“I think, therefore I am” – René Descartes
What does this mean? Descartes proposed that we have a brain that thinks, and it is this that creates our reality.
Take a moment to consider that we have senses that feed information to the mind. The mind then interprets the information that is provided. All that any sentient being can be certain of is their experience through their own senses and the thoughts that follow in connection to these experiences. This is the philosophy of Phenomenology.
Before we delve into the connection between the full moon and Luna eclipse and their relationship with our innermost thoughts and perceptions, let us first glance at the science behind the effects on humans on a physical, mental and energetic level.
Healthline tells us that as far back as 400 B.C., physicians and philosophers blamed behavioural changes on the moon’s pull. The word “lunatic”, after all, came from the idea that changes in our mental state could be related to the Lunar cycles. This isn’t entirely groundless; the ocean’s tides rise and fall in time with the moon’s phases, and several marine species have reproductive cycles coinciding with the Luna cycles, as do our human females. It is well known that an adult human body contains 60% water.
Coincidental?
A study involving 319 people found that the full moon affected sleep quality and was associated with less deep sleep and increased REM (rapid eye movement) latency. Another study involving 205 people found that the full moon may affect sleep differently in males and females; females sleep less and have less REM sleep when the full moon is near, whereas males have more REM. Further studies have also concluded that humans are more physically efficient during the full and new moon.
Essentially, this could be because the human body has adapted to the exposure to daylight and darkness, which has led to the development of circadian rhythms that affect many of our body’s systems – not just the sleep-wake cycles.
Do the full moon’s power to brighten the sky has something to do with how we experience the full moon? This would imply that one of our senses feeds information to the brain, not the thought itself appearing from the ethos.
Full moons have long been thought of as a rebirth of feminine energy, a time to connect with your emotions, body and intuition. The full moon’s energy is always that of a cycle coming to a crescendo or completion of its influence and essence.
If one could sense this energy, what would we be interpreting? Is what we perceive as “energy” just vibration?
Again, I invite you to look into this a little deeper and question why we may feel the tides of emotions rolling in on the lead-up to the full moon; perhaps this is because the body functions as a single sine wave.
It is now an accepted fact in medicine that every single organ and organelle in the body is constantly vibrating, not just the human body. The Earth itself vibrates. The Earth pulsates constantly – a phenomenon called the Schumann Resonance. This is created through a series of low-frequency resonances caused by lightning discharges in the atmosphere that envelope the entire Earth. We could perhaps refer to it as the Earth’s heartbeat. The frequencies vary between 3 to 60 Hz; however, the fundamental frequency of the planet occurs at 7.83 Hz.
We know that the speed of human brainwaves varies from low frequency (infra-low of <0.5 Hz) to very high frequency (gamma waves between 38 to 42 Hz). Of all the waves, the Theta waves exist between 3 to 7 and the alpha waves between 8 to 13 Hz. The Theta waves occur most during sleep and deep meditation; similarly, the Alpha waves occur when a person is relaxed. Amazing to consider that the vibratory frequency of the brain in a state of calm coincides precisely with the background heartbeat of the Earth.
A fascinating book describing the work of Masaru Emoto advances the pseudoscientific idea that the molecular structure of water is changed by the presence of the human consciousness nearby. The book describes the process of emotions projected with intent at a body of water, and then the crystals within are photographed. Their shapes appear to vastly change according to the projection of positive and negative emotions. This inspires deeper contemplation into the biological makeup of the human body and how it is possible that what we experience creates our reality.
Gravity is the force of attraction between two objects. The moon’s gravity pulls at the Earth, causing predictable rises and falls in sea level, known as tides. High tides occur on the side of the Earth nearest the moon due to gravity and the side farthest from the moon due to the inertia of the water. Low tides occur between these two humps. So, we can imagine the moon’s effect on the human body, which we know is 60% H2O.
Gravity might be playing more of a role in the tides of our emotions than we give it credit!
During total eclipses, the moon, Earth and sun are directly aligned, and a Lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth sits between the sun and the moon, casting the Earth’s shadow across the moon’s face. There is a fraction of a moment in time when the light is entirely interrupted, the frequency changes, and we can experience this with all of our senses. These total Lunar eclipses can only occur during a full moon. The year 2022 has four eclipses, two solar and two Lunars. So, watch out for the tidal waves and remember our relaxed state of being is attuned to the Earth’s heartbeat.
The spiritual aspects of the moon represent our deep emotional tides. The Lunar Eclipse is viewed in astrology as a profoundly transformative time that can bring abrupt and sudden change. When the Earth momentarily blocks the sun’s illumination and creates the full moon, it resets the current emotional cycle. It allows the shadow to reveal what is hidden in our subconscious. Eclipses are also like a cosmic helping hand of the universe, putting you exactly where you need to be, where the time has come to discard the safe and comfortable and grow fully into yourself. These transformative times can be complemented with ceremonies and rituals. These can play an essential role in creating the conditions we need to set positive intentions for future cycles.
8 ways to connect to the moon and cleanse:
Working with crystals – is a great way to help temper any sensitive or frustrated energy the Full moon and eclipse may bring.
Setting intentions – writing in your journal and taking time to Zen out someplace quiet that brings you closer to nature.
Light candles and burn sage to cleanse and ground yourself.
Drink ceremonial cacao and connect to the divine feminine.
Play music and dance under the moon.
Roll out your mat and enjoy your favourite asanas that honour the moon and its cycles through your yoga practice.
Connect with like-minded souls in these times of change and evolution.
Bathe yourself in the salt water of the ocean if you can, or water blessed by the full moon.
Add flowers and essential oils that purify your Aura.
Experience the full moon through your vibrational senses.
Smell the white sage used for thousands of years by shamans.
Taste the ceremonial Cocao to connect to the divine feminine energy.
Hear the sound waves from singing bowls and drums attuned to frequencies specific for cleansing and grounding.
Bath yourself in moon-energized waters kissed by essential oils.
You are a sensual being. Embody Phenomenology!
Leila Verban, Our Expert
Leila Verban is a creative writer and a qualified Yoga teacher who is the sole owner of Earth Side Yoga. Situated at the base of the Eungella Range, she continues to evolve her practice and refine her skills to incorporate counselling, meditation, energy healing and positive manifestation.
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
