Most witches are taught that the full moon is the peak of lunar power — the moment when energy is strongest and magic is most potent. But if we look at the actual physics, the story changes.

The Moon’s gravitational pull is strongest at the new moon, not the full moon. This is because the Sun and Moon align on the same side of Earth, combining their gravitational forces. This alignment creates the strongest spring tides and the most noticeable energetic shifts — even if the sky looks dark and empty.

So if you’ve ever felt wired, restless, or strangely energised during the new moon, you’re not imagining it. You’re responding to the real, physical pull of the lunar cycle — not the aesthetic glow of the full moon.

Most modern witchcraft books say the full moon is the perfect time for manifesting — the moment when your intentions are at their strongest. But if you look at how the full moon actually affects the human body and mind, the story becomes more complicated.

The full moon is associated with increased emotional intensity, disrupted sleep, and heightened sensitivity. Studies show that people often sleep less deeply and feel more restless during the full moon. This isn’t “bad energy” — it’s simply the body responding to a brighter night sky and a natural shift in circadian rhythm.