The Moon:An Invisible Force That Shapes Our Being

Author : Corinne RICHARD

Website : https://www.frenchmysticgateway.com

Since the dawn of time, the Moon has fascinated and intrigued humanity.

Present in myths, beliefs, and rituals across cultures, it exerts a subtle yet profound

influence on our daily lives.

But beyond its silvery glow and unchanging cycle, what are its true effects on us?

Does it only govern the tides, or does it also shape our bodies, emotions, and even

our destiny?

From mood fluctuations to lunar rituals and its role in astrology, the Moon weaves a

delicate link between the visible and the invisible.

In this article, discover how this mysterious celestial body shapes our

existence—physically, neurologically, esoterically, and astrologically. But before

exploring its concrete effects on our bodies and minds, let’s delve into the myths and

beliefs surrounding the Moon for millennia. From benevolent goddesses to legends of

transformation, the Moon has always held a central place in human imagination. Let’s

explore how different cultures worldwide have perceived and revered this enigmatic

companion of the night.

Lunar Myths and Beliefs Across the World

The Moon has always been surrounded by mystery and legend. Across ages and

civilizations, it has been seen as a goddess, a spirit, an omen, or a guide for the soul.

a) Ancient Egypt:

The god Thoth, deity of wisdom and writing, was often associated with the Moon,

depicted as a crescent. He was regarded as the guardian of time and master of lunar

cycles.

b) Ancient Greece & Rome:

The Moon was personified as Selene (Greece) and Luna (Rome), goddesses who

guided nighttime travelers and watched over human dreams. Artemis/Diana, goddess

of the hunt and wilderness, was also a lunar figure, symbolizing independence and

the sacred feminine.

c) Hinduism:

Chandra, the lunar deity, is considered a benevolent force influencing the mind and

emotions. His cycle is linked to spiritual energies and purification rituals.

d) Shinto Mythology (Japan):

The Moon is associated with Tsukuyomi, the lunar god who rules over the night and

darkness. Mysterious and enigmatic, he is less celebrated than the Sun but remains

a powerful force.

e) African Traditions:

In some African cultures, the Moon is seen as a guardian of souls and a bridge

between the living and the ancestors. Some believe it influences fertility and

childbirth.

f) European Folklore:

The Full Moon has long been linked to unexplained phenomena such as madness

(hence the term “lunatic”) and werewolf transformations.

It was believed that on Full Moon nights, witches’ powers were amplified, and portals

to other realms were opened.

g) Mayan & Aztec Mythology:

The Moon symbolized a cycle of death and rebirth. The Aztec lunar goddess

Coyolxauhqui was dismembered by her brother, the Sun, representing the eternal

struggle between light and darkness.

h) Celtic Traditions:

Druids followed the lunar calendar to determine the best times for rituals and

celebrations. The Moon was a spiritual guide, influencing nature’s cycles and rites of

passage.

i) Aboriginal Australian Beliefs:

Some Aboriginal tribes saw the Moon as a male being chasing the Sun, explaining

the cycle of day and night. It also played a role in dreamtime, seen as messages from

the spirit world.

Whether as a benevolent goddess, a messenger of souls, or an omen of curses, the

Moon has always captivated humanity. Its influence transcends borders and cultures,

carrying a mystical and timeless power through the ages.

I. The Moon’s Physical Influence

The Moon affects our bodies primarily through its gravitational influence on water,

and since the human body is about 60% water, its impact may be more significant

than we realize.

 Menstrual Cycles: The Moon’s 28-day cycle closely mirrors the female

menstrual cycle, suggesting a potential influence on fertility and hormonal

fluctuations.

 Sleep Patterns: Studies suggest that some people experience restless sleep

or insomnia during the Full Moon, possibly due to increased luminosity and

electromagnetic variations.

 Biological Tides: Some alternative medicine practitioners believe that the

Moon influences the circulation of bodily fluids, including blood and lymphatic

flow.

II. Neurological & Psychological Influence

The Moon subtly but powerfully interacts with our brain and behavior, affecting our

moods and emotions.

�� Emotional Amplification:

The Full Moon is often associated with heightened emotions, leading to nervousness,

irritability, or euphoria.

�� Effects on the Pineal Gland:

The pineal gland, which regulates melatonin (the sleep hormone), may be influenced

by lunar cycles, affecting our biological rhythms and perception of time.

�� Mental Health & Crisis Peaks:

While scientific studies are inconclusive, some hospitals and emergency services

report an increase in anxiety attacks, violent incidents, and psychological

disturbances during the Full Moon.

III. Esoteric and Spiritual Influence

For millennia, the Moon has been seen as a gateway between worlds, a mirror of the

subconscious, and an energy amplifier.

Its perpetual cycle reflects the rhythm of life, death, and rebirth, making it a powerful

symbol of transformation.

Associated with the unseen world, the Moon serves as a conduit for divination,

mediumship, and dreamwork.

Many traditions believe it enhances intuition and opens extrasensory perceptions,

making lunar nights ideal for visions and messages from the beyond.

