Full Moons are powerful portals for self-awareness, release, and transformation. Unlike Mercury retrograde, which is known for delays and miscommunication, Full Moons don’t disrupt—they reveal. They shine a light on what’s been hidden and bring cycles to a peak. Whether it’s a Supermoon or a quiet lunar glow, this is the time to pause, reflect, and release what no longer serves you.
Tapping into this energy through rituals can be profoundly grounding and clarifying—but only if done with the right intention. When misused or misunderstood, full moon rituals can stir up unnecessary emotional intensity or lead to spiritual confusion. Here’s how to work with the energy of the full Moon, not against it.
How Does a Full Moon Affect You?
The link between the Moon and our emotions has been observed for centuries. The word “lunatic” itself comes from the idea that the Moon can influence our mental state—a belief held as far back as 400 B.C. Even today, research suggests the full Moon may impact our sleep, blood pressure, and overall mood. One study found that over 80% of mental health professionals believe lunar phases can affect mental wellness.
That’s not surprising, considering the Moon governs the element of water—and our bodies are largely made of it. Just as the tides respond to lunar gravity, it’s believed our emotional tides rise and fall in harmony with the Moon.
Full Moon Rituals That Work
Dancing under a full moon
Astrologers often recommend focusing on water and emotion when it comes to full Moon rituals. According to astrologer Natasha Weber, this is the perfect time to work with elements tied to La Luna’s themes of feeling and flow. One of the simplest rituals? A warm bath infused with intention. Add essential oils, herbs, crystals, or flower petals based on the sign the Moon is in. If the Moon is in Libra, for example, you might focus on creating balance and harmony with calming scents and rose quartz.
Meditation is another beautiful practice during a full Moon. Find a peaceful place to sit and simply breathe. Reflect on what’s come full circle since the last new Moon. What’s working? What are you ready to let go of? Journal your thoughts, release your goals to paper, and allow the clarity to rise naturally.
Other powerful full Moon rituals include:
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Charging your crystals in moonlight
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Lighting a candle and setting the intention to release
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Smudging your space with sage or palo santo
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Dancing or movement to release energy from the body
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Beginning a gratitude journal
What Not to Do Under a Full Moon
Here’s the biggest misunderstanding about full Moons: they are not the time to start something new. In lunar astrology, the full Moon is the culmination of a cycle, not the beginning. This is when the seeds planted during the new Moon have fully bloomed. It’s a time of letting go, shedding layers, and releasing outdated patterns—not starting fresh.
So avoid setting brand-new intentions or beginning major projects under this energy. Doing so may leave you feeling scattered or unsupported. Instead, trust the natural flow. Let the full Moon help you complete, clarify, and clear. The new Moon will be along soon enough to invite you into the next beginning.
