Moon Magic – Empowering Full Moon Rituals
Full Moon Rituals are magical rituals or ceremonies that are traditionally performed at the Full Moon phase of the lunar cycle. All Moon Rituals are centered on making an offering of gratitude to the Moon, working with celestial energies, and honouring our place in the cosmos. Full Moon Rituals are simple, inexpensive, easy to do, and can be personalized to the individual or group. Moon magic is one of my personal favourites. With this guide you can get started on your own path to working with its magical energy.
Working with Celestial Energy – the Full Moon Ceremony
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If you find yourself running a bit slower, if the world seems noisier, if your energy is a feeling out of sync with the world before and after a full moon, don’t worry. You’re not alone.
I often describe it as if my spirit feels raw during this time. Like when something has been rubbing against your skin over and over again until it turns red and the skin is irritated.
The full moon can be a time of struggle and chaos, but with the right intentions and work, you can turn it into a powerful time of reflection, recharging, reconnecting and new beginnings.
What is a Full Moon Ritual?
A full moon ritual can be an elaborate ceremony or a simple act of self-care. It can be done as a group with your fellow moon lovers, or you can work with the moon energies in a solitary ritual. Whether you have all night, or just a few minutes, you can commit to a full moon ritual every month and start to see the benefits of moon rituals.
In general, the focus is on aligning yourself with the rhythms and energy of the universe and something greater than your existence here on Earth. The goal of your specific moon rituals may vary. You may focus on manifesting your dreams and desires, self-care and connection, love, healing for yourself, community or the world.
Moon Magic is about working with celestial energies and nature. We know the moon phases have a profound effect on our oceans and planet, so it only makes sense that our human bodies, with their high level of water, are also affected on a smaller scale. A moon ritual harnesses that influence and brings our attention to the cycles it creates.
Why do a Moon Ritual?
In many ways nature provides us with everything we need to live a healthy, fulfilling life, but increasingly we are finding ourselves disconnected from the natural world.
For many people, the discovery of Moon Rituals has enabled them to tap into the magic of nature, and the moon, as part of their spiritual practice, self-care, and wellbeing. Using the phases of the Moon to commit to regular rituals into your monthly routine helps you become more in tune with the natural cycles of our universe and ourselves.
Doing a monthly Moon ritual can help you:
- disconnect from the busyness of life (and those screens!)
- get back in tune with nature and your body
- manifest your dreams and desires
- build stronger connections
- improve your wellbeing
- live life with more intention
Think of doing Full Moon Rituals as natures alarm clock, reminding you every 29.5 days to take some time to focus on yourself.
When to do a Full Moon Ritual?
The obvious answer to this is: during the full moon. Full moon energies are associated with energy, abundance, fruition, gratitude, new beginnings, cleansing and letting go of the things that no longer serve us.
But when is the moon full?
The moon cycles every 29.5 days. During that time, it goes through eight phases: new Moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full Moon, waning gibbous, third quarter and waning crescent.
There are a number of different sites or apps you can use to track the lunar cycles. I like to use My Moon Phase which is available for Android and IOS.
What if you can’t do a full moon ritual on the night of the full moon?
Although it is best to do your rituals on the night of the full moon, doing it the day before or after is not the end of the world. Work with what feels right for you.
I truly feel it is better to do something imperfectly, rather than always stressing about perfection, and then not doing the things that are important. Embrace imperfection!
Full Moon Names
The full moon has different names depending on the month, and which culture you are working with. Working with the energy of these full moons and their seasons can influence your rituals. Commonly used moon names with the lunar calendar in North American are:
January – Wolf Moon
February – Snow Moon
March – Worm Moon
April – Pink Moon
May – Flower Moon
June – Strawberry Moon
July – Buck Moon
August – Sturgeon Moon
September – Harvest Moon
October – Hunter’s Moon
November – Beaver Moon
December – Cold Moon
What is a Blue Moon?
A Blue Moon has nothing to do with the colour of the moon. A Blue Moon is simply the second full moon in a month.
The moon completes a cycle every 29.5 days, which means it takes just 354 days to complete 12 lunar cycles. So every 2.5 years or so a 13th full moon is observed within a calendar year. This moon is called the Blue Moon. This is where the term, “once in a blue moon” comes from when referring to something rare.
