5 Full Moon Rituals for Beginners
A full moon happens when the Sun and Moon sit opposite each other. For many ancient traditions in Africa and Haiti, the full moon was a time when people slowed down, cleansed, and reflected. Under the bright moon, communities would gather to drum, pray, and release what no longer served them.
What is a full moon ritual?
A full moon ritual is an intentional practice designed to connect with the moon’s powerful energy and harness it to manifest desires and wishes, and support personal growth. A full moon ritual can be as simple as taking a relaxing bath or journaling under the moonlight.
Working with the full moon
The full moon occurs every month and offers us a recurring opportunity for emotional release and reflection. Working with lunar phases can support practices like letting go of old patterns, resetting habits, and cultivating gratitude. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this lunar energy and how to incorporate full moon rituals into your self-care toolkit.
How this energy affects us
Research shows the full moon may impact our sleep patterns. A study in Current Biology found that as the full moon approached its peak, people took longer to fall asleep, spent 30% less time in deep sleep, had lower melatonin levels, and slept about 20 minutes less during the full moon.
Not all full moons are the same
Every full moon carries a different energy. The zodiac sign the moon is in tends to dictate its focus. For example, a full moon in fiery Aries is going to feel more urgent and action-oriented, whereas one in grounded Taurus is inviting you to slow down and let go of any attachment to urgency.
Understanding which sign the moon is in can help you better harness and work with its energy, while incorporating elements of the zodiac sign it’s in.
5 full moon rituals for beginners
Here are 5 ways to connect with the powerful energy of a full moon. Whether you have 5 minutes to spare or an hour, there’s something here for everyone:
- Good old fashioned cleaning
In many spiritual traditions, a broom is a symbol of renewal–used to sweep away negative energy and purify physical and spiritual spaces. Sometimes cleansing your energy is as simple as tidying up, sweeping the floors, and taking out the trash. The act of sweeping itself can help release old patterns and stagnant energy, creating room for new energy to flow through your home.
Witchy Tip: As you sweep, speak—either quietly or aloud—the negative beliefs or patterns you’re ready to clear.
- Take a scented bath
Did you know you could ask water to cleanse you? This sounds funny, because aren’t we cleansing ourselves when we bathe? Yes, but water can also cleanse you spiritually. I do this regularly, not just under a full moon.
You can include elements that align with the zodiac sign the moon is in. For example, add fire energy with candles or incense if the moon is in a fire sign. Add earthy elements like herbs and essential oils if it’s in an earth sign.
Mix about ½ cup of Epsom salts with a few drops of essential oil in a warm bath, and soak away stress, worry, and whatever fear you’re ready to release.
- Charge your crystals
Crystals absorb and release energy, so cleansing and recharging them helps restore their natural vibration. You can charge your crystals by placing them under the moonlight outdoors or on a windowsill.
- Do a gratitude and manifestation ritual
By now, most of us know the full moon is a powerful time for meditation. But it’s also a time to reflect and offer gratitude, which is the foundation to manifesting.
If you need a little guidance, try a gratitude meditation on YouTube, or simply sit quietly and reflect on what you’re thankful for. You can do this at your altar if you have one, or in any clean, comfortable space that feels sacred to you.
- Release what doesn’t serve you
Grab a pen and paper and get clear on what you want to release. One of my favorite rituals is writing down old patterns, fears, or beliefs and then burning the paper. Fire has always been seen as a transformative force. It purifies, clears, and carries intentions to the unseen.
This ritual doesn’t have to be elaborate. The simple act of naming and acknowledging what you’re releasing is powerful all on its own.
The full moon’s energy peaks the night it rises, but you can still harness it for a day or two afterward. Choose a ritual that calls to you, approach it with intention, and let the moon’s energy guide and support your practice.
