Flower Moon may have some surprising effects

Full moons remain among mankind’s most intriguing phenomena, and every month moon-gazers get out and take it in. On Thursday, the Flower Moon — named such as a nod to Spring and the bloom of the flowers — will reach its fullness at 9:53 a.m., but will be visible starting Wednesday.

This tradition of naming the full moons is pulled from Native traditions, particularly the Algonquin peoples for “flower moon” but it’s been called many other things through the centuries.

The Flower Moon of May 2024, according to Space the website, passes in front of the red star Antares which is the brightest star in the Scorpius constellation. Antares is one of the largest and most luminous stars visible to the naked eye, and parts of Georgia, like Atlanta, Savannah and Augusta, will get the best view.

The moon isn’t just a pretty face. Its effects are varied and wide-reaching.

HOW CAN IT AFFECT HEALTH AND WELLNESS?

If you have nurse or teacher friends, you have probably heard them complain about the uptick in chaos in and around the full moon. This is not a coincidence. Some studies suggest that behaviors can change during this time. Be on the look out for:

less sleep more erratic behavior more aggressive behavior increase in episodes of self-harm more traffic accidents higher instances of injuries more crimes committed

Stay safe out there, folks.

HOW WILL IT AFFECT MY ZODIAC SIGN?

Fire signs: (Aries, Sagittarius, Leo) intense emotions need for freedom feelings of restlessness

Earth signs (Virgo, Taurus, Capricorn):

grounding and stability resistant to change stubbornness

Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius):

worsened communication increased misunderstandings good for reflection

Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

intensity of emotions heightened intuition moodiness/sensitivity

HOW WILL IT AFFECT MY GARDEN?

The science of lunar gardening is ever evolving, but the common ideology is pretty simple. When the moon is waxing (moving toward being full) the time is right for planting fruit that grows above the ground. Once it’s passed its full state (waning) the time is right to plant root plants that have underground edible fruit.

Here’s a guide to what to plant this week and next:

Waxing:

tomatoes, peppers, corn, beans, squash fruits annual flowers

Waning:

tomatoes, radishes, carrots, beets flowering bulbs Biennial and perennial flowers, other ornamental plants

Prune your more vigorous growers before the full moon to avoid sap loss and “lunar burn.”

HOW WILL IT AFFECT THE WEATHER?

The moon’s effect on weather patterns is subtle but definitely measurable. Most of the noticeable changes are due to its gravitational influence on the oceans and Earth’s atmosphere and there is often 1% lighter precipitation when the moon is directly overhead.

It can also influence weather phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, which we understand could affect Georgia and surrounding areas more drastically this year.

What sorts of things do you notice during a full moon? Email me or find me on Instagram.