Ritual Rx: Full Moon Release
Full Moon Ritual for Closure & Release
Ritual engages our unconscious mind to help carry out the commitments we’ve made. Even the simplest of ceremonies brings additional momentum to our intentions. The full moon can be a particularly resonant time to conduct personal rituals for completion and release. If you uncovered habits, patterns, or addictions that you’re ready to let go of, there’s no reason you can’t have some fun with it. Why not make some magic with the moon?
What you’ll need:
Candle
Lighter or matches
Paper and pens/pencils
Bowl or container in which to burn paper safely
On the night of the full moon (or on one of the days leading up to it), set aside at least one hour when you’ll be uninterrupted. Create a sacred space for yourself – light a special candle, diffuse essential oils, burn herbs… whatever sets a container of serenity for you. To really get in the zone, take 5-10 minutes to settle and ground yourself in meditation, or by listening to music that centers you (I like recordings of Tibetan bowls for this).
Step 1: Decide what’s no longer serving you
When you’re ready, take a piece of paper and rip it into several pieces. On each strip, write down something you’re ready to let go of. You may have just one thing, or there could be several. It’s up to you! I take my time with these, writing in various colors and illustrating every strip of paper. Do whatever helps you to bring the full energy of your intention onto the page.
For a little help in determining what you’d like to release, consider the following reflective journal prompts:
What recurring pattern are you tired of repeating?
Are there habitual thoughts, behaviors, or addictions that you’d like to be done with?
Is there a situation or relationship that’s expired and it’s time to move on?
Do you feel stuck in any particular area?
Step 2: Burn, baby, burn!
When your list feels complete, it’s time to energetically get rid of it! We’re playing with fire now, so please do this carefully. If the weather is decent, I often take this part of the ritual outdoors. You can either light it up in a firepit or use a small fireproof container. When working indoors, I use a receptacle like this one.
Read each item individually, and as you do say “I’m ready to release _____”. Then light the paper on fire and watch it burn all the way down. Feel yourself giving it up, and allowing the smoke to carry it away. Continue with each one until complete.
When you’re done, look up at the moon, or imagine it in your mind’s eye, and say “So May It Be.”
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Ready to go deeper?
For more journal prompts and a tarot spread that aligns with the transformative energy of the Fall season, check out: Gathering Your Inner Harvest. And for more ideas about how to incorporate ritual into your world, check out The Power of Everyday Rituals.