But the Moon is also the embodiment of sacred feminine energy.

In esoteric traditions, it represents the receptive (Yin) polarity, introspection, and

mystery. It is linked to the archetype of the Divine Feminine, fertility, and menstrual

cycles.

Its influence is often compared to emotional tides, reminding us to listen to our inner

rhythms and align with our natural flow.

 Lunar Magic and Rituals

Each phase of the Moon carries a unique vibration that influences spiritual practices,

magical work, and intention-setting.

Working with these cycles allows for a deeper connection with universal energies.

 �� New Moon (or Lilith): Renewal, intention, shadow, and mystery

This marks the beginning of a new cycle, an ideal time for setting intentions and

planting new seeds.

Spiritually, it represents the void, introspection, and regeneration.

Some esoteric traditions associate it with a darker aspect, known as Black Moon

(Lilith), which corresponds to hidden energies, shadow work, and secret magical

practices.

 �� First Quarter: Growth, action, and self-assertion

This phase brings rising lunar energy, making it perfect for making decisions and

initiating projects.

It enhances positive momentum, motivation, and courage.

In magic, it is used for rituals of protection, abundance, and personal growth.

 �� Full Moon: Energetic peak, manifestation, and amplification of power

The Moon reaches its full power, illuminating both the night and our inner world.

Any rituals performed during this time are amplified,

whether they are beneficial (healing, love, prosperity) or darker (manipulation,

domination spells).

The Full Moon is also ideal for divination, astral travel, and connecting with spirit

guides.

Last Quarter: Release, purification, and preparation for a new cycle

Lunar energy slowly declines, supporting letting go and spiritual cleansing.

It’s the perfect time for rituals to break free from the past, purify negative energies,

and reflect inward.

This phase prepares for the New Moon, acting as a transition and a moment of rest

before renewal.

By incorporating these cycles into your spiritual practice, you can align your energy

with the Moon’s natural flow and benefit from its powerful guidance in your personal

and magical evolution.

IV. Astrological Influence of the Moon

In astrology, the Moon is a key celestial body representing our inner world, emotions,

and instincts.

It reflects our instinctive reactions, our relationship with childhood and the maternal

figure, and how we express our emotional needs.

 The Moon’s Position in the Natal Chart

The sign in which the Moon is placed in your natal chart influences your sensitivity

and how you interact with your emotions. Here are three examples of Moon

placements in a natal chart:

 Moon in Cancer ♋️: Deep Sensitivity and Emotional Security

The Moon is at home in Cancer, meaning it thrives in this intuitive and protective

water sign.

Key Traits: Deep emotional sensitivity, strong attachment to the past and memories,

need for emotional security.

Relationship with Childhood and the Mother: Often a very close or even symbiotic

bond with the mother or a maternal figure. Childhood plays a crucial role in emotional

balance.

Emotional Management: Highly receptive to surroundings and external energies,

needing a safe emotional cocoon to feel at peace.

Challenge to Overcome: Avoiding excessive hypersensitivity and attachment to the

past, which can hinder personal growth.

 Moon in Aquarius ♒️: Emotion Meets Intellect

A Moon in Aquarius brings a detached and intellectual approach to emotions,

fostering a strong need for independence.

Key Traits: Free-spirited, original, strong need for space and intellectual stimulation.

Relationship with Childhood and the Mother: The maternal bond may feel emotionally

distant or unconventional, with the mother being perceived as unique or inspiring.

Emotional Management: Rationality often overrides feelings, which can make the

person seem emotionally reserved. However, this Moon placement hides a deep

sensitivity that is often channeled into humanitarian and collective ideals.

Challenge to Overcome: Learning to connect more deeply with emotions and

embracing vulnerability.

 Moon in Leo ♌️: A Heart That Wants to Shine

With the Moon in Leo, emotions are strong and dramatic, accompanied by a great

need for recognition and warmth.

Key Traits: Pride, generosity, intense emotions, and a desire to be admired.

Relationship with Childhood and the Mother: The person may have experienced a

demonstrative, charismatic, or demanding maternal figure. As a child, they may have

felt the need to shine to receive love.

Emotional Management: A tendency to dramatize emotions, but also an ability to

uplift others with joy and enthusiasm.

Challenge to Overcome: Finding a balance between emotional authenticity and the

need to be the center of attention.

 The Moon’s Transits

The Moon moves through each zodiac sign approximately every 2.5 days,

temporarily influencing our mood and sensitivity. On certain days, we may feel more

emotional and intuitive (Moon in Cancer), more rational and detached (Moon in

Aquarius), or more dynamic and expressive (Moon in Leo).

 Lunar Eclipses: Portals of Transformation

Lunar eclipses mark periods of revelation and deep transformation. They often bring

hidden emotions to the surface or trigger powerful realizations that push us toward

growth and change.

The Moon is far more than just a celestial body in the sky: it influences our physical

body, mind, spiritual practices, and astrological destiny. By understanding its cycles

and its position in our natal chart, we can gain deeper insight into our emotions