Despite the
hundreds of thousands of kilometers that separate us from the moon, it exerts a
powerful influence on many aspects of our daily lives.
TIDES
The moon’s
gravitational pull on the Earth plays an essential role in sea tides. The moon
attracts water, causing the sea level to rise and fall.
At full and
new moons, the sun and the moon are aligned with our planet, causing a stronger
pull on water and, thus, spring tides. On the contrary, neap tides are caused when
the moon, the Earth and the sun form a right angle.
PLANTS
It has been
believed since ancient times that pruning at full moon had an effect on the
growth of crops. The fact is that the gravitational force of the moon is
involved in the movement of the sap in the plants and the germination of the seeds.
These theories claim that in the waning moon, we should sow the plants whose roots
and tubers we use, whereas in the crescent moon, it is advisable to sow the
plants that grow on the ground. The phases of the moon and the movements of
other stars are one of the bases of the so-called “Biodynamic Agriculture” when
sowing, pruning and harvesting.
HAIR GROWTH
Although
for some there is no connection between this gravitational force and hair
growth, other people might say that the moon has an effect on hair growth and
consider the lunar calendar to have a haircut or shave. Then, they will have
their hair cut in a crescent moon in case they want to accelerate hair growth, and
in a waning moon if they want to keep short hair for longer periods of time.
SLEEP
Research from
Washington University confirmed that full moons reduce deep sleep decreases, and
already on the following days it is more difficult to fall asleep, hence we
sleep fewer hours.
THE CALENDAR
The moon has been used as a reference
to establish the calendars of different civilizations and religions. Did you
know that Easter depends on the date of the first full moon after the spring equinox?
According to what was established in the year 325 by the Council of Nicaea, the
first Sunday after that moon is Easter Sunday.
