August’s Sturgeon Moon

Gazing at the moon is a fast way to create awe inside of you. Ancient texts say, “Wonder is the preface to yoga.” And no better way to return to this innocent state of wonder than looking up at the first supermoon of the year.

Did you know that August’s full moon and the year’s first supermoon, called the Sturgeon Moon, gets its name from a freshwater fish found in large numbers in the North American Great Lakes this time of the year? It holds a deep relevance for Indigenous Americans to this day.  

A supermoon appears larger and brighter than a regular full moon because it’s closer to the Earth than normal. August’s Sturgeon Moon is the first supermoon of the year, making it extra special. 

Ancient seers talk about the connection between the microcosm and the macrocosm. Everything within is connected to everything without. The moon is also said to be connected to the mind and water.

When the moon is directly opposite the sun and casts its light across Earth, it forms the full moon. Scientific research on the full moon’s influence is still developing. We now know that tides are caused by the moon’s gravitational pull. Since our body is made up of 60% water, the moon might affect our emotions, sleep, and even our menstrual cycles.

There’s plenty of folklore and myth that takes from the fascination with the moon. In some cultures, it is linked with madness (hence the word “lunacy”), others claim it is the night of the werewolf. Some also believe it is a cause of aggressive and erratic behavior, and then some link it to fertility. Some of these sound straight out bizarre but the truth is, they seem to be more reflective of cultural beliefs than empirical facts.

So what does a supermoon like the Sturgeon Moon do to our body and mind? And what’s the best way to bask in its soothing spiritual glory?

The Moon and Our Emotions

You might catch yourself going through an emotional rollercoaster on a full moon day. This is because a full moon can bring out stronger emotions. People may feel more emotional, sensitive, or intense during this period. There have also been studies to suggest that the brightness of the moon causes disruptions in our sleep patterns, leading to restless and incomplete sleep. Even though there hasn’t been a clear scientific backing to this claim, we still can blame the moon for our mood swings and other heightened psychological responses.

The Moon and Our Body

Our bodies have natural rhythms, or circadian rhythms, that regulate processes like sleep and hormonal cycles. Some research indicates that the full moon might affect these rhythms.

The moon’s influence is said to be mediated by its effect on melatonin levels, a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. The production of melatonin is suppressed by light, making it higher at night. Some researchers say that melatonin levels may be slightly lower than usual during the full moon, which could explain why some people have trouble sleeping during this time.

The Moon and Culture

Throughout history, many cultures have seen the full moon as a symbol of renewal and spiritual growth; new beginnings to symbolize a period of completion.

Meditation, prayer, and offerings are part of full moon traditions in many cultures that aim to harness the full moon’s energy for personal and communal benefits. Such ceremonies often foster a sense of community and connection, by bringing together people in peace and reflection.

It is also said that the manifesting powers of our mind get enhanced during the full moon. Some people use this time to pray and ask for what their hearts desire from the divine.

Guided Meditation on Silence for the Full Moon

Anyone who has meditated for any period will tell you, that meditating on a full moon night is a completely different and deeply meditative experience. Your intuition and spiritual insight are heightened around this time. If you’re on a journey of self-discovery and exploring your inner self, the full moon is the perfect time to start, with a guided meditation.

Following is a simple full moon meditation focused on silence from the spiritual master and Art of Living founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. According to Gurudev, there are three golden rules to follow in meditation: achah, aprayatna, and akinchan—I want nothing, I do nothing, I am nothing.

1. Settle down in a quiet place. Become comfortable enough to be able to sit for the following few minutes. Close your eyes and take a few deep mindful breaths. Allow your body to relax and observe your mind.
2. Feel the rays of the moon reaching you and lightly grazing your body and the top of your head. Feel the cool earth beneath your feet and the gentle breeze on your skin. Look up at the moon and bask in its silvery light.
3. Let any sounds wash over you like waves. Feel all of the tension and stress leaving your body.
4. Now, begin to focus on your breath. Breathe in deeply through your nose and slowly out through your mouth. With each breath, let go of any thoughts or worries that come into your mind. Instead of trying to stop them, just observe and let them be. Simply be present in the moment. Allow yourself to experience the peace and tranquillity of the full moon. Remain like this for as long as you like.
5. When you are ready, gently bring your awareness back to your body. Wiggle your fingers and toes, and slowly open your eyes.
6. You can close the meditation with a few rounds of alternate nostril breathing to rebalance the flow of prana or energy in the body after the meditation.

The full moon, especially the Sturgeon Moon, offers a chance to connect with the rhythms of nature and our inner selves. Use this day well to manifest your dreams and goals in a meaningful way.