12 Magical Full Moon Rituals to try and 3 things to avoid during this Full Moon

How to ground and harvest energy using Full Moon Rituals

The light of the full moon is often fiery, bright and bold. If you’re like me, you might feel overwhelmed by the full moon energy, or struggle with insomnia. You might also feel surge of energy, emotions or thoughts as your inner outer worlds simultaneously expand and emotions rise with the tides. Here are 12 full moon rituals to help you ground your energy and harvest the full moon energy of courage, compassion and abundance, and 3 things to avoid doing this full moon.

How do full moons affect us?

Full moons happen roughly every 29.5 days when the sun’s rays fully illuminate the surface of the moon. Starting with the “dark” phase of the new moon, the lunar surface gathers light over about 14 days, then it manifests as a full moon.

As the moon has no light of its own, when the moon is shining at its brightest and fullest, what we’re seeing is the maximum light and vitality as the sun’s rays reflect off the moon’s. The energy of a full moon lasts for about 3 days before and after the lunation. In reality the full moon actually lasts only for a moment when the sun and the moon are directly opposite each other in the sky.

Why practice full moon rituals?

Humans have been living by lunar cycles for centuries, the most prominent example being the Lunar calendar. Aligning your self-care, personal and creative projects and commitments with the moon cycles can be beneficial.

Here’s an overview of how you can harness moon energy through the key stages in the moon cycle: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

How to align with the Moon phases:

• ? New Moon: The new moon is a time to set intentions for the future and launch new projects. 
• ? Waxing Moon: As the moon waxes (increases toward full light), our energy builds and we collect information. The waxing moon is associated with a forward-moving energy and momentum that’s ideal for taking action, working toward a goal, building things, or the first phases of manifesting ideas into reality.
• ? Full Moon: The full moon is a time of harvesting, fruition and receiving, where the energy peaks and then releases like a cosmic sigh.  When the moon is completely full, it’s a spiritual and energetic pinnacle of whatever you started when the sun and the moon united at the new moon. The full moon tends to intensify emotions, thoughts and energies, making it a perfect time to practice rituals that help release negative energy and connect with our inner selves.
• ? Waning Moon: This is a good time to release, find closure and let go of what’s no longer working for you. Reflect on what you’ve built during the waxing phase, tie up loose ends, let go of anything that feels out of alignment and allow for closure to prepare for the next cycle.
• ✨ Solar Eclipses and Lunar Eclipses: 4 to 6 times yearly, the new and full moons are also eclipses. Eclipses engender change and growth and may lead to pivotal turning points your life, especially in situations where you might have been previously procrastinating or avoiding a decision. Solar eclipses happen at the new moon when, the moon appears to cover the sun while Lunar eclipses happen during the full moon when the earth stands directly between the moon and the sun, resulting in red, brown, and black shadows on the moon.

When to do Full Moon Rituals & the 2024 Full Moons Dates

Try full moon rituals a few days before, during, and after the full moon to empower you to ride the wave of the full moon energy. Here are the dates for the full moons in 2024:

• March 25 — Worm Moon
• April 23 — Pink Moon
• May 23 — Flower Moon
• June 21 — Strawberry Moon
• July 21 — Buck Moon
• Aug. 19 — Sturgeon Moon
• Sept. 17 — Corn Moon
• Oct. 17 — Hunter’s Moon
• Nov. 15 — Beaver Moon
• Dec. 15 — Cold Moon

Download your own calendar of the important dates of the moon phases of 2024 so you don’t forget.

12 Full Moon Rituals to Manifest with the Moon

Since the Full Moon is the “energetic peak” of the month, this is a great time to harvest this energy through a full moon ritual and practice a little self-care. Here are 12 full moon rituals and my top tips help you nourish, reconnect with your intuition, and tapping into your creativity.

Remember, when picking a ritual, it’s important to find one that resonates with you. Make the ritual work for you, enjoy the process and try not to stress about making it perfect.

1. Full Moon meditation

Of all full moon rituals, Full moon meditations are probably the simplest yet most powerful tool for grounding and finding inner peace. Try these guided full moon meditations:

• Full Moon Meditation – Journey with Artemis
• Ocean Full Moon Meditation To Manifest Healing & Abundance

Here’s a quick and easy DIY full moon meditation. You can repeat this as many times as you’d like in the 3-5 hours before or after the full moon.

DIY Full Moon meditation

• During the full moon, sit in a quiet place where the moonlight is visible.
• Close your eyes and feel the moon’s beams fill the room and your body.
• Exhale, visualize roots growing from the soles of your feet, connecting you to the earth and anchoring you to a place of stability.
• Inhale, feel the moonlight enveloping and purifying your body, mind, and spirit.
• Continue for as long as you wish with this visualisation.
• When you feel ready to conclude, slowly bring your attention back to the room and open your eyes.

