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13 Weird Things That Happened During The Full Moon And WHY They Happened

You’d think as someone that spends most of their free time writing about the paranormal that I’d have witnessed certain things in my life.

Perhaps I’d grown up in a haunted house?

Maybe I’ve seen a ghostly figure traipse around a house during a tour of the property I would soon call home?

And what about that imaginary friend that liked to tell me about that time daddy got angry and buried mummy in the cellar?

Whilst at least 2 of those 3 things are true, the reality is I haven’t had that many encounters with those from beyond the grave.

But there’s always one thing that made me know there was more to the world than the things we can see. There was always one thing that reassured me that there was magic and mystery we have yet to explore.

And that was the moon.

It was only last week that I was reminded of my affinity for the full moon, when everything just felt…

Odd.

Everything felt close and isolating and honestly I can’t find the words to describe it. And a blogger, that’s a problem.

My Wiccan best friend - just like a gay best friend, only I’m not Carrie Bradshaw and my life isn’t dedicated to finding a husband - said the same thing, noting that this cycle’s full moon was extremely intense for her, too.

She said she often experiences insomnia when the moon is fully illuminated, whereas I’m probably on the ‘lunacy’ side of the spectrum.

I’d simply never felt a lunar cycle so strongly.

So, I thought I’d do a little digging - and it turns out I’m not the only one that has such an adverse reaction to the full moon. Turns out that the whole world has never really known how to cope with the middle of the lunar cycle, and still struggles to act normal on the one day of the month.

I guess you could say things are about to get…

Paranormal.

Today we are gonna get talkin’ ‘bout what the moon really means - historically, scientifically, and spiritually. And then we’re gonna get to the stuff you clicked on this post for.

All the creepy shizz that has gone down when the moon is full.

The Science Behind The Full Moon

*Pushes glasses up nose*

*Realises I’m wearing contact and feels like prat*

The full moon is a lunar phase when the moon is fully illuminated from the perspective of the Earth. This occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon.

There has been no evidence to suggest it has any effect on human behaviour. Only there has been. And there’s a lot of it. The thing is, none of the studies brought together show any distinct pattern.

Sometimes the full moon affects things negatively, like more violent criminal acts taking place; sometimes the full moon affects things positively, like baby booms. Either way, something rather fishy is going on…

And fishy is the right word.

Our obsession with the moon can be traced back to how we have used it to chart our lives.

Studies on sea organisms have proven how this is still utilised by animals who don’t have the benefit of asking Siri to set a reminder to put the bins out; creatures have used it to anticipate changes in the environment, such as certain organisms being more active during the new moon when its darker to avoid being seen by predators.

Historically, humans have also followed the lunar cycles as a calendar, and certain societies still do:

Native Americans still denote the full moons different names depending on the month and season, a concept that still lingers even outside of the Americas.

Take the ‘harvest moon’, or the ‘hunter’s moon’ - these are the full moons that coincide with different seasons.

Most pre-modern calendars were also based on the lunar cycle, explaining why our months (not the similarity to the word ‘moon’) mirror length of the lunar cycle (29.5 days).

The thing is, our current reliance on physical calendars doesn’t mean we’ve ditched our dependence on the moon. But it seems our relationship with the moon has shifted from a reliance to somewhat of a curse.

And this curse comes back, month after month, like clockwork.

This curse is called Lunar Theory.

What Is Lunar Theory?

This theory claims there’s a link between the lunar cycle and human behaviour. Mood changes, an increase in fertility, a spike in social tension - the moon has been and will continue to be blamed for a variety of problems.

And this started, well, at the beginning of time.

Since ancient times the moon has been associated with odd behaviour, from insomnia to insanity. For some reason, epilepsy is also frequently associated with it, alongside more general ‘madness’.

Ever considered where the term ‘lunacy’ came from? It is derived from the Goddess Luna, the deity of the moon, who would supposedly spend her evenings riding a silver chariot across the sky.

Even in the the 18th century, English psychiatric hospitals made a point of restraining and shackling their patients during the full moon. But if you weren’t in the hospital, you’d probably be citing the full moon as a defence for their criminal actions.

But expressing ‘odd’ behaviour wasn’t the most common link between humans and the moon: it was mainly used to judge women’s fertility.

Aside from the lunar cycle sharing the same length as a women’s menstrual cycle, many ancient texts claimed it could be used to determine pregnancy.

A Czeh doctor in the 1950s discovered one such text from the Assyrian era, a text which claims a woman’s fertility can be pinpointed by the phase of the moon. If you were born under the full moon, for example, your peak-baby-making-potential would be at the full moon.

A study of a baby boom at Kyoto which coincided with a Supermoon supported this claim, as did the fact that half of the scientific reports regarding the moon are about female fertility and pregnancy.

Outside of the womb, society is also afflicted by the lunar cycle.

A study of Floridian society across 5 years saw an increase in both aggravated assault and homicide during the full moon. Such claims have had a permanent impact on a variety of judicial systems, particularly the police.

Even the stock markets are affected, with averages peaking higher nearer the new moon than the full moon!

