Many legends revolve about the phases of the moon. These legends have been handed down and tied into cultural, spiritual and religious experiences.

Scientists are now becoming involved in a number of studies that examine the relationship between the moon phases and abnormal human behaviour and why these beliefs in lunar phases continue. It is believed that car accidents, mental affliction, epilepsy, suicides and homicides are related to the moon phases.

Is there scientific evidence to support these beliefs?

Here are some examples:

(1) 34,318 crimes analysed in a one-year period found that they occurred more frequently during the full moon. Ref: J Psychology, Vol 93: 81-83, 1976.

(2) 20,500 homicides in the USA in a one-year period: no relationship indicated between the number of homicides and the phase of the moon. Ref; Temporal variation in suicide and homicide 1979.

( 3). 18,495 records from patients admitted at a psychiatric hospital in an 11-year period: admissions for psychosis were highest during the new moon, and lowest during the full moon. Ref. Lunar madness: an empirical study (1977).

(4) 7,844 emergency calls to a suicide prevention/crisis in a two-year period, the highest numbers of calls were during the new moon. Ref: Moon phases and crisis calls; a spurious relationship 1977.

Many of these studies have been criticised because they were not performed properly, but is it reasonable to assume that since the human body is 80 per cent water, the moon can affect human actions?

Moon planting

Planting by the moon has been a long-standing tradition here in Jamaica and is known culturally throughout the world. There is no argument that the moon has an effect on Earth.

According to Gardening Tips and Ideas, "The idea with moon planting is that the practice is based on the moon's gravitation on Earth's moisture thus either aiding plant growth or inhibiting it."

There are many farmers who swear by this practice and only plant by the moon phases, yet to my knowledge, there has never been any experiment to prove this theory though I have heard a scientist disapproving of the practice at a recent presentation.

New moon phase (12 hours after dark moon to first quarter) — a great time to plant or start new projects. Plant, graft and transplant annuals that produce above ground, especially leafy vegetables. Mow lawns to increase growth.

First quarter phase (first quarter to 12 hours before full moon) - plant beans, peas, peppers, tomatoes, grains and vine-type seeds.

Full moon phase (12 hours after full moon to last quarter) - plant bulbs, root crops and anything that produces below the earth. The sap flow is downward into the root. An excellent time to harvest crops and sprout seeds to eat.

Last quarter phase (last quarter to 12 hours before dark moon) — this is a barren phase and therefore a rest period or can be used for weeding, pruning and applying organic fertilisers.

Dr Diane Robertson is a pharmacist and recipient of an honorary doctorate in complementary medicine for her work in herbs; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.