☾ *¸• HEADCANON : TYPES OF MOONS + THEIR EFFECTS.
So @tcddyrcmus asked me if the kind of full moon affected Remus’ transformation or the way he acts as a werewolf and I realized I’ve never thought about it, so here we have a detailed headcanon! I’m in no way a moon expert and I’m basing these types mostly on these two articles. Feel free to correct me if this post is factually incorrect in any way! This headcanon does not take into account the effects of a wolfsbane potion.
Transformation takes place when a full moon has risen and the sun has gone down, and lasts until sunrise. The moon appears to be full for approximately three consecutive nights, meaning that Remus technically transforms thrice in three days. The first transformation is usually the heaviest, particularly as his body is somewhat numbed down after the first night, causing the following two transformations to be slightly less painful -- but still excruciating. During the day, he is extremely weak and vulnerable and tends to sleep all the time, only waking to drink. After waking up from the third and final night, Remus always has a huge appetite as his human form did not eat for the past two days. He has also made a habit of eating quite a lot of food before the first night to compensate the hunger a bit.
WOLF MOON. - the first full moon of the year.
This moon is named after the howling of wolves which could/can be heard particularly around January. It is no coincidence that werewolf activity is especially high during this time of the year. It is the month when the largest number of incidents occur, which often results into the creation of several new werewolves. Remus’s wolf form is most aggressive and violent during a Wolf Moon and particularly his already exceptional sense of smell is enhanced to the extent where he can pick up an animal or human scent from 15 miles away.
BLOOD MOON. - during a total lunar eclipse.
While its name suggests werewolves will get particularly bloody and violent during this moon, the blood moon actually gives some relief. The lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, the latter of which is covered in the shadow of the Earth. This phenomenon somewhat represses the effects the moon usually has ; Remus’ wolf form tends to be a lot calmer and acts more like a regular wolf. Alas, a full lunar eclipse usually lasts roughly between one to two hours, so the solace is for a rather short time.
SUPERMOON / PERIGEAN FULL MOON.
This moon appears to be bigger than usual as it is somewhat closer to Earth in its orbit. It has no particular effect on Remus’ werewolf behaviour, but it affects the transformation: his change into the monstrous creature is much faster, albeit more painful.
The micromoon is the opposite of a supermoon; it occurs when the moon is at its farthest distance in its orbit. This lunar type causes his transformation to happen at a much slower and gradual pace where he maintains his conscience for a longer time. The physical torment is roughly the same level as during an ordinary full moon.
A blue moon is an additional moon in a season with four full moons, which usually occurs every two-and-a-half years. It has no further effect on Remus’ behaviour.
HARVEST MOON. - the beginning of autumn.
This moon is somewhat brighter than regular moons and rises much sooner - around sunset. Consequently, Remus’ transformation occurs several minutes before rather than after nightfall.