How Full Moons Affect People

The full moon is known to have the power to pull on the ocean tides, but can it pull on your emotions as well? There’s a good amount of evidence that the full moon can affect your moods. Learn how to handle it best.

Does a Full Moon Affect Moods?

The Latin word for moon, “luna,” is the root of words like “lunatic,” so it has a strong correlation with strange behavior. People have associated the full moon with wild mood swings since ancient times. Today, 81% of mental health specialists believe in this lunar influence, and many night workers report that people behave more strangely when the moon is full.

However, many people have studied the effects of the full moon, and there’s been a lot of conflicting results. For example, one study says that crime spikes during full moons, while others show no increase in arrests and police calls. Whether the lunar influence is real or not, it has turned into folklore that many people believe in and swear by.

The Full Moon and Mental Health

Some studies have indicated that bipolar patients experience mood swings that coincide with lunar tide cycles. Some individuals have also hypothesized that changes in sleep patterns associated with the phases of the moon can influence moods and mental health. The moon impacts each individual differently, but there is evidence to suggest that your moods and mental health may feel the same lunar pull that the earth’s tides react to.

How to Handle the Full Moon Affecting Your Moods

If you feel like the full moon has a strong influence on you, make a mindful effort to use its energy for positive purposes. You can:

Have full moon parties and celebrate the energy with dancing and entertainment.

Create a full moon ritual where you meditate on the full moon’s energy and draw it in to fuel your higher goals.

Cleanse your space and use the full moon to energize positive activities that organize and recharge your living area.

Set your crystals in the light of the moon for an energy charge you can draw on all month.

Once you understand how the full moon and other moon phases affect you, you can start to use these cycles to your advantage.

How Moon Phases Affect You

The moon’s phases have a noticeable impact on many people. You might feel the moon influencing your emotions and giving a little push to your actions at certain times of the month. Track your sleep, motivation levels, and other feelings throughout the 29-day cycle to see how the moon influences you.

The Moon Phases and Astrology

The moon is imbued with feminine energy and closely associated with the goddess in pagan religions. It has a measurable impact on the tides, and since our bodies are mostly water, many people believe that its pull works similarly on humans.

How Does the Full Moon Affect People?

Does a full moon affect moods? It certainly seems to! The full moon’s energetic pull reportedly causes people to sleep less and experience stronger emotions. The full moon is also associated with sleepwalking, violence, and other strange behavior.

The Effect of Other Phases

Each phase of the moon has its own effect, though most are more subtle than the power of the full moon. Understanding how the phases may affect you will help you evaluate your actions and urges in a new light so you can act accordingly.

New moon: Introverted feelings and a desire to retreat and reflect.

Waxing crescent: Hopefulness and excitement for things to come.

First quarter: Forward momentum and decisiveness.

Waxing gibbous: Evaluation and reflection on what’s important.

Waning gibbous: Enthusiastic, generous, and giving.

Last quarter: Release and the desire to purge what doesn’t serve you.

Waning crescent: Surrender and relaxation.

With the moon’s impact in mind, you can adjust your projects and goals to coincide with the times when the moon will provide the most support. Reflect on new projects during a new moon, and push them through to attain completion around the full moon.

Everyone experiences the pull of the moon differently, but you may find that adjusting your calendar to align with the moon will give you an unexpected boost in your success rates.

The full moon is known to have the power to pull on the ocean tides, but can it pull on your emotions as well? There’s a good amount of evidence that the full moon can affect your moods. Learn how to handle it best.

Does a Full Moon Affect Moods?

The Latin word for moon, “luna,” is the root of words like “lunatic,” so it has a strong correlation with strange behavior. People have associated the full moon with wild mood swings since ancient times. Today, 81% of mental health specialists believe in this lunar influence, and many night workers report that people behave more strangely when the moon is full.

However, many people have studied the effects of the full moon, and there’s been a lot of conflicting results. For example, one study says that crime spikes during full moons, while others show no increase in arrests and police calls. Whether the lunar influence is real or not, it has turned into folklore that many people believe in and swear by.

