George Singleton ponders the effects of the changing moon on mankind

(For decades, local historian and paranormal investigator George “Buster” Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The column below, which was titled “The moon’s mysteries still fascinate us” was originally published in the April 11, 2002 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

During the past few days, with the coming of the new moon on the 12^th of April, I have had three telephone calls asking me just what I thought about the effect the moon has on the life of man on this planet, if any. I suppose that there is more mystery about the moon affecting human life on the earth than any other planet, other than the sun. True, we have landed man on the moon, but there are many mysteries about it that we yet do not understand.

Probably no other part of our universe has had more effect directly and indirectly on man and his behavior than the moon. Since man first began to look into the heavens, he has been fascinated by the mysteries of this silvery disc high in the heavens. Man has adjusted and patterned many of his life cycles to coincide with the moon and its paths across the heavens.

He has built great monuments and temples to show his affection for this glowing round ball of the night. He has given much of his time and resources to try and walk on its surface. And he has spent lifetimes studying its effects on himself and his surroundings. Every 29-1/2 days, this silver planet revolves around our planet earth. And during this period of time many things happen within our lives that we do not understand and know absolutely nothing about.

During this period, the moon changes form. These periods are known to us as the time of the new moon, the half moon, the full moon and the old or dying moon. Each period, in its own way, has different effects on man’s day-to-day existence. During the past ages, many wars have been started because some of the great leaders of the past looked to the moon for signs of guidance and direction.

Many of the early warlords of biblical times believed that during the time of the full moon their armies were more bold and less fearful. They believed that man feared death less when the full glowing disc floated across the heavens. They also believed that their war horses could run faster and farther during this time period. So, it was quite common to plan major battles and invasions of enemy cities during the time of the full moon. And, throughout the history of early man, those who practiced human sacrifice believed that these so-called ceremonies were to be held when the great silvery disc was at its fullest, there in the heavens.

Throughout the ages, the wandering tribes of early man believed that the signs of the moon were instrumental in their survival. Under certain signs, the time to fish or to hunt for the food they needed reaped greater harvests than at other times. Those that looked to our mother earth knew that there was a time for planting and a time for gathering, depending on the signs of the moon. Even until recent years, no country farmer would dare plant his crops unless the signs of the moon were right. Today, with our so-called modern day technology, many of our farmers have lost contact with the signs of the past and pay little or no heed to them. They don’t believe, as they sit in their air conditioned tractors, that crops grow faster and produce more per acre if they are planted during the right stages of the moon.

Few of us today believe that the tides of the oceans are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon. Few give any thought to the fact that during certain signs of the moon more people pass from this life than during other times. More children are born during the time of the full moon, especially those who have waited to arrive beyond that certain time span. That old moon has cured many cases of anxiety when that designated time of arrival has come and gone for that new baby. Then, a day or two later a full moon appears in the heavens above and the one that is overdue, appears within our midst.

And, when man is on the prowl for that perfect mate, he talks with more ease and assurance during the time when the moon is full. His boldness during this time is at its peak. His ability to whisper those sweet nothings come with less effort, when under the spell of that full moon, high in the heavens above. But then, there are some that this time of the full moon has just the opposite effect. The effects of that silvery disc there in the heavens effects many of us in many different ways; I believe the secret to it all is to try and know all one can about our universe and the paths of the planets around us.

Our experts tell us that the crime rate within our society is greater during the time when the moon is full. The homicide rate is almost twice that of other times during the period when our moon is the fullest. Our police records tell us that during this time, many seem to throw all caution to the winds and run rampant through our communities and cities, committing serious crimes in greater numbers. Truly, the signs of that old full moon is buried in mystery.

Even though man has explored the old moon and has walked on its surface, it hasn’t lost any of its luster and none of its mystery. Even now, man still gazes in awe toward the heavens and wonders of the mysteries there and wonders of the things that are yet to appear on the horizons of the coming seasons.

As I wander around the countryside and from time to time view the full moon in all its glory, I feel the wonders that are yet to be discovered there. I know that silvery disc above my world is filled with mystery and happenings that are yet to come upon us. But, as I look to the heavens on those moonlit nights, I draw strength from that wonder that the Creator has placed there. So, the next time when the full moon is high and its silvery beams causes you to feel a little different – causes you to want to rush forth to that highest hill – go to it. Raise your arms to the heavens and give the call of the wild. You will be surprised how much better it will make you feel, and you will marvel at the ease with which you did it. I know, I have been there, more times than one could guess.

(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born to Vincent William Singleton and Frances Cornelia Faile Singleton, during a late-night thunderstorm, on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1946, served as a U.S. Marine paratrooper in the Korean War, worked as a riverboat deckhand, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from June 28, 1964 to Dec. 14, 1987. He was promoted from the enlisted ranks to warrant officer in May 1972. For years, Singleton’s columns, titled “Monroe County history – Did you know?” and “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. It’s believed that his first column appeared in the March 25, 1971 edition of The Monroe Journal. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)