Every month when the moon is full many people experience a heightened sense of emotionality. Some people report that pets or children are more easily excitable or that “bad things” happen at full moons. Here is an explanation from an astrological perspective on the possible reasons why so much action is evident at a full moon.

When the moon is full, it is exactly opposite the sun. This moment of being exactly opposite happens once every time the moon makes a revolution around the earth – about every 28 days or so depending on the speed of the moon. If we think about the cycle of the moon, it begins as a new moon, first quarter crescent, full moon, third quarter crescent, and then returns back to new moon again. During the times of the new moon, the night is dark and the only light we have is that from the sun. Of course, a full moon is only reflecting the light of the sun, but it does appear to shine, bringing light down to the section of the earth in darkness, experiencing night.

So if we take this moon and light cycle and look at it metaphorically, applying it to life cycles, we can begin to see why it is that more unsavory action tends to be noticed at a full moon.

According to psychology, we have the behaviors that we choose and are in control of directing, and we have behaviors that just “show up”. The part of ourselves that we are not in conscious control of is often referred to as the shadow. The shadow is the part of our self that we do not always approve of, can be ashamed of and are generally unhappy with. Shadow behaviors are often when we exhibit our addictions, our tempers, and our sneaking or controlling behaviors, etc. Keeping in mind that all of these behaviors stem from a need of some sort, they are all attempts at getting needs met – often in subversive ways. These are the behaviors that we tend to hide when in new relationships or when we are “on our best behavior”, working to impress someone. These behaviors are a part of our whole self, and end up in the shadow when we are not able to consciously face the behaviors or the needs behind the behaviors.

So, the night time would represent the shadow part of our self. In astrology, the sun represents the soul, the big purpose or lesson of the life time.  The moon, in turn, represents the emotions, the internal self, and the subconscious. During the day, in full light of the sun, it is difficult to see the internal, subconscious side of a person. At night, it is often easier for people to relax and access their emotions and deeper drives.

During the new moon phase, we are only aware of purpose (the sun). This is considered the beginning of the cycle.  (This is the time when farmers planted their crops – always for the greater yield.) Since we are mostly aware of purpose at the new moon, it is always a great time for intention setting or project beginning.

That brings us to the full moon. During this part of the cycle, light is shed at night. It’s at this time that we can “see” what is normally hidden. So we are able to see the full scope of behaviors and motivations that are at play. Full moons are then periods of culmination, where we can see the true result of our work. If the shadow is going to be seen, it will be at the full moon time.

When the degree of a full moon coincides with a particularly important point in a person’s birth chart we see unusually strong events in the person’s life.  I have often noticed a full moon is going to line up with something in my chart and used those times to take stock of what’s working and what’s not working in my life. They are a great tool for finding the timing and unfoldment of events in a person’s life!

Next time you are seeing “crazy” events at a full moon, it’s a great invitation to take stock of the events and of your reactions as clues to your deeper needs and motivations. Is something working or is it not? Where is a shift in attitude or behavior being called out?

Have fun with this new perspective on the moon cycles. Pay attention to the new patterns you start to see as you begin to track the moons in a different way. Especially interesting is when a full or new moon occurs within a couple days of a birthday – you’ll see that moment reflected throughout the upcoming year! Enjoy-