Full Moon Ritual for Beginners
A simple full moon ceremony changed the course of my life in 2011.
August 13th, 2011 I was in college, working as a server at a restaurant and staying up late and partying almost every night. I knew this wasn’t the life that was going to fulfill me but was surrounded by friends all doing the same and didn’t know how to change.
So on this warm Florida night in August with a few friends, a candle, and a journal we went down to the beach to hold a full moon ceremony, much like the one I share below. At this point, I didn’t know the power of the full moon, intention and a little magic.
During our full moon ceremony I claimed with a firm voice and energy that I was ready for change and set my full moon intentions. To see my life completely change! And at around midnight on August 13th, 2011 we concluded our ceremony and went home not thinking that the next day life was never going to be the same.
Sunday morning I woke up, got ready for work like every other day. I parked my car and walked to work. Before entering the building the owner met me in the parking lot, my first thought was great I’m getting fired (way to go Sarah and your full moon ceremony) Except he begin at talking and explaining that around 1 AM the previous night the restaurant caught on fire! No one was hurt but the restaurant would be closed for a period of time for repairs leaving us without work.
I’m not saying our full moon ceremony set the place on fire but the timeline is very auspicious.
Within a few days I was on unemployment and decided to travel to Nicaragua, where I met my daughter’s father and decided to become a surf instructor. And just as the universe had planned I became pregnant, built a home, learned a new language and completely changed my entire life.
I’m not saying a full moon ceremony can change your life or am I?
What is a Full Moon Ritual
There are many different types of full moon rituals ones that involve cleansing your energy, cleansing your home, or physically cleansing with a bath.
You can be as elaborate or simple as you like and can do these rituals alone or with a group like I did on that fateful night in August. When you practice with others your energy amplifies, but solo rituals can be just as powerful.
Preparing for Your Full Moon Ritual
The full moon's energy is typically strongest for three days before and three days after the full moon so if you can’t get to your ritual on the exact day remember you have a few days that you can still use the energy. There are a few things you will need to create the perfect space and energy for your full moon ritual.
Create A Sacred Space
Before beginning your ritual, let’s create a sacred space.
Create your physical space
Choose a quiet, undisturbed area and clear and clutter that may distract you. If weather is good go outside or sit by a window where you can see the moon. My favorite full moon ritual begins with me outside sitting by my fire pit surrounding by all my plant babies in my garden. But you can also just use a candle. These rituals can be as elaborate or simple as you want.
Cleanse the energy
Begin by burning cleansing herbs like mugwort, palo santo, or cedar or use sound cleansing with bells or singing bowls. Or simply open windows to allow fresh air circulation. Pick what works best for you or begin studying your own linage and what they did.
Ritual tools to incorporate during your full moon ceremony
Candles (white for purification)
Crystals (moonstone, clear quartz, or selenite)
Journal and pen
Burning bowl or fireproof container
Full Moon Ritual
Here’s the ritual you have been waiting for!
1. Open your space
Create a ceremonial beginning to your practice:
Light your candles or bonfire
Call in the directions and elements using this incantation:
Calling in the East and the element of Air
Calling in the South and the element of Fire
Calling in the West and the element of Water
Calling in the North and the element of EarthTake three deep cleansing breaths
Ground yourself by visualizing roots extending from your feet into the earth
2. Set your intentions.
Why are you doing this ritual?
What are you wanting to receive after you release?
Now think about what you are releasing this moon cycle.
Remember this should be an intention you can make happen in the next 30 days. Begin by getting clear about what you wish to release:
Patterns or behaviors that no longer serve you
Relationships that have run their course
Limiting beliefs holding you back
Emotional baggage you're ready to release
Physical items you need to let go of
Write your intentions on a piece of paper in positive, present-tense language. Instead of "I want to stop being afraid," write "I release fear and embrace courage."
This next step is the perfect time to do a Full Moon meditation.
We will send you a beautiful 5 minute meditation to use during your ritual.
3. If you feel called burn the paper in a safe space.
This is the heart of your ritual:
Write each item you wish to release on separate pieces of paper
Hold each paper to your heart and feel the emotion of letting go
Speak your release aloud: "I now release [item] with love and gratitude"
Safely burn each paper in your fireproof container
Watch the smoke carry your releases to the universe
Feel the lightness entering your body as each item transforms
Once the paper has burned, close your space by closing all the doors and cleaning your space.
4. Take inspired action
After completing your releases:
Express gratitude for the support of the full moon
Journal about any insights received during the ceremony
Sit quietly and feel the new space created within you
Consider what positive qualities you'd like to invite in
Set intentions for the coming lunar cycle
After this Full Moon ritual take action and keep taking steps to the life you want to live! This is where we use the term spell ‘work’ because it takes work to change your life.
Signs Your Full Moon Ceremony is Working
Look for these indicators in the days and weeks following your ritual:
Increased clarity about your path
Synchronicities related to your releases
Natural falling away of old patterns
Feeling lighter or more energized
Improved sleep or dreams
Spontaneous insights or solutions
Physical spaces clearing themselves
Understanding the Power of the Full Moon
Full moon rituals are all about completion and releasing what no longer serves you in this season of life. It is also a time of illumination. Illuminating everything on your path that is ready to be released. Such as old habits, relationships, emotions or vices.
This is a great time to let go of the emotions that no longer serve you, the pressures, anything that feels heavy. This release creates space for change. A full moon ceremony can allow you to see what is holding you back from your next steps and illuminate the path that you are ready walk down.
The full moon represents the peak of the lunar cycle, a time when energies are at their highest and most potent this phase is a powerful time for:
Completion and culmination of projects
Release of old patterns and behaviors
Illumination of hidden truths
Emotional cleansing and healing
Charging of crystals and ritual tools
Deep spiritual connection
The Science Behind Lunar Energy
While some may dismiss lunar influences as mere superstition correlations between the moon's phases and various natural phenomena. We can see:
Changes in animal behavior during full moons
Variations in plant growth and germination rates
Fluctuations in human sleep patterns
Impacts on mood and emotional states
Effects on marine life cycles
Understanding these connections helps us appreciate why our ancestors placed such importance on working with lunar cycles and why these practices remain relevant today.
Common Questions About Your Full Moon Rituals
How long should a ritual last?
There's no set time requirement. Whether you have 15 minutes or several hours, what matters is your intention and presence.
Can I perform rituals indoors?
Yes! While connecting directly with moonlight is wonderful, indoor rituals can be equally powerful. Consider placing a bowl of water on your altar to represent the moon's energy.
What if it's cloudy?
The moon's energy remains potent regardless of weather conditions. Trust that your intention and practice will align you with the lunar frequency.
Can I do rituals alone?
Absolutely! While group energy can be powerful, solo practice allows for deep personal work and intimate connection with lunar energies.
What full moon ritual should you do?
A ritual that focuses on releasing instead of drawing in is better as its congruent with the energy of the moon. You can do a receiving ritual during the New Moon.
You can use the Full Moon rituals here or you can make up your own.
What not to do on the full moon?
Don't stress about doing anything perfect. Allow the energy to infuse into your day and release as you move thru your day.
Can you do a full moon ritual the next day?
Yes, you can use the energy for 3 days before and 3 days after.
Sarah Proffitt is a Spiritual Advisor is all about keeping your spiritual practices simple, guiding you with ancient wisdom in a modern way and helping you support your body with natural and plant medicines.
Like the seasons of the earth we are also always evolving and each season will bring its own unique routines, rituals and ceremonies.
And now supports clients in this, to find their flow within each season, feel guided and supported by their loved ones on the other side, and to discover their own spiritual truths and connections.