The Full Moon and Mental Health

Some studies have indicated that bipolar patients experience mood swings that coincide with lunar tide cycles. Some individuals have also hypothesized that changes in sleep patterns associated with the phases of the moon can influence moods and mental health. The moon impacts each individual differently, but there is evidence to suggest that your moods and mental health may feel the same lunar pull that the earth’s tides react to.

How to Handle the Full Moon Affecting Your Moods

If you feel like the full moon has a strong influence on you, make a mindful effort to use its energy for positive purposes. You can:

Have full moon parties and celebrate the energy with dancing and entertainment.

Create a full moon ritual where you meditate on the full moon’s energy and draw it in to fuel your higher goals.

Cleanse your space and use the full moon to energize positive activities that organize and recharge your living area.

Set your crystals in the light of the moon for an energy charge you can draw on all month.

Once you understand how the full moon and other moon phases affect you, you can start to use these cycles to your advantage.

Moon Phases and Their Meanings

Just as the 29-day moon cycle can influence the tides, so too can it create a subtle pull on our emotions. Understanding the moon phases and their meanings can help you plan your activities in alignment with this lunar power.

The Phases of the Moon

The moon goes through eight phases. In order, these are:

New moon: The moon is between the earth and the sun, so the illuminated side faces away from the earth, and the moon appears completely dark.

Waxing crescent moon: The moon is crescent-shaped and growing every day.

First quarter moon: Half of the moon is visible.

Waxing gibbous moon: The moon is more than halfway visible and growing every day.

Full moon: The moon’s face is entirely illuminated by the sun.

Waning gibbous moon: The moon is more than halfway visible and shrinking daily.

Third quarter moon: Exactly half of the moon is illuminated.

Waning moon: The moon is crescent-shaped and getting smaller each day.

What Do Moon Phases Mean?

Understanding the moon phase meanings will help you see how the cycle of the moon can influence your life. When you plan your activities around the moon and its phases, you can use its subtle power to boost your chances of success. So, next time you feel like you need a bit of guidance, just look up to the night sky.

Here are the meanings for the eight phases of the moon:

New moon: New beginnings.

Waxing crescent moon: Intention setting, planning, and confidence.

First quarter moon: Reflection and decision-making.

Waxing gibbous moon: Refinement and mindfulness.

Full moon: Divination, manifestation, and release.

Waning gibbous moon: Gratitude and self-evaluation.

Third quarter moon: Forgiveness, cleansing, and release.

Waning crescent moon: Surrender, compassion, and self-kindness.

When you’re mindful of the moon phases and their meanings, you can coordinate your big projects and plans with the movement of the moon to give yourself a little boost of lunar power. Settle in for self-reflection and meditation during the next new moon, and decide what you want to manifest through the moon cycle.

Connecting with Source Energy

There are many theories as to how to tap into or connect with source energy.  Reiki, prayer, meditation, and dancing are just a few ways that people have found that work to align you with source.

But really, we are all made of source energy so all we really have to do is use the inherent connection we all have to tap into the universal source energy all around us.  Although, that can be easier said than done. 

The study of source has been known by many names and reached through many styles. Buddha called it enlightenment.  Tibetan Monks have mastered chanting as a form of connection to this energy.  There are some on the Sufi path that whirl during ceremonies to find this connection.  Some in the Indigenous peoples of the Americas reached this ability through a ceremony known as the Sun Dance.  In seeking forms of divination, people who use the Tarot, I Ching, crystals and runes are all tapping into source energy.

These can all take years to master.  So what is the best way for someone to try to tap into source for the first time?  It can be different for everyone but the main way is to find something that causes your heart to feel excited.  For some people that is using their body, by running or doing yoga.  That gets someone into “the zone” where they feel at one with the universe.  For others it can be painting or playing music, that makes them feel alive and in tune with something greater than themselves.

