Singleton tells of the moon's many mysteries and its effects on our lives

George Buster Singleton

(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 “Understanding the moon and its mysteries” was originally published in the Nov. 26, 1998 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

During the past few days, during the full moon, I have had several telephone calls asking me just what effect the moon has on the life of man. I suppose there is more mystery about this planet affecting human life than any other, other than the sun. True, we have landed man on the moon, but there are many mysteries that we do not understand.

Probably no part of our universe has had more effect directly, or indirectly, on man and his behavior than the moon. Since man first began to look to the heavens, he has been fascinated by the mysteries of this silvery disc. Many has adjusted many of his life cycles to coincide with the moon and its path 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 walk on its surface. And, he has spent lifetimes studying its effects on himself and his surroundings. Every 29 and a half days this silver planet orbits our planet. During this period of time many things happen that we do not understand and know absolutely nothing about.

During this period, the moon changes form. These 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. Many wars have been started because some of the great leaders of the past looked to the moon for guidance and direction.

Many of the early warlords of biblical times, believed that during the time of the full moon their armies were bolder. They believed man feared death less when the full glowing disc floated across the heavens. They also believed their war horses could run faster and farther during this time. It was common to plan major battles and invasions during the full moon. Throughout history, those who practiced human sacrifice believed that the ceremonies were to be held when the great silvery disc was at its fullest.

Throughout the ages, wandering tribes believed the moon was instrumental in survival. Under certain signs, the time to fish or hunt reaped greater harvests than other times. Those that looked to mother earth knew there was a time for planting and a time for gathering, depending on the signs of the moon. Until recent years, no country farmer would dare plant his crops unless the moon was 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 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 the 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.

When man is on the prowl for that perfect mate, he talks with more ease and assurance when the moon is full. His boldness is at its peak. His ability to whisper sweet nothings comes with less effort under the spell of a full moon.

For some, the full moon has the opposite effect. The silvery disc affects many of us in different ways. I believe the secret is to know all one can about our universe and the paths of the planets around us.

Our experts tell us that the crime rate is greater when the moon is full. Truly that old full moon is buried in mystery.

Even though man has explored the moon and walked on its surface, it hasn’t lost any of its luster or mystery. Even now, man gazes in awe towards the heavens and wonders of the mysteries there and the things that are yet to appear.

As I wonder around the countryside and view the full moon in all its glory, I feel the wonders that are yet to be discovered. I know that silvery disc above my world is filled with mystery and happenings that are yet to come. But, as I look to the heavens on those moonlit nights, I draw strength from that wonder the Creator has placed there. So, the next time the full moon is high and its silvery beams cause 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 on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School, served in the Korean War, moved to Monroe County in 1961 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from 1964 to 1987. For years, Singleton’s column “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. 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.)