The Moon.

The pain was constant coming in waves pulsating throughout his body. He dragged himself slowly out of bed towards the bathroom. Reaching out to open the door a hair claw had replaced what once had been his hand. Slowly looking into the mirror to see what used to be his face was now replaced by a monster. The only thing to suggest what could have caused the change was the reflection of the full moon in the sky silently mocking him. 

    The moon. As humans we can’t help the natural curiosity that pegs all of us starting at a young age. Countries even had a race to be the first on the astronomical body. Though when you stop and think about it, have you ever realized  just how much of an affect the moon could be having on us? We jokingly say watch out for the full moon. It drives people crazy; but what if it can be blamed for acts of violence, psychosis, and of course werewolves. Don’t just take my word for it there's plenty of proof that shows the moon, especially when full, can cause changes. 

    Let’s start at the beginning. The thought of the moon having effects on people can be traced back to early Greek civilization. Hippocrates, father of medicine, even ‘tied human madness to the full moon.’ With the belief in many gods and goddesses, especially in Greek Mythology, it's understandable how these beliefs were formed. However, it doesn’t explain all the physical proof we still see to this day of how the moon changes things. 

    In 1995 there was a survey conducted at the University of New Orleans. It came to show that 85% of mental health professionals believe that the ‘powers’ of the full moon affect people’s minds. This isn’t based on beliefs; but based off of actual evidence they’ve observed. On evenings that there are full moons there is a rise on ER and psychiatric visits. Psychologists believe that the moon can help those suffering from depressive episodes. Nights when the moon is full sleep patterns tend to fluctuate more. The sleep deprivation is said to help pull them out of the episode. 

    When the moon is full it has an affect on many things, not just humans. When full the lunar and solar tides reinforce causing tides to be larger. When the gravitational pull of the sun and moon are working together the outcomes are stronger. This is why when there is a storm like a hurricane when there is a full moon the damage is greater. The higher tides cause even more water damage than initially. Scientists have also studied the effects of the full moon on different species. They believe that the lunar cycle has hormonal changes on insects for one. Pets, such as cats and dogs, are also more likely to be mischievous during the full moon. So the  next time you’re wondering why everyone around you is acting up check your see if there’s a full moon; it definitely could be taking its toll. Be careful. You never know the effect it could have on you. 

In honor of the full moon tonight.