bit later, or near November 6, to coincide more closely with the astronomical midpoint between the Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice. Most Pagans in the southern hemisphere time their Samhain observances to coincide with the middle of their Autumn in late April and early May rather than at the traditional European time of the holiday. In the end, it’s really up to you!

Honoring Life, Death, & Nature

Samhain isn’t necessarily a creepy, morbid holiday obsessed with death, as some may conclude. Instead, it reaches for themes deeper than that, tying in with nature’s rhythms. In many places, Samhain coincides with the end of the growing season. Vegetation dies back by killing frosts, and therefore, literally, death is in the air.

This contributes to the ancient notion that at Samhain, the veil is thin between the world of the living and the realm of the dead, facilitating contact and communication with the dead. For those who have lost loved ones in the past year, Samhain rituals can be an opportunity to bring closure to grieving and to further adjust to their being in the Otherworld by spiritually communing with them. However, it’s also a way to appreciate life when you get right down to it.

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