Ghost hunters can use
the moon for better research results. The improvement can vary from slight to significant, but--in a field where we
are still working in the dark (no pun intended)--even a small advantage can be important.
People act-out their aggressions more during the full moon. In fact, the word "lunatic" comes from
the word "lunar," and relates to the moon.
This pattern of moon-related madness
has been proved in a variety of studies, including Lieber's study in the
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry [1978 May;39(5):385-92.]. A 1987 survey and a 1995 study at the University
of New Orleans provide additional evidence.
From homicides to suicides, from aggravated assaults to fatal traffic accidents... all increase at the
full moon. But, while psychiatric admissions drop at the new and full moons, they increase during the first quarter
(the days immediately following the new moon).
We can see three reasons why ghost hunting may improve at the full and new moons: Ghosts' anniversaries, the effects of the moon on
ghosts, and lunar effects on ghost hunters.
GHOSTS' ANNIVERSARIES
Paranormal activity often increases on the anniversary (calendar date) of
a ghost's death. However, we may see a similar, lesser pattern if the moon was full or new on the date that
the ghost died.
If you know the date that the person died, you
can quickly check the phase of the moon at Virtual Reality Moon Phase (dates after the year 1800)
or at Stellafane Moon Phase Calculator.
If the person died at the new or full moon, visit the haunted site at that time each month, and especially at that
moon phase nearest the ghost's day of death.
Also, if the ghost responded to lunar cycles during life, investigate increased activity at the critical moon
phase nearest the ghost's birthday. Many ghosts appear on their own birthdays, expecting some sort of party.
EFFECTS OF THE MOON ON GHOSTS
Whether or not the ghost's death correlates to a full or new moon, it's wise to check for increased activity
on those nights each month. From our experiences, ghosts are often more easily influenced by
little things--and downright obstinate about larger, more obvious issues (such as being dead)--than
they probably were in life. So, it's possible that the moon has a greater effect on them now.
In our research, we've had slightly better results during "dark of the moon" ghost hunts, when there
is no visible moon at all.
However, we've also seen increased activity at the full moon, and the added light makes it easier to
work without using our flashlights.
LUNAR EFFECTS ON GHOST HUNTERS
In addition to the effects of the moon on ghosts, ghost hunters can enjoy greater psychic sensitivity during
the full and/or new moons. We recommend testing this, individually and as a team, to see if the moon
influences your research results.
Many astrologers believe that the new moon is most powerful. Some recommend setting goals or working with
scrying tools during that time.
WATER AND THE MOON'S CYCLES
We have seen baffling links between water and hauntings.
Sites with poltergeists report unexplained drops or
small puddles of water in the room, and--in general--more poltergeist activity near water; many poltergeist reports
are about kitchens. Many of the best EVP recordings and other strong evidence for hauntings, occur
near streams or in close proximity to groundwater. Early studies suggest that running water may generate
a frequency that renders some people more sensitive to psychic phenomena.
Also, since the moon affects the tides and
groundwater, there is room for speculation about lunar cycles
and increased paranormal activity, or perhaps more awareness of it.
At this point, this is guesswork, and some of it sounds (admittedly) improbable. However, all avenues
of ghost research must be explored.
The moon table below (also on our Hollow Hill homepage) shows today's
phase of the moon. Bookmark this page and check it before your next ghost hunt. Observe whether
the moon has any effect on your research, and--if there is a pattern--plan future ghost hunts to make
use of lunar cycles.