Whatever you feel most alive doing or at the most peaceful, is where you should start to try to tap into source.  So, for example if you love to dance, put on some music and allow your body to feel the rhythm, don’t try to “dance a specific style” just let your body move.  Try to free your mind from any distractions that come up about feeling silly dancing by yourself or how you might look to someone who sees you.  Just free your mind from any thoughts other than how great the music sounds and how wonderful it is to move your body.  Don’t fight your mind, if distracting thoughts come up, just acknowledge them and let them flow on out, don’t continue to focus just think of sweeping them out of the way with a broom and tune back into the music.  Keep dancing and just letting your body move however the music leads and begin to feel how open your heart is, how happy the movements make you feel.  That is tapping into source. 

If you have been looking for answers to a specific question or worrying over a decision, once you feel happy and open through dancing, sit down and take out a piece of paper or your computer, whatever you are most comfortable writing with, and just start thinking about your question or decision.  Write down whatever comes to your mind.  Don’t analyze or over think it, just let the words flow.

The same can be done through whatever it is that makes your heart sing.  If it is painting then start swatching colors in a sketchbook or on a piece of paper.  Don’t worry about an image at first, just watch the colors move across the page.  Feel how the paint flows from the brush to the canvas or paper.  Watch as the colors shift and combine if you move one color into another.  Don’t focus on anything other than watching the change and feeling the flow.  Once your mind feels at peace, begin focusing on the problem at hand.  Try to paint how the problem makes you feel, use colors that make you feel the same way.  Soon the answers you are seeking will become clear. You can tap into source in many different ways.  Each one will work better for different people because all of us are wired differently, but we are all made up of the same source energy as the universe.  Just work on finding the right path to tap into it for yourself.  If the first attempt doesn’t work, move on to something different because it will just take some time for you to find the right connection.  It is like digging through a bag of phone cords you have kept for all your phones through the years, to find the right one you have to keep trying each until you find the one that fits your current phone to charge it.  There a style of tapping into source that will work for you, you just have to find

The ‘Science’ of Connecting to Your Source

Spirituality and Metaphysics may seem woo-woo to some people. However, a growing body of research by physicists, psychologists and neuroscientists now show that there is a scientific and measurable energy field around our human bodies, and around all living things, along with new discoveries in the areas of Quantum Physics and Epigenetic’s with source energy and spirituality. 

Growing up we learned that our body is made of cells, organs, bones and tissue and that we get our DNA and make-up from our biological parents. Many of us are also becoming aware that we are created with a mind, body and a soul. And that the secret to leading a happier life is in learning to find ways to increase the balance and harmony between these areas.

They key is to calm down and connect with source energy. The essence and growing popularity of meditation, yoga and Reiki, to mention a few powerful ways to focus our mind and body energy, shows that we are embracing this combination of finding peace in our existence even when we may not totally understand why it works. And that is more than ok. Many of us do not understand all the details of electricity or technology — yet we benefit from it every day. LOL.

Whether you choose to walk in the woods and connect with nature, do Reiki or Meditate daily, create artwork, jam to your favorite music or follow your workout routine, these techniques help to disconnect you from the daily grind and allow you to relax into a place of peace. 

When your physical and energy body is relaxed, balanced and at peace, your entire life will be better. Think about what makes you really happy and lights you up inside. And if you can’t go on that magical vacation right now, find other ways to bring happiness. Scan through online videos that set the mood, rewatch favorite movies, read or listen to books or create your own imaginary getaway. 

Most of all, add more laughter in your life. Enjoy the journey. Find an advisor that calls to you, and they can help you make even deeper connections. 

Source Energy

What does it mean when people say the word source or the phrase source energy? The idea behind source is that there is energy that surrounds us and binds everything together in the entire universe.  From the smallest ingredients in an atom to the largest sun in the galaxy, we are all made up of the same building blocks and energy connecting it all. 