Full Moons of 2023
Plan ahead for all the full moons in 2023.
January 6 – Wolf Moon
February 5 – Snow Moon
March 7 – Worm Moon
April 6 – Pink Moon
May 5 – Flower Moon
June 3 – Strawberry Moon
July 3 – Buck Moon
August 1 – Sturgeon Moon (Super Moon)
August 30 – Blue Moon (Super Moon)
September 29 – Harvest Moon
October 28 – Hunter’s Moon
November 27 – Beaver Moon
December 29 – Cold Moon
So what rituals can you do to work with the incredible full moon energy? Here are some ideas that anyone can use.
Full Moon Rituals for Connecting, Manifesting and Empowering
Make Full Moon Water
One of the first things you can do to celebrate the Full Moon and embrace those lunar energies is to make Full Moon Water. This is a simple ritual, which will provide you with moon water so you can enjoy those full moon energies all month long in your other spells and rituals. All you need is a jar, water and the full moon. Our popular How to Make Moon Water instructions can help you make the most of this ritual.
Full Moon Cleansing Ritual
The full moon is a fantastic time to perform a cleansing rite. This could be on yourself, your space or on special items.
Cleansing Space
For my space I do a regular clean using natural cleaning hacks, then use a besom (broom) to sweep negative or stagnant energy out the door. Finally, I cleanse the space with smoke, setting intentions for a peaceful, joyful, loving sacred space.
Cleansing Yourself
To cleanse yourself, draw a ritual bath complete with candles, essential oils, bathing salts or bath bombs, your fluffiest towels, and beautiful music. While you soak focus on your body, starting with your toes and work your way right up to the top of your head. As you focus on each part of your body, direct loving energy to it until your whole body is filled with love and positive energy.
Cleansing Items like Tarot or Crystals
To cleanse my items, for example cleansing a tarot deck, I will take each card and cleanse it with smoke, then I set the entire deck on a pentacle, protective cloth, or selenite plate. If the weather is clear and still, I will take the tarot deck outdoors into direct moonlight. If the weather is not suitable for taking the item outside, I will use a windowsill that still provides direct moonlight. I then use my wand or hands to direct the moons energy into the item.
No matter what cleansing ritual I am doing with the full moon, I will take a moment at the end to close my eyes, meditate and ask the moon to clear away any negativity, and imbue myself, the space or item with beautiful lunar energies.
Tarot Full Moon Ritual
I am quite obsessed with tarot, so incorporating it into my full moon ritual is a natural fit. My favourite full moon tarot ritual is to set up my sacred space. I cleanse it, set out crystals and candles, then shuffle. For my tarot spread I like to do a simple three card spread:
- What energies am I bringing with me from the previous moon cycle?
- What current influences are affecting me as we begin the new cycle?
- Where should I place my focus in this new lunar cycle?
Since the full moon is a powerful time to cleanse, I will sometimes pull a fourth card asking, “what thoughts or ideas do I need to let go?”
Make sure you journal your reading!
Crystals for the Full Moon
Creating a crystal grid on the full moon is a magical way to use crystals and the full moon energy to set your intentions for the month. If you are new to crystal gridding, we have a resource introducing this sacred geometry approach to using crystals.
Some crystals you can use during the full moon are:
- Moonstone – new beginnings as you start the new moon cycle
- Ammolite – believed to have absorbed cosmic energy shown by its vibrant colours, this fossil also draws abundance and prosperity.
- Amythest – connect with your intuition
- Aquamarine – connect with the ocean and tides affected by the moon cycles
- Onyx, Tourmaline or Obsidian – assist in letting go and grounding
- Citrine – for manifestation and self confidence
- Quartz – amplify your intentions
Find more crystals for your practice with the Crystal Bible.
Moon Meditations
The full moon is the perfect time to meditate. It doesn’t need to take long, 5 minutes is perfect. Find a place to sit or stand, if possible in the moonlight, then once you are comfortable practice deep breathing and stilling your mind. Your mind will wander, but gently bring it back to your breathing.
For some people they need a focal point during meditation. If you need a focal point, you can use the tarot Moon card (or pull a card for your meditation) or use a crystal. Moonstone is a great choice but use what attracts you. Trust in yourself.
