Full Moon

The Full Moon is the lunar phase that occurs when the Moon lies on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun. The Moon as seen from the surface of Earth is fully illuminated by the Sun at this time, presenting a "full" round disk to viewers on Earth. As always, only half the total surface of the Moon is illuminated. A Full Moon is the only time when a lunar eclipse is possible; at that time the Moon may move through the shadow cast by Earth. However, because of the tilt or inclination of the Moon's orbit around Earth relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun, the Moon usually passes to the north or south of Earth's shadow at Full Moon, so a lunar eclipse does not occur at every Full Moon.

Full Moons are generally a poor time to conduct astronomical observations, since the bright reflected sunlight from the Moon overwhelms the dimmer light from stars.

Traditionally these names corresponded to the seasons rather than calendar months. So, for instance, the Egg Moon (the Full Moon before Easter) would always be the first moon after March 21st, and the Lenten Moon would always be the last moon on or before March 21st.

The origin of the folkloric term "Blue Moon" is complicated, because its meaning has changed over time. Modern practice is to name a Full Moon a blue moon if it is the second of two Full Moons to occur in the same calendar month. The original meaning of blue moon was the third Full Moon in a season when there were four Full Moons in that season.

Lunar phases are the result of our seeing the illuminated half of the Moon at different angles. The Moon exhibits different phases as the relative positions of the Sun, Earth and Moon change, appearing as the Full Moon when the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth, and becoming invisible as the New Moon (also named Dark Moon) when they are on the same side: these two phases are examples of syzygies. The time between two Full Moons (or between successive occurrences of any two phases - for examples, First Quarter Moon to the next First quarter Moon) is about 29.53 days; it is longer than the time it takes the Moon to orbit the Earth since the Earth-Moon system is orbiting the Sun. The phases are not created by the shadow of the Earth on the Moon (that would be a lunar eclipse); instead, they are a result of our seeing only part of the illuminated half of the Moon.

In the southern hemisphere, the above is reversed. For example:

Popular legend has it that the full moon brings out the worst in people: more violence, more suicides, more accidents, and more aggression. The influence of the moon and behavior has been called "The Lunar Effect" or "The Transylvania Effect." The belief that the full moon causes mental disorders and strange behavior was widespread throughout Europe in the middle ages. Even the word "lunacy" meaning "insanity" comes from the Latin word for "moon." Do not forget the werewolves.

Perhaps one of the first things that you notice about these studies is that the results are inconsistent. Some studies show that a particular behavior will occur more often during the full moon and other studies show no relationship between behavior and the full moon. This finding alone casts doubt on the theory that the full moon influences behavior. It may also be that experiments have been designed differently. For example, some studies include "full moon" behaviors that occur a few days before and after the full moon, while other studies include only those behaviors within a single day of the full moon.

Werewolf:

A werewolf is an animal from folklore which can change from human to wolf and back again and is believed to consume human flesh or blood. While there are no documented cases of any human turning into a wolf and back, there are documented cases of humans who believed they were werewolves. To suffer from such a delusion is known as lycanthropy.

lycanthropy :( (“The delusional belief that one has turned into an animal, especially a werewolf.

In Europe during the middle Ages, lycanthropy was commonly believed to occur due to witchcraft or magic. One modern theory is that the rye bread of the poor was often contaminated with the fungus ergot, which caused hallucinations and delusions about werewolves. Stories of humans turning into animals such as tigers, swans, monkeys, etc., are widespread and seem to occur in all cultures, indicating shared human fears (e.g., fear of the wildest local beast) or desires (e.g., wishing for powers such as great strength or the power of flight), or common brain disorders. “)) . The word werewolf is a contraction of the old-Saxon word wer (which means "man") and wolf--werewolf, manwolf. The history of the werewolf can be traced back to Greek mythology, when the god Lykaon was turned into a wolf after serving Zues human flesh. This myth helped fuel a cult in Arcadia which involved human sacrifice and the thought of transformation into wolves. Although lycanthropy is usually associated with the metamorphosis into a wolf-human hybrid, different legends include the mutation into bears, cats and birds of prey.

During the medieval times, the fear of werewolves took grip of Europe. Wolves were known to attack man, as wolves during those times had no reason to fear man; guns were unheard of. In most of Europe, the fear of werewolves included wolfmen ("berserkers") who wore wolf’s skin and killed savagely. Germans, however, viewed the wolf with honor. Names such as Wolfgang and Wolfhard were common. As Christianity slowly gained prominence, such beliefs were condemned as Satanic. Well at least they make good movies like Van Helsing and Underworld.

 

When it comes to Wicca the full moon is at her most powerful also known as the mother face of the Goddess. A good time to cast spells that need power such as transformation spells, spells to increase psychic abilities and it can even be a used for strength, love and power spells. The Full Moon can bring healing, transformation and prosperity. This is also a good time for cleansing and charging your magical tools. A full moon celebration is referred to as an esbat. Our full moon names is a little different than traditional and I have included a list with our full moon names.

 January - Wolf Moon
The time to conserve energy by working on personal problems that involve no one else. It is also a time for protection rites and reversing spells. During this month the energy flow is sluggish and below the surface.

February - Ice or Storm Moon
The time for loving the self, accepting responsibility for past errors, forgiving yourself and making future plans. At this time the energy flow is working toward the surface; good for purification, growth, and healing.

March - Chaste Moon
The time for new beginnings, breaking illusions, and seeing the truth in your life however much it may hurt. The energy flow breaks into the open, a good time for growing, prospering, and exploring. Light and Dark are in balance now.

April - Seed or Growing Moon
The time for working on your temper, emotional flare-ups, and selfishness. The energy is flowing into creating and producing; a good time for change, self-confidence issues, taking advantage of opportunities, and realizing self-reliance.

May - Hare Moon
The time for strengthening the connections with supernatural protectors and beings around you. The energy is in full flow making this a good time for intuition, propagating, and connecting with faeries and nature spirits.

June - Mead Moon
The time for decision making, taking responsibility for present happenings, working on personal inconsistencies, and for strengthening and rewarding yourself for your positive traits. The energy is in full, but restive, flow, the Earth tides are turning making this a good time for protection, strengthening, and prevention spells.

July - Hay Moon
The time for dream-work, divination, and meditation on spiritual goals and plans. The energy is slower and more relaxed, proper for success and prosperity spells. This month is the time to start preparing for the colder and darker months ahead.

August - Corn Moon
The time for harvesting, gathering, and appreciating. The energy flow is slowing more and now is the time of vitality, health, and friendships.

September - Harvest Moon
The time for organizing and straightening up physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual clutter. The energy flow is resting and Light and Dark are in balance.

October - Blood Moon
The time for inner cleansing. Meditate on the laws of Karma and thoughts of reincarnation. This is the time of letting go, justice, balance, and inner harmony.

November - Snow Moon
The month of transformation. It is time to prepare for the coming winter and a time to strengthen communication with the god or goddess closest to you. The energy flow is taking root and preparing to flow once more.

December - Oak or Cold Moon
The time of Spiritual Paths. The Earth tides are turning and it is time to reach out to friends and family, the lonely, and the needy. This is the month of death and renewal. Spells should be aimed at endurance and provision.

Blue Moon
A Blue Moon occurs when within a month, there is a second full moon. A blue moon is said to be a wish moon and very favorable for wish magic. It is also called a Goal Moon and is a good time to set your goals for the future.

Sources: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_moon