“If we can just let go and trust that things will work out they way they’re supposed to, without trying to control the outcome, then we can begin to enjoy the moment more fully. The joy of the freedom it brings becomes more pleasurable than the experience itself.” ― Goldie Hawn

Ready to release the stress and drama from your life? Try this Full Moon Release Ritual.

Ever notice how some days you are full of exuberant energy and some days you’re completely drained and lethargic?

We’ve learned there are natural cycles and rhythms of the universe. We even use the stars to calculate our navigation and the changing of the seasons and full moons have a highly charged energy!!

There’s no doubt that if the moon has the power to pull ocean tides, surely it must affect us, humans, too, whose bodies are made mostly of water.

Just as the phases of the moon affect the seas, they can also send waves of emotions through us.

Creating rituals at the new and full moons will allow you to tune into your inner world and use the energies available to manifest in the external world.

While it might sound woo-woo, it’s not really that “out there” if you consider our ancestors planted, hunted, fished and traveled by the seasons and cycles of the moon.

“Even though you may want to move forward in your life, you may have one foot on the brakes. In order to be free, we must learn how to let go. Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang onto the past is holding you back from a new life. What is it you would let go of today?” -Mary Manin Morrissey

What is a Lunar Cycle?

Each month, over the course of about 28 days, the moon goes from completely invisible to full, then back to invisible again. Think about it – 28 days is also a woman’s period or “moon time”.

These two cycles govern creativity and hold the key to manifesting with moon magic.

After realizing these two cycles went hand in hand, I began tracking my own cycles by the moon to see if there was a correlation between my “cray-cray” and the phase of the moon.

Turns out, each phase offers us a different level of energy. Lunar energy is feminine based and all about receiving.

The new and full moon energies last for a few days before and after the main event, so it’s totally ok to perform your moon rituals during the 3-day phase.

Lunar Cycles

New Moon // Make some Moon Magic!

New beginnings, new relationships, new adventures, and positive changes. This is a time of turning inward, tapping into your intuition and setting intentions for what you want to manifest in your life over the next 2 week or 6-month cycle. A great time for evaluating your life and deciding what you want to create or how you want to grow. Natural time of menstruation. Sloooow down and get some rest.

The new moon’s energy is wonderful for visualizing, setting intentions, and gathering energy for the coming work at hand. This time isn’t good for action, but more planning, dreaming and scheming. (Ready to manifest? Try this New Moon Manifesting Ritual.)

Waxing Moon // Pick up the pace.

Growth, learning, creativity, healing, and transformation. As the moon appears to grow, energy builds and the time for action begins. Think of your intention and take strategic steps forward to begin materializing your desires. Action initiates the Law of Attraction. Patience required.

When we have trouble welcoming something new into our lives, an internal shift is needed to create the change we seek. The active waxing moon is a time to notice all the inner obstacles so you can release them at the upcoming full moon.

Full Moon // Ready, Set, Manifest!

The full moon is a time of releasing and receiving. During this time we are letting go of the old so we can grab on to the new intention we manifest at the time of the new moon. Full moons are a time for celebration! Gather with your closest friends and harness the powerful magic of the full moon. Natural time of ovulation.

Waning Moon // Do the work.

Letting go, cleansing, releasing, opening up. When the visible moon starts to darken, it’s a reminder to slow down, relax more and do less.

Now is the time to do some internal work. Journal, meditate and ask your higher self or spirit guides for help working through whatever needs healing.

Balsamic Moon // Sweep + Sleep

Feeling worn out or fed up? Check your calendar because there might just be a Balsamic Moon in the sky which happens three to four days before a New Moon.

As we wind down and complete a month-long lunar cycle, the Balsamic Moon reminds us to clean house. Let go of draining obligations, toxic emotional ties, and anything else that’s gotten more complicated than it’s worth. Go take a nap and pay attention to vivid dreams during this time. Instinct and intuition are high.

How to Perform a Full Moon Release Ritual:

Supplies: pen, paper, candle, matches, glass bowl to burn your paper in. Optional: crystals, tarot/oracle cards, sage wands, relaxing music or essential oils to set the tone for your sacred space.

Step 1 – Create a Sacred Space. If you’re not performing this ritual outside, find a serene place to sit and turn on some relaxing music. Place crystals or other special items around you.

Step 2 – Clear your energy. Light a candle and incense to connect to your senses. Burn sage to clear negative/low energies. Close your eyes and imagine yourself standing under a silver waterfall and allow all negative energies to be washed away.

Step 3 – Become Present. Become fully present in your body by bringing awareness to your breath. Send each breath into the body from the top of the head to the tip of the toes. Notice any tensions and allow them to relax with each breath you take.

Step 4 – Declare it. Write on the piece of paper what you intend to release from your life. What limiting beliefs do you want to be free from? What relationships or job are no longer serving you? What emotions need to be healed and forgiven?

Step 5 – Seal it. Sign and date the paper when you’re finished and ready to release.

Step 6 – Let go. Breathe deep into your heart and declare “I now release  ________. And so it is” Let the universe handle it from here.

Don’t wanna do this alone? Watch the Goddess Gathering Full Moon Release Ritual + Meditation virtually here. No opt-in required!

Now for the FUN stuff! Hold one corner of the paper over the candle allowing the flame to burn away what you are releasing. Watch the smoke release your intention to the Universe.

If your piece of paper struggles to light or burn, please consider if you are really ready to let this go! Only when you are truly willing to let go will the page burn – the faster the flames, the more willing you are to let it go.

Step 7 – Forgive it. Sit in silence for a moment to integrate the feelings of a new lighter energy. End with forgiveness and gratitude. Let all the negativity you have toward these problems drain away by forgiving the situation or person who wronged you (even if it’s you!) and thank yourself and the Universe for taking care of this situation on your behalf.

BONUS! Reward yourself by taking a hot Epsom salt bath or give yourself a massage with essential oils to honor the physical and emotional release you’ve just experienced.

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Essential oils for the Full Moon:

• Rose
• Lime
• Bergamot
• Orange
• Tea tree
• Hyssop
• Orange
• Sandalwood

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Things to Release

Fear of change || Grief || Shame || Releasing a job || Ending a relationship and the energy attached to it || Belief that you’re not good enough || Comparing yourself to others || FOMO || Worrying about money || Clinging onto things || Fear of success || Letting go of the need for approval from others || Fear of criticism and judgement || Old beliefs that are no longer serving you || Forceful energy || Searching externally for answers rather than going within || Resisting Divine Will