Full Moon Manifestation Ritual
The full moon is about new beginnings and a powerful time for manifestation rituals. Here is a simple manifestation ritual you can do.
Start by creating an altar or sacred space where you can perform this ritual. Fill this altar with inspirational objects such as moon water, crystals, tarot cards, photos, handwritten notes, items from nature (feathers, leaves, flowers), candles, wands, keys, anything that aligns with your manifestation goals and the energies you want to bring to your ritual.
Sitting or standing in front of your altar, meditate and relax your mind for a few moments. Focus on grounding yourself and allowing the energy of the full moon to enter you. Then bring your focus on to your intentions and goals. Focus until they are very clear. If it helps your focus, write your goals in a journal and have it open on your altar.
Close your eyes, silence any negative thoughts. Visualize the moonlight bringing you the energies you need to manifest your desires. Visualize yourself attracting exactly what you want and your goals becoming reality.
When you are finished journal your thoughts and experiences. If you wish, leave your altar up and spend a few minutes every day at your altar meditating. You can do this for a few days or until the new moon. Do what feels right for you.
Candle Magic Full Moon Ritual
To do a candle magic moon ritual you will need paper and pen, a candle and lighter, essential oils for dressing the candle and a snuffer. You can also use a candle scribe.
Start by writing your intentions or manifestation goals for the upcoming lunar cycle on a small piece of paper. This should be simple and to the point. One word may be all that is needed. Examples are:
- abundance
- strength
- resilience
- prosperity
- fertility
- bravery
- love
You can then scribe the word (or a symbol of your word) into your candle or place the paper under the candle (ensure you are using a burn safe candle holder or container).
Dress the candle with essential oils that align with your intentions. Light your candle while asking the moon to bring the energies of your intentions and goals into your life. Meditate on the flame. When you are finished, snuff the candle and give thanks. Light the candle daily and reflect on your intentions until the candle is finished.
Journaling
Many enjoy the process of journaling, but it is one of those things that can often get pushed to the side. I find writing after my moon rituals to be very powerful. Whether you want to do a manifestation journal or gratitude journal or tarot journal, work through your emotions, thoughts and sensations that come up during your moon ritual.
Use your journaling time to focus on celebrating your achievements and growth from the previous moon cycle. Give gratitude for blessings that have come your way. Explore that which no longer serves you and set intentions of cleansing and letting go where necessary. Include an affirmation that celebrates the abundance and positive energies in your life. Harness the unique power of the full moon and journaling to bring clarity to your life.
To help with your practice we have some free Journal pages you can use.
Full Moon Affirmations
Affirmations can be done as their own ritual, but usually it is best to incorporate them into your other rituals, such as moon walks, journaling, or after a self-cleansing ritual.
Some powerful affirmations that work with the full moon energies are:
- I am grateful for all I have achieved and the abundance in my life.
- I let go and I trust.
- I am successful, even if I fail.
- I celebrate the body, life and love I have been gifted.
- I am strong, even when I struggle.
Add additional power to your affirmations by creating a sacred moon mirror and say your affirmations to your reflection.
Self-care, Self-love, Self-reflection Moon Walks
During the full moon one of the best things you can do during a full moon is get outside and bath yourself in the moonlight. This can be done as a walk, simply standing or dancing in the moonlight. As you are being bathed in the moonlight reflect and bring your attention inward. Then open yourself to the moon’s loving energy.
Embracing Celestial Energy to Improve Your World
No matter what full moon ritual you choose to do, the most important thing is to be intentional in what you do. The goal is not perfection. Your timing may not be perfect, the weather may not cooperate, perhaps you are sick or life throws a curveball at you and your energies feel off. No matter what is going on, setting the intention of doing a full moon ritual every month, and committing to making it happen, is key.
Spend a few moments on the full moon every month disconnecting from the chaos of life, focusing inward to your spirit and upward to the moon.
Just breathe. Be in the moment. Feel your connection to something higher.
Becoming in tune with natural lunar cycles will help you achieve deeper connection with yourself, our world and the Universe. Allowing you to follow your path with greater intention and clarity.
More Resources on the Moon