Another peculiar impact is that of motorbike accidents, with a sharp spike of 5.3% during the full moon. Then again, the full moon could be a worthy distraction, especially if you’re coming round a corner and see a glowing orb not dissimilar to a headlight.

And so, the demise of innocent bikers is our segue into a similarly deathy-topic.

The Spiritual Meaning Of The Moon

The full moon has clearly amassed many spooky attributes in its time, but it's the lunar cycle as a whole which has earned a deep, spiritual meaning.

Given the link between the moon and menstruation, the moon is symbolically considered female, guiding our emotions and representing the subconscious.

Think of the natural cycles of life, or the tides of our oceans; what is on the surface doesn’t reveal the vast depths below. Beyond our inner selves, the moon also represents learning, among a variety of other concepts this article doesn’t have room for.

However, this post does leave room for the dichotomy between the moon and the sun. The sun represents our outer selves and our strength, and the rom-com-esque mythological story between the moon and sun continues to confirm this relationship.

For the spiritual among us, there are actually many ways to connect with the entire lunar cycle and use it to your full advantage.

The lunar cycle supposedly represents a cycle of life, or, in more simple terms, the cycle of an idea or a project.

It starts with the new moon:

It's a fresh start, a time to be alone and recharge, a time to turn inwards to yourself as the moon does itself (it presents its dark side to us, turning away from the Earth). It is advised that you write your intentions for the next 29.5 days to make the most of your lunar cycle.

Through the waxing period of the moon (leading up to the full moon), projects develop, encountering obstacles and editing your ideas. Allow your dreams and curiosity to fuel you during this time, guiding you to fulfilling your desires.

At the full moon, clarity is reached. But with opposing zodiac signs present, tensions and emotions spike. Revel in the light the full moon is famous for, whether your bathing in the light of the full moon or recharging your crystals.

The waning period (leading to the new moon) is all about letting go and reaching emptiness, completing the cycle. Sure, it might sound like a rather sad way to end the cycle, but it should actually be used to honour your achievements, as well as recognising the bad habits that might be holding you back.

On another level - or on another spiritual plain, that is - the paranormal also come out to play when the moon is brightest.

According to Mark Keyes, the head of the Pennsylvania Paranormal Association (a former police detective who noticed the spikes in criminal activity during the full moon) claims that both the moon and the changing of the seasons points to an increase in paranormal activity.

From the end of September through to the mid-winter, we are the most sensitive to the supernatural as the veil between the worlds thin.

Whether its mediums being able to chat to ghosts more easily, or non-mediums being more susceptible to spirits, we are able to see activity on a much greater level.

And I mean that in a literal sense.

The full moon provides a greater level of light to us, allowing us to see spooky goings-on. Yet beyond what we can see, there are two other explanations for this growing connection between us and that which is 6 feet deep:

If there’s an increase in human activity during the full moon, surely this could take its toll on the spirit world, too?

Many religions cite the spirit world as under the sea, such as the Celtic Otherworld. As the moon affects tides, surely the gravitational pull would impact those beyond the grave as well?

13 Weird Things That Have Happened During Full Moons

Urban legends, horror movies, ghost stories that your grandmother used to tell you before making some off-hand racist comment about the newsreader on the telly…

They all have one thing in common: they all start with a full moon.

And as it turns out, real stories of strange and historic occurrences share this, too.

#1 - The Birth Of Jesus Christ

Remember this minor detail in history, you know, the one that kickstarted a new religion and changed the face of human history forever?

Yeah, that’s the one, the birth of the son of God.

In an attempt to date the birth of Christ, historians have used one detail mentioned surrounding the death of King Herod which occurred after the birth of the King of the Jews:

Records claim Herod died shortly after a lunar eclipse.

We know it happened before Passover, which means around March, so this could either be March 13th 4BC, or January 10th 1BC. The latter lunar eclipse was much more significant and thus more likely to be recorded, suggesting Jesus was likely born around 2 BC.

#2 - Columbus Being A Colonial Dick

Colonialism fucking sucks.

And given there’s been so much of it throughout history, it’s no surprise that one of these terrible occurrences went down on a full moon. The thing is, Christopher Columbus himself - the champion of sailing to other places and planting a flag there - used a lunar eclipse as a part of his plans to plant a flag on Jamaica’s shores.

During an expedition, he and his crew found themselves marooned on unknown territory with dwindling reserves of both food and morale.

To convince the Jamaicans to cooperate with his expedition, he threatened to take away their moon, fully aware that a lunar eclipse was set to strike.

Low and behold, a ruddy, angry looking blood moon graced their skies.

In fear, they asked him to bring it back. He prayed, and the normal moon returned, convincing them that he had otherworldly powers and should thus follow his orders.

Told you he was a dick.

#3 - Benjamin Franklin Gave Us A Geography Lesson

Considering the current president, I never expected to have anything in common with a leader of the free world.

(Apart from the rampant sexism, you stupid b*tch.)

But it turns out that Ben Franklin was just as intrigued by the moon as I am! During a stint in his home city of Philadelphia, he was keen to see a total eclipse. Unfortunately, bad weather dashed his hopes of witnessing the phenomena.