Where did it come from?  Religions have always had individual explanations for it, as did every ancient civilization throughout history.  They each may call it by a different name; from Christianity’s God, to Nu in ancient Egypt, to the Aztec Quetzalcoatil, to science’s Big Bang, there is an underlying theme of the universe springing up from somewhere.   

According to Einstein’s first law of thermodynamics, energy can be neither created nor destroyed.  This means the energy of the universe has always been here and will always be here in some form.  The term source or source energy has gone through lots of other incarnations over time.  But the idea that there is a collective energy that flows throughout the universe is not a new idea.  Source is the idea that no matter what your religion or belief system, there is something that all of us, and everything in the universe, came from or is connected to, the energy flowing between all things. 

Whatever it is, we came from it and when we die, our energy passes back into it, just like our bodies go back into the earth to help rejuvenate the planet from which all physical life here grew from.  Source is really all of us, and everything in the Universe.  The collective knowledge of everything that has ever existed or will ever exist. 

Many people call upon source for help, or look to it for answers.  When you hear someone say “I am calling upon source for answers,” or “What does source want from me?” What they are really saying is they are trying to connect to the source energy all around them to try to open themselves up to the answers they are seeking. 

It is somewhat akin to going to the library or using the internet to do research.  You are looking to something bigger than yourself for the knowledge you don’t have.  People throughout time have looked up to the heavens and believed wishing on a star could bring you something you desire, or that maybe there were answers to be found in the heavens because it looks so big and all encompassing.

What we have to remember is that we are from this energy and we will pass back into this energy.  It isn’t something “outside of ourselves,” we are source too.

Connecting to Source Energy

Connecting to Source Energy

Source energy may be thought of as The Universe, God, Higher Power, Spirit, Divine Energy or more. Regardless of what you call it, that connection is there and it is a source of love and safety. This is where we connect to who we really are at the core. 

When life is busy, we get caught up in our daily routines and stuck into repetitive habits. Some of these habits may help us: exercise, meditation, connecting with those important to us and time in nature. This is an ideal state of balance with mind, body and sprit. Often, though, we may be stuck in the frantic pace of wake up and race through the day until we finally collapse, exhausted. And although we don’t look forward to repeating it all over again the next day, that’s exactly what we do — because we’re stuck and can’t think of any other way. 

This craziness usually continues until we get so out of balance and life yells loudly to get our attention. That is when we abruptly stop and realize we need to make some changes. This may be a health wake up call, career turn arounds or more personal concerns. Let me show you how you can make small steps to improve your life in a big way before this happens!

Steps to Connect

  1. Find or create a place of calm. Turn down life for at least 15 minutes, hopefully more.
  2. Close your eyes and start breathing slowly and deeply.
  3. Remember or imagine a time or place that brings you immense comfort.
  4. Rub your hands together to create a sense of warmth and connection, feeling your energy build. 
  5. Place your hands on your heart and continue breathing at a comfortable pace.
  6. Take this time to connect to your inner you, your source of power.
  7. You will become aware of Aha’s, new ideas, downloads, connections and more. 
  8. We are all unique. Trust that you are here for a reason. Allow this deeper awareness…
  9. You may “see,” “hear,” “smell,” “touch,” or “taste” something that connects the dots for you. 
  10. The more you do this, the easier it gets.

Enjoy this process.

Mantras for Open Mindedness

While mantras and affirmations are quite similar, they do have a few key differences. An affirmation is a word or phrase you repeat until you believe it to be true. For instance, one useful affirmation is, “I am loved.” A mantra is a powerful sound or vibration that can help you relax your mind. Let’s take a moment to focus on mantras and how they can lead to an open mind. 

Using Mantras to Improve Open-Mindedness

As you practice yoga or meditation, your teacher or guide may encourage you to chant, whisper, or silently recite calming sounds. Neuroscientists are beginning to find that mantras have the ability to calm your mind and nervous system. As you relax and repeat the sound, you may begin to access higher levels of consciousness and deeper intuition

Mantras can help you improve your open-mindedness because they tend to quiet negative thoughts and give space to creative thoughts. As you meditate, use your mantra to achieve a state of being where you feel confident and secure. Focus on the sound of the mantra and the feeling of your deep breathing. 

