Bernard O'Shea: How I used moon water in my quest for midlife wellness
Bernard O'Shea: a real moonchild. Photograph Moya Nolan
Imagine it: the full moon casting a silvery glow over your backyard.
Someone is placing a glass of water outside, hoping to sip on "moon water" by sunrise, infused with lunar energy.
It sounds mystical, poetic—even a bit absurd. And yet, I found myself fascinated.
With all the superfoods and "vitamin waters" we're urged to consume, why not try something imbued with moonlight?
Besides, moon water is an Instagram-ready elixir with zero calories—could it be the secret to inner peace? Will I glow like a moon goddess?
At the very least, it has to be better than swallowing raw garlic bulbs (which I've done for the sake of this article).
It turns out I'm not alone in my curiosity. Social media is buzzing with moon water enthusiasts touting its benefits, from improved mood to a sense of calm.
The idea is that moon water, like mindfulness in a glass, connects us to natural cycles, grounding us in a chaotic world.
But if you're searching for scientific proof of moon water's effects, you'll be searching for a while.
The moon has long been thought to affect human behaviour — think of animals adjusting their cycles to the lunar phases—but it's mainly anecdotal.
One theory, though, might explain its appeal: the placebo effect.
Dr Ted Kaptchuk of Harvard Medical School explains that rituals and belief can produce real physiological effects, so while there's no "lunar magic" in the water itself, creating moon water might influence how you feel when you drink it.
The idea of "charged" water isn't new; cultures have infused water with significance for centuries.
Holy water, sacred rivers, and lunar rituals have imbued water across religions and traditions with mystical meaning.
Neo-pagan practices still view the full moon as a time of heightened energy, using moon water to cleanse, purify, and set intentions.
It may seem like a new-age fad, but moon water is just a continuation of humanity's fascination with the moon.
So don't judge me too harshly especially if you've ever blessed yourself with "holy water" going in or out of a church.
Now I can only imagine you're desperate to try my newly found watery fad.
Here's how you go about making moon water (If my mother is reading this, yes, you were right. What was four years in college all about? I should have got a trade)
Moon water is typically made during a full moon, so watch a lunar calendar.
Find a clear glass jar or bottle for your moon water.
Glass is ideal because it allows the moonlight to filter through, but any vessel will do if it's not a whole moon night.
On the night of the full moon, place your water container outside or on a windowsill where it can be bathed in moonlight.
Leave the water out for several hours, ideally overnight.
Whether you believe in lunar energy or not, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the ritual.
I'll admit, when I was making my moon water I questioned my sanity. It was at night, and I hoped my neighbours (my in-laws) would miss me.
I was more worried about the cat sipping away on it, so I placed it beside the kitchen window.
By morning, the water looked exactly the same. But as I sipped on my "lunar tea" with my breakfast.
The irony of Jill constantly saying to me, "Have a glass of water first thing in the morning", and yet here I was, the only reason I was eventually doing what she told me was that I was making some Neo-druid refreshment.
When the next full moon appears, grab a jar, set it under the stars, and let yourself believe, just a little bit, in the magic of the universe.
Or start the day with a glass of water poured from the tap. It really depends on how odd you are!
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