The Influence of the Moon on Agriculture, Fishing, and Well-being
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The Moon's cycle fascinates and raises questions. For centuries, sailors and farmers have observed it to adjust their work, convinced that its phases influence fishing, plant growth, and even our moods. While science confirms its role in tides and certain animal behaviors, it remains more reserved about its direct effect on our bodies and diets. But do we always need proof to follow a rhythm that has transcended civilizations?
A Celestial Body That Shapes Nature
The Moon is not just a nighttime beacon. It works behind the scenes, pulling the oceans, marking the seasons, and, according to some traditions, dictating harvests and moods. It influences tidal flows, the reproductive cycles of certain species, and perhaps even our sleep and emotional balance.
Some of these influences are proven, while others stem from empirical observation and oral tradition. Yet from fishing to agriculture, from diet to mental health, the Moon continues to shape life on Earth. Should we be wary of it or align ourselves with it?
The Moon and Fishing
When the Tides Dictate the Catch
Fishermen know that the sea obeys the Moon. Its gravitational pull drives the tides: during full and new moons, high and low tides are more pronounced, causing fish movements that directly affect catches. These spring tide periods are often considered the best for fishing.
Fish Behavior Under the Full Moon
In freshwater, where tides do not play a role, the Moon’s influence is more subtle. Some anglers observe that during the full Moon, fish become more cautious, their enhanced vision allowing them to avoid lures. Others, on the contrary, hunt more actively and satisfy their appetite before reducing activity the next day. This is particularly true for pike and perch, which take advantage of the full Moon to hunt more efficiently, while carp, often more active in darkness, tend to be more cautious.
Some sea fishermen believe that predatory fish, such as bass or bream, are more active under the full Moon because the increased brightness helps them spot their prey better. Others, like tuna, become more wary and stay at greater depths to avoid being detected.
The Moon and Agriculture
A Millennia-Old Agricultural Calendar
Since ancient times, farmers have relied on the lunar cycle to plan their crops. According to lunar agriculture principles, a waxing Moon favors sap ascent, ideal for aerial crops, while a waning Moon stimulates root development.
Lunar Phases and Agricultural Work
Some gardeners adjust their practices according to the Moon’s phase:
🌑 New Moon:
A favorable period for sowing leafy vegetables such as spinach or lettuce.
🌓 First Quarter:
A good time for fertilizing and grafting. The rising sap in a waxing Moon would promote the development of aerial plant parts, explaining why this period is recommended for sowing leafy vegetables and grafting.
🌕 Full Moon:
High biological activity, but often discouraged for transplanting young plants. There is a belief that the full Moon promotes fungal diseases (such as mildew) and pest attacks. The suggested explanation is that nighttime humidity, combined with increased biological activity, creates a favorable environment for pathogens. Although not scientifically proven, some farmers avoid planting sensitive crops during these periods.
🌗 Last Quarter:
Ideal for pruning, harvesting, and soil maintenance. Additionally, the waning Moon is more favorable for root vegetables, whose growth relies on rooting and nutrient storage underground. Some gardeners also note an influence on plant wound healing: pruning during a waning Moon would limit sap loss and promote better plant recovery.
Is a Year with 13 Full Moons Wetter?
In some traditions, a year with 13 full moons is believed to predict wetter and less sunny weather. This belief, still found in some agricultural almanacs, appears to be based on generational observations, particularly in temperate regions where farmers use natural markers to anticipate the climate. The idea is that an additional lunar cycle disrupts the usual seasonal rhythm, leading to more unpredictable weather conditions.
The Moon and Human Behavior
Menstruation and the Lunar Cycle
The human menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle both last an average of 28 days, leading to the idea of a natural synchronization. However, scientific studies have never been able to prove a systematic link. Nonetheless, some testimonies continue to suggest that the Moon could exert a subtle influence.
Sleep Under the Full Moon
Many people report sleeping poorly during the full Moon. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland showed that during the full Moon, participants took an average of 5 minutes longer to fall asleep and experienced 30% less deep sleep. Researchers also observed a decrease in melatonin levels, the sleep hormone. However, opinions differ: some believe these effects are due to increased nighttime brightness, while others suggest a psychological effect, reinforced by the popular belief that the full Moon disrupts sleep.
The Moon and Childbirth
In many cultures, the full Moon is associated with an increase in spontaneous births. However, epidemiological studies on thousands of births have found no correlation between lunar phases and the number of deliveries.
The Moon and Psychotic Episodes
The idea of a link between the full Moon and psychiatric disorders dates back to antiquity. The Greeks even used the word “lunatic” to describe certain mental disorders, believing that the Moon could trigger crises. Although studies have attempted to establish a connection between the full Moon and an increase in psychiatric admissions or aggressive behaviors, no significant correlation has been found. However, some researchers suggest that sleep disturbances during these nights could exacerbate pre-existing disorders in certain individuals.
The Moon, Diet, and Well-being
A Diet Guided by Natural Cycles
Following the lunar calendar in agriculture and fishing also means aligning with the natural cycles of crops and species. Vegetables harvested at the right time in the lunar cycle are said to be richer in vitamins and minerals. According to some farmers practicing biodynamic agriculture, the Moon influences the quality of nutrients stored in plants, explaining why some lunar calendars recommend specific periods for harvesting fruits and vegetables.
Similarly, fishermen who respect the lunar cycle and fish reproduction periods ensure tastier flesh and sustainable resource management. By consuming products harvested and caught in harmony with these natural rhythms, one promotes a healthier and more environmentally friendly diet.
Respecting Seasons and Resources
Sustainable fishing considers reproductive cycles, preventing overfishing and preserving marine populations. Likewise, agriculture attentive to lunar and solar cycles helps limit chemical fertilizer use and promotes biodiversity.
Lunar Rhythms and Emotional Balance
Some choose to adapt their lifestyle to the lunar cycles to better respect their biological rhythm. The Moon then becomes a reference point—not to impose strict rules, but to better understand the fluctuations of our bodies and minds. Certain traditions even associate the Moon’s phases with specific moments for introspection and decision-making. For example, the new Moon is often considered a time for new beginnings, while the full Moon is seen as a moment of culmination and emotional intensity.
In alternative psychology, some people organize their wellness habits based on lunar cycles, favoring meditation, detox diets, or personal evaluations depending on the Moon’s phases. While this approach lacks scientific foundation, it is based on a perception of time in harmony with nature, which can have beneficial effects on stress and emotional management.