Uplifting Mantras for an Open Mind

The best mantra is one that evokes feelings of creativity, confidence, and happiness. Before your yoga or meditation session, think about what you want from this quiet time. Work on clearing your mind and making room for only positive feelings and calm thinking. Here are some mantras you can use to open your mind:

  • Om (Aum): Om is the best mantra because it is the base for many other mantras. It represents the essence of pure reality or consciousness.
  • Om namah shivaya: This uplifting mantra translates to “I bow to Shiva.” As you honor this Hindu deity, you can connect to your inner self.
  • Lumen de Lumine: Many consider this, which translates to “Light of Light,” a happiness mantra as it helps you overpower any feelings of darkness. The purpose is to drown yourself in feelings of lightness and be more open to the world.

Exercising an Open Mind With Energy Healing

Many cultures all over the world throughout the ages have attributed some or even all of their spiritual healing practices on the focus of energy currents in the body. When you tap into this energy, you can begin healing yourself by breaking through these blockages.

What Is Energy Healing?

Energy healing is the process of activating your body’s energy systems to remove blockages. These blockages can be caused by all types of disruptions — from anxiety, depression, and other mental ailments to back pain, headaches, and weight loss. Energy healing is a holistic approach to breaking through these energy blockages to promote the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

How to Channel Energy to Heal

According to Shakti tradition, there are seven energy centers, or chakras, that serve as central points for the transfer of energy throughout your body. When one or more of these energy centers become blocked, it can result in stress, health upsets, or other disruptions, both physical and emotional. To channel this energy, use meditation as a guide for opening the heart and mind. Sit in a quiet space free from distractions and close your eyes.

Focus on your breathing and take slow, deep breaths. Concentrate on the feeling of energy flowing throughout your body, unobstructed. The more you practice doing this, the more easily you’ll be able to pull the energy you need for healing yourself and others.

How to Heal People

Energy healing takes a lot of practice, time, and patience, whether you’re learning Reiki or another tradition. As you learn how to do it for yourself, you can start practicing reading and feeling the energy of others. As you get used to that, you can start channeling your energy to help others unblock their seven chakras, or wherever you notice the energy blockages. Over time, this unobstructed flow of energy throughout the body can lead to positive outcomes.

Meditation for Spiritual Growth

Although meditation is a way to center ourselves and shut off the outside world for a moment, it can also be a way for you to grow spiritually. When you spend time calming your mind and finding inner peace, you have room to explore your spiritual consciousness. Let’s explore how looking inward through meditation can help you grow.

Meditation Restores Balance

Healthy habits are an important part of feeling energized and balanced. Similar to how exercise, healthy eating, and a full night of sleep are good for you, meditation is one way to take care of your mental health. When you find the world is chaotic, take a moment to close your eyes, be silent, and focus on your breath. After your session, you may feel calm and balanced once again.

How To Meditate Spiritually

Spiritual meditation is the practice of learning how you are connected to something bigger than yourself. Start by reflecting on your inner self and how you move through life. Then, begin to focus on the present moment. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What do I feel?
  • What do I hear?
  • What do I smell?
  • What do I taste?

As your eyes are closed and your breathing is deep, begin to overcome any negative thoughts or feelings by accepting and acknowledging your entire self. When you learn to find love and compassion for yourself, you can more easily do the same for others. During your practice, focus on the following:

  • Your authentic self.
  • Being open-minded.
  • Directing compassion toward others.
  • Releasing grudges or burdens.

The Takeaways of Meditation for Spiritual Growth

Learning how to quiet your mind and take time to live in the moment requires practice. When you begin meditation, you may find that your thoughts are racing. As you learn to sink into calmness, you can enrich your life, appreciate every moment, and be more mindful.