2. Immerse yourself in a Full Moon Bath

Moon bathing is a simple but effective full moon ritual of basking in the moonlight, and is a traditional treatment often used to help people keep cool in the summer. Some potential benefits include feelings of relaxation, increased energy levels, decreased levels of stress and anxiety, and a healthy and regular menstrual cycle. To practice moon bathing, find a spot outside where you can see the moon clearly, and sit or lie down to soak in its energy. You can do this outdoors, on the ground, in a lake, pool or pond or even in your home. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, visualizing any negative energy leaving your body and being replaced by calm, grounding energy from the moon.

Submerging yourself in a healing bath during the full moon is simple yet way to ground your energy and release any built-up tension. Add some Epsom salts and lavender essential oil to your bath for added relaxation, and surround yourself with your favourite healing crystals, and candles. As you are in your bathtub, visualize the light of the full moon cleansing and restoring every cell of your body. Or, take a dip in a lake, ocean, or pool (if weather and circumstances permit) or bottle up your own moon water.

3. Declutter Your External and Internal (Mental, Emotional & Physical) Space(s)

The full moon tends to mark a big build-up of energy, making it a powerful time to cleanse your space – mentally, physically and emotionally. One of the most powerful full moon ritual is cleansing your living and work spaces of negative energy. Light a white candle and burn some sage or palo santo to purify the air. You can also spray a mixture of water and lavender essential oil around the room for added calming energy. Try the 20/20 rule as you through your physical belongings, declutter your room or your digital files on your computer to sort and clear old and unnecessary things.

4. Journal and Release: Full Moon Release Journaling prompts

On the days leading up to and following the full moon, whatever you are feeling, write it down. Each time you feel out of balance, put some words on paper. Let your words and ideas flow onto the paper without holding back. Try not to limit, dictate or judge what comes out. It’s important to take some time to reflect on your thoughts and emotions during the full moon.

You can also use the full moon to release unwanted negative or excess energy, beliefs, ideas and pent-up emotions. Put on your favourite playlist, light some candles and try these Full moon journal prompts, or this simple 3 step process if you’re short on time:

Quick & Easy Full Moon release ritual journaling

1. Set a timer for 3 minutes and write down any negative thoughts or behaviors you want to release. Try not to limit, dictate or judge what comes out.
2. Light a candle to burn the paper as a symbol of letting go. Remember to prepare a container e.g. meditation bowl for the paper.
3. As you burn it, say, “I release you!” or “Thank you—you are free to move on!” Take a few moments at the end to allow the release to conclude before moving on to the rest of your evening.

5. Join a Full Moon circle to release, reset and recharge

Full Moon circles can help you harness the energy of the full moon and celebrate with a group of friends and like-minded seekers. At a full moon circle, engage in practices to receive, restore, recharge and decide what you’d like to release so you can realign with the intentions you set earlier (e.g. during the new moon). You’re welcome to join our Full Moon and New moon circles on InsightTimer, or organise your own full moon circle with your friends. You can get as creative as you want with these–candles, incense, chanting, dancing, even a playlist tailored to the full moon’s astrological sign.

6. Charge your Crystals / Moonstone for healing

The light from the full moon is ideal for cleansing and charging your crystals as the full moon energy helps bring our intentions and emotions to the forefront, so we can process them, heal what we need to and ultimately, let go. You can place your crystals under the full moon light to soak in the lunar energy and use it in during your meditation or other rituals. In particular, Moonstones are believed to have a grounding and balancing energy, which make them ideal for full moon rituals.

7. Create an Altar for a Manifestation Ritual

The full moon is the perfect time for manifestation, and a simple manifestation can empower you to bring things to fruition. If you haven’t created one yet, try creating an altar, a sacred and special space dedicated to your spiritual practice, and perform a full moon manifestation ritual. Some items you might include in your altar:

• Objects that inspire you e.g. books
• Healing objects e.g. crystals, moonstone etc.
• Items that represent the elements (earth, air, fire, water)
• A souvenir or item that contains the energy of what you want to manifest
• Anything else that holds personal significance for you.

Spend some time at your altar. Close your eyes and meditate to connect with your inner self. Once you feel connected, invite clarity on what you’re calling in with this full moon. Release any judgement, old and outdated beliefs, relationships, projects and ideas. Visualize yourself attracting exactly what you want.

8. Earthing: Barefoot Moon Walk in Nature

A powerful full moon ritual to release unwanted energy is Earth grounding: physically placing your bare feet in the soil. It is believed that when we walk barefoot, our body absorbs free ions from the Earth’s surface, which act as antioxidants. These antioxidants improve our health and can give rise to positive feelings in the body. Grounding is believed to offer many health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced inflammation and lessening of pain.

Try taking a barefoot walk in nature during this full moon to connect with the earth and absorb its grounding energy. While you’re on your walk, focus on your senses and take deep, full breaths, allowing the natural world to anchor you and release any pent-up emotions.

