Luna, Lunacy, Mystic Magic and The Effects of The Moon

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Earthquakes

Some scientists wonder whether the moon’s tugging may also influence earthquake activity. It has been suggested that the same force that raises the tides also raises tides in the Earths Crust, though only by a few centimetres.  For example there is a higher incidence of earthquake activity in the Northern hemisphere when the moon is north of the equator and an increase in earthquake activity in the Southern hemisphere when the moon is South of the equator.

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Ocean Tides

Tides are created because the Earth and the moon are attracted to each other, just like magnets. The moon’s gravity pulls at the Earth. Since the water is not grounded the moon is able to pull at it. Each day, there are two high tides and two low tides. The ocean is constantly moving from high tide to low tide, and then back to high tide. There is approximately 12 hours  between the two high tides. Winds and currents move the surface water causing waves. The gravitational attraction of the moon causes the oceans to bulge out in the direction of the moon. Another bulge occurs on the opposite side, since the Earth is also being pulled toward the moon (and away from the water on the far side). Ocean levels fluctuate daily as the sun, moon and earth interact. As the moon travels around the earth and as they, together, travel around the sun, the combined gravitational forces cause the world’s oceans to rise and fall. Since the earth is rotating while this is happening, two tides occur each day.

When the moon is full or new, the gravitational pull of the moon and sun are combined. At these times, the high tides are very high and the low tides are very low. This is known as a spring high tide. Spring tides are especially strong tides (but do not have anything to do with the season Spring). They occur when the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon are in a line.  Spring tides occur during the full moon and the new moon.

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During the moon’s quarter phases the sun and moon work at right angles, causing the bulges to cancel each other out. They occur when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are perpendicular to one another (with respect to the Earth). Neap tides occur during quarter moons.The result is a smaller difference between high and low tides and is known as a Neap tide. Neap tides are especially weak tides.

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The Full Moon Effect

The Full Moon can cause hormonal reactions to increased positive ions in the air (Full Moon Effect) this can trigger hyperactivity, depression, violent behaviour, road rage, higher occurrences of migraines and asthma.  Even bees are known to sting without provocation on higher positive ion ratios. Negative ions are actually better for us and can help purify the air, they are also known to help with depression and asthma.

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Lunacy

The Roman goddess of the moon bore the name Luna, which is the prefix of the word ‘lunatic’. Greek philosopher Aristotle and Roman historian Pliny the Elder suggested that the brain was the ‘moistest’ organ in the body and therefore most susceptible to the influences of the moon. Belief in the ‘lunar lunacy effect’, or ‘Transylvania effect’, as it was sometimes called, was prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages, when humans were widely reputed to transform into werewolves or vampires during a full moon..

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Humans

Scientists have been trying to prove for some time that the Moon exerts an effect on humans, what has not been established is why. Scientists have until now examined the theory that the Moon triggers changes through its gravitational pull. But the latest research points to an effect on people’s hormones. The lunar cycle has an impact on human reproduction, in particular fertility, menstruation and birth rate. Other events associated with human behaviour, such as traffic accidents, crimes, and suicides, appeared to be influenced by the lunar cycle.

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