Humans have been tracking the moon for at least 20,000 years. Archaeologists found evidence which suggests that even before written language and organized religion, watching the moon and marking its movements with intention, literally became a guiding light for many people in the following ways.

Farmers planted and harvested according to the moon's cycles, noticing patterns like stronger seed germination during certain periods. As people began to interpret the phases of the moon, they took them as signals of when to travel, when to rest, and how to prepare for what was next. Even today, some coastal communities plan activities around tides that are strongest during full and new Moons. As the gravitational pull of the moon influences water on Earth, it also affects the human body.

As a result, the lunar cycle can affect our sleep quality, moods and emotions. Studies have also shown that these cycles influence animal behaviour. Coral reefs synchronize their spawning to the full moon with almost clockwork precision. Certain fish only migrate under specific moon phases. The moon appears to be quietly coordinating life on Earth in ways science is still only beginning to fully understand. 

Since the moon governed the rhythms of daily survival early on, many civilizations built their spiritual practices, healing traditions, and sacred ceremonies around its cycles too. For thousands of years, the moon was the most reliable and universally visible timekeeper on Earth. Recently, we saw the first full moon of spring. Many people call it a Pink Moon, not that it actually appears pink, but because of the wild ground flowers that bloom across the northern hemisphere at this time of year. This is one of the earliest and most welcome signs of the season turning.

During this full April moon, many people of various religions and traditions celebrated their holidays with family. They lit candles, said prayers, shared stories, and prepared meals together as the Moon shined brightly amidst the darkness of the night sky. 

The moon has always been a great source of inspiration over countless years, moving artists, poets, musicians, and writers for all of recorded history. Nearly every astronaut who has seen the Moon and Earth together from space has reported experiencing a remarkable transformation. Their problems seemed to pale from that vantage point. Their priorities shifted, and they felt a stronger desire to protect the planet and humanity. The issues that once seemed so important from the ground simply stopped making sense from space. What they felt instead was an overwhelming sense of connection to humankind as a whole, the realization that we are all one. Researchers call this The Overview Effect and have studied it extensively. It is a measurable and lasting change in how a person's perspective shifts from “me” thinking to “we” consciousness. It comes with a deep sense of connection to all life on Earth and a growing awareness of the fragility of our planet.