The thing is, a letter from his brother later received claimed the weather would clear by the time the eclipse occurred.

This prompted him to investigate weather patterns along the coast and even lead him to write a treatise on the matter.

Writing about geography? Clearly this is evidence of lunacy.

#4 - Lawrence Of Arabia Earned His Nickname (1917)

The lunar cycle is namedropped in many prophecies, often being used as an omen or a sign of certain events to follow.

Indeed, this was what lent a helping hand to the English military icon affectionately known as Lawrence of Arabia.

With a lunar eclipse on the cards, they could easily overrun a Turkish fort full of soldiers who were banging pots and shooting at the moon as they believed an Islamic prophecy heralding the day of judgement was coming true.

#5 - The Athenians F*Ck Up In The Battle Of Syracuse

Okay, so it might not be a technical term Lawrence of Arabia would’ve used to discuss such tactics, but when a lunar eclipse occurred (on the 28th August 413 BC), Nicias, the bloke running the Athenian army asked the priests what to do.

(Imagine an Ancient Greek accent.)

“Surely this is an omen, right?”

The priests told them to wait for 27 days in the harbour. Unfortunately, this gave the enemy a 27 day window to attack. And they did.

The Athenians were quickly defeated.

#6 - The Fall Of Constantinople

Whilst this historic moment didn’t happen within the shift of a full moon, a lunar eclipse certainly helped move the whole shebang along.

With 7 days to go until the final moment from which the city fell to the Ottomans, a lunar eclipse fulfilled a prophecy confirming the city’s seizure.

Omen? Trivago.

#7 - A Trans-Antarctic Expedition Is Saved By The Full Moon

It’s 1916.

We are in the Antarctic with the Ross Sea Party, and we are stranded.

There’s a blizzard blowing around us, and there’s thin ice below. Either we fall through the ice in a mad attempt to escape to Cape Evans, or we starve to death. Or we freeze. Can’t forget that one.

Our only hope is to wait for the full moon, when our sole source of light in the evenings can guide us to safety.

Luckily enough, on July 16th, a full moon strikes, bringing with it clear skies, calm weather, and thicker ice. Huzzah!

Wait, is it just me or is it getting darker?

Yep, a partial lunar eclipse was forecasted for this expedition, but a slither of light was enough to see them through the safety.

#9 - British Surgeons Refuse To Operate

The eternal link between blood and the lunar cycle flows into the medical field this time, but you can’t plug this one up with a tampon.

Medical myths claim that throughout history surgeons have been opposed to performing surgery on patients during full moons, citing issues with blood clotting and thus an increased risk of patients bleeding to death.

Heck, this was brought up by a British politician in 2009!

He was, of course, mocked for his claims.

#10 - Schizophrenic Patients Exhibited An Increase In Violent Behaviour

Many claims regarding the full moon clearly focus on, ahem, ‘lunacy’. Whilst the term is far from politically correct, links have been forged between mental disorders and the moon.

Understandably, mental health professionals refute these claims, but with studies pointing to an increase in violent activity by 1.8%, surely this is grounds for concern?

No, no it's not.

Mathematically speaking, anything below 2% is unverifiable as a significant change worthy of study.

#11 - A Police Emergency Occurs In Brighton

In 2007, Brighton’s police force released more officers over the summer months as a result of the increase in criminal and paranormal activity during full moons.

The thing is, they aren’t the only boys in blue to make this decision.

Sussex police force supported their actions, claiming that during the full moon criminals are more aggressive.

Even across the pond in Ohio and Kentucky similar actions have been taken to protect and serve during the lunar cycle. In another corner of the world - New Zealand - the justice minister supported such beliefs, confirming hocus-pocus isn’t just for the person sitting behind the keyboard and typing this.

#12 - A Supermoon Causes 2 Earthquakes And Tsunamis

Both Japan and countries around the Indian Ocean might be acquainted with the threat of earthquakes and tsunamis, but their mysterious occurrence of 2 surrounding a supermoon are enough to raise suspicion.

The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011 peaked at a magnitude or 9.1 on the Richter scale, confirming itself as the 3rd biggest earthquake ever recorded.

The earthquake in the Indian Ocean in 2004 - also known as the Boxing Day Tsunami - is one of the worst natural disasters in history, claiming 200,000 lives.

Both were framed by a 2 week period around the full moon, wreaking havoc - and raising eyebrows.

#13 - A 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Occurs During A Supermoon

In November 2016, New Zealand was hit by a huge earthquake which occurred on the night of a supermoon.

And if that wasn’t enough, it struck just after midnight.

To this day it is considered to be “one of the most complex earthquakes ever studied” as ruptures occurred on multiple faults.

Yeah, that shizz is spooky.

Does The Moon Affect You?

Is this all just goblin n’ troll talk, or is it real?

And who else is loony for the moon?

If you loved this post, I’m sure you’ll fall head over heels for my other posts, too! And while you’re at it, be sure to follow me for a new real ghost story everyday.