Full Moon Release Ritual

Tomorrow’s Gemini Full Moon will be the last full moon before the winter solstice. Traditionally also known as the Beaver Moon, Frost Moon, or Mourning Moon, this full moon is a perfect time for introspection, spiritual contemplation and inner transformation.

The November Full Moon invites us to gather our resources, release what no longer serves us, and embrace the transformative power of the changing seasons.

As we prepare for winter within and without, we can cultivate the resilience and wisdom necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The ideal way to do this is through a full moon ritual.

Full moon release rituals have been practiced for centuries in various cultures and spiritual traditions. The goal of these rituals is to create space for growth, transformation, and new beginnings. The phases of the moon are traditionally associated with cycles of growth, decline, and renewal, making the full moon a particularly powerful time to release negative energies, unwanted patterns, and emotions that no longer serve us.

The ancient Egyptians worshipped the moon goddess Isis, who symbolized fertility, magic, and transformation. They believed that the full moon had the power to cleanse and purify.

In Native American tradition, the moon is seen as a guiding force and a source of feminine wisdom. Tribal full moon rituals include drumming, dancing, and chanting to connect with lunar energies and release negativity.

The full moon is a mirror of the soul. If the soul were completely transparent, a full moon would cast no shadow ~ Djuna Barnes

In Wiccan and Pagan traditions, the full moon is associated with the Goddess, representing motherhood, intuition, and the subconscious. Full moon rituals are used to manifest intentions, release negative energies, and connect with nature.

In Astrology, the full moon is also associated with emotional release, transformation, and culmination.

A full moon occurs when the moon is directly opposite the sun, creating a moment of maximum illumination and energy. This alignment is believed to amplify our feelings and intentions, making it an ideal time to release what no longer serves us.

A full moon release ritual offers several personal and spiritual benefits:

Self-Reflection: The act of writing down your intentions encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, which can help you make positive changes in your life.

Self-Empowerment: The ritual empowers you to take control of your life, let go of the past, and move forward with intention.

Emotional Healing: Releasing negative emotions can be therapeutic, providing a sense of emotional relief and clarity.

Focus & Clarity: Letting go of what no longer serves us creates space for new possibilities and priorities. We gain a deeper understanding of our thoughts, emotions and behaviors, and identify areas where you need to grow and change.

Creative Inspiration: A full moon ritual can spark our creativity and inspire new ideas and projects.
Intuitive development: The energy of the full moon heightens our intuition and sensitivity to subtle energies. It increases our ability to receive guidance from our inner being and higher self.

Manifestation: The expansive energy of the full moon strengthens our intentions and our ability to manifest our desires. A full moon ritual aligns us with this transformative power of the moon.

Spiritual Growth: Full moon rituals serve as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. By engaging in these practices regularly, we cultivate greater awareness and a deeper connection to the universe.

There is an intensity that arises with the full moon, a type of frenzy, where things that must be looked at rise to the surface. By bringing our intention to a full moon ritual, we invite a sacredness into our experience, harnessing the intensity of the full moon energy ~ Kalia Kelmenson

Anyone can perform a full moon release ritual, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Releasing what no longer serves you is highly personal, so your ritual should be tailored to your specific needs. However, there are a few tried and true core steps that will ensure the best results:

Preparation

Gather a few items that will enhance your ritual, create a serene atmosphere, and make it more tangible, such as candles, incense, quartz crystals and gemstones, smudging herbs, sea salt, and so on. While such tools are not required, they do help to enhance the experience. You will however need some paper and a pen to use as part of the ritual.

Find an appropriate location for your ritual and set it up as a temporary sacred space. Many people prefer to do their full moon release rituals outdoors, where they can connect directly with the moon’s energy. However, an indoor space can work just as well if you can’t do it outdoors.

Intention

Begin by thinking about what you want to release from your life. This can be negative emotions, bad habits, past regrets, or any other burden you wish to release.
On a piece of paper, write down your intentions for what you want to release. Be honest and direct. Be specific in your intentions. The very act of putting your thoughts on paper is cathartic.

Release

Once you have written down everything you want to release, the next step is to release it. You can burn it, symbolizing its transmutation into the ether, or you can bury it, symbolizing its return to the earth.

The act of burning or burying your intentions is a way of letting go of them and releasing them into the universe. If you choose to burn it, use a fireproof bowl or container to burn the paper safely.

Visualization

Be present and aware during the ritual. Focus on your breath and the energy of your intentions. As you burn or bury the paper, close your eyes and visualize yourself releasing what you’ve written. Imagine yourself free of the burdens you’ve released. Meditate on this freedom and the positive changes it will bring to your life.

Full moon release rituals offer a unique opportunity to harness the energy of the full moon, release what no longer serves you, and pave the way for personal growth and transformation.

Whether you’re drawn to the mystique of the full moon or are looking for a more meaningful way to release the past, these rituals can be a powerful and deeply fulfilling practice in your life. Give it a try, and you may be pleasantly surprised by the positive changes that follow.