9. Engage all 5 of your senses

In the presence of the full moon you might feel a surge of energy that could manifest in the form of an emotional overflow or mental overwhelm. A powerful way of managing this overwhelm is by grounding through your five senses to the present moment. Connect to your five senses: See, Smell, Taste, Touch and Hear.

Go through all five of your senses and let yourself fully connect with each of them through any medium that brings joy and pleasure to you. You might pick your favourite essential oil or scented candle and really take it in. Observe if you can notice the more subtle layers of the aroma, and how that feels to you. Put on your favourite full moon playlist and hum or sing along, feeling the vibrations of each melody resonate in you.

Here’s one of my favourite songs to dance along to the full moon:

You can also try engaging all five of your senses through this Five Senses Exercise:

• Notice 5 things that you can see. Look around you. What colour, shape, and size are they? Notice and name 5 things that you can see.
• Notice 4 things that you can feel. Notice and describe the texture of 4 things you can touch with your skin. How do they feel?
• Notice 3 things you can hear. Listen carefully. Are they near, or are they far from you? Are they loud or soft? Notice and name the 3 sounds you hear in your environment.
• Notice 2 things you can smell. Notice and name two smells you recognize.
• Notice 1 thing you can taste. You can take a sip or bite of something, or notice any lingering taste in your mouth.

10. Make Magical Moon Water

One of the simple yet powerful full moon rituals you can do only during the full moon is making moon water. Follow these 5 easy steps to make your own:

1. Using a clean glass jar, fill with distilled or spring water.
2. Place it outside directly under the light of the full moon to absorb it’s energy.
3. As a bonus, you can write down an intention for the coming moon cycle and place it under your jar.
4. Let the full moon charge your water overnight, and drink the moon-charged water the next morning, or later in the week to receive its grounding benefits.
5. You can also use your moon water to water your plants, make tea, fill your bath while reflecting on your set intention.

11. Reconnect & Realign: Is this mine?

When energy peaks during a full moon, the energy of the collective is heightened, and you might unintentionally pick up on other energies that don’t belong to you. If and when you notice you’re feeling imbalanced, it’s helpful to check in with yourself ask yourself, ‘Is this energy mine?’ to realign and attune internally. And if it doesn’t belong to you, you can use any of the earlier mentioned rituals e.g. journaling and burning, taking a barefoot moon walk etc. to release the energy back to where it came from. A powerful mantra to use for this is ‘I let go of what is not mine’.

12. Practice Allowing: Flowing with the Universe

The most powerful and simple ritual for the full moon is to align with the energy of ‘Allowing’. Most of the time, we move through life with our own agenda, expectations, hopes and goals. Rather than a time for striving or excessive doing, this is a time to take a step back and allow the latent collective energies to support you to manifest what is in alignment with what is welcome in the universe.

For a moment. notice if anyone, or anything offered you an invitation. Think back to the breadcrumb trail that led you here, to this article. What if you could allow these external forces, energy and support to help you realise your dreams, without unnecessary effort? How would that feel?

What if any perceived obstacles or challenges on your path were not blocks but actually blessings to help you to gain the necessary skills, resources and insight to grow on your personal journey? Take time to reflect and/or journal on it.

Here’s a summary of all the 12 Full Moon rituals we explored in this article:

What NOT to do : 3 Things to avoid doing during the Full Moon

We’ve explored 12 rituals for the full moon to help you harness powerful, positive change in your life, especially with regards to letting go of negative energy or outdated beliefs, ideas and relationships. Just as full moons are a powerful time for these rituals and habits, they’re a bad time for others. Here are 3 things you might want to avoid during full moons.

❌ 1. Start something new

Full moons are times of releasing, welcoming closure, and allowing things to complete. You might find that creating new beginnings at this time may backfire and won’t gain the momentum deserved. If you feel like starting something new at this time, consider what you might need to clear and release so that this new project or endeavor can start smoothly.

❌ 2. Make sudden decisions (especially if emotional)

Emotions tend to heightened during the full moon, and if you’re not grounded, it may lead to arguments. As the full moon encourages letting go, it is best to avoid intense discussions at this time as you might mistakenly make a sudden decision which you might regret days later after the emotional charge has tapered.

❌ 3. Overexert yourself

Though the full moon is a time for harvest and celebration, with the peak of energy you might find yourself drawn into taking action, and as a result might overexert yourself. It’s important to avoid overworking or stressing yourself out at this time. Especially if you notice you’re feeling exhausted or starting to feel overwhelmed from mental chatter, slow down, pause, reset and recharge using one of the rituals mentioned above. Remember, full moons are for celebration, victory, and release.

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to harness the energy of the full moon. By incorporating any of these full moon rituals into your monthly practice, you can restore balance, release negative energy, and connect with yourself. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself, and trust that the full moon will bring the guidance and healing you need.

Would you like to join our Full Moon circles and New moon circles on InsightTimer?

Have you ever tried any of these full moon rituals? Which are your favourite(s)?