20 Full Moon Self-Love Rituals to Help You Release the Old
Discover 20 powerful full moon self-love rituals to help you release what’s no longer serving you and tap into the transformative energy of the lunar cycle. Release the old now!
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Full moon self-love rituals
Has life been throwing you curveballs lately? Are you looking for something new, something better?
The full moon may be the perfect time to reinvent yourself and recreate your life. It’s long been viewed as a powerful time when transformative energy is heightened, allowing us to reflect, release, and connect with our deepest selves.
Full moon self-love rituals can be a great way to harness this energy and support our growth and healing. Whether you’re looking to release old patterns, call in new blessings, or simply connect with yourself on a deeper level, there are countless rituals you can choose from to meet your needs.
In this post, we’ll discuss the full moon and why it’s so powerful. We’ll also explore 20+ full moon self-love rituals that harness the celestial energy to improve your life by helping you connect with yourself and the world around you.
What is a full moon?
A full moon occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, so the moon is fully illuminated by the sun and appears as a complete circle in the night sky. A full moon typically occurs once every 29.5 days, the length of a lunar cycle. Full moons have been observed and celebrated by people around the world for thousands of years, and are often hold significant spiritual and mystical weight.
Why is the full moon so important in many cultures around the world?
The full moon is important in many cultures around the world for a variety of reasons, such as:
1. Astronomy: The full moon plays a significant role in astronomy as it marks the point in the lunar cycle when the moon is fully illuminated by the sun and appears at its brightest in the night sky. It has been used for centuries as a means of tracking time and was a key factor in the development of early calendars.
2. Agriculture: The full moon is also associated with fertility and abundance, making it an important time for agriculture. Many cultures would plant and harvest crops based on the phases of the moon.
3. Spirituality: The full moon is often seen as a time of heightened spiritual energy and connection. In many cultures, full moon rituals and ceremonies are used to honor the moon and connect with the divine.
4. Folklore: Because of the heightened spiritual energy and connection associated with the full moon, it’s also depicted as being able to grant supernatural and mystical powers. For example, many cultures have legends and folklore about werewolves and other shape-shifters who go through a physical and also behavioral transformation because of the full moon.
As you can see, the full moon is a powerful symbol that has been revered and celebrated by cultures around the world for centuries. Whether used for practical purposes like timekeeping and agriculture or more spiritual and esoteric purposes, the full moon continues to capture our imagination and inspire us to connect with the world around us.
A brief overview of full moon rituals around the world
Many cultures worldwide use the full moon as an important part of their rituals and ceremonies. Here are a few examples:
Full moon rituals in Pagan and Wiccan traditions
In many Pagan and Wiccan traditions, the full moon is considered a time of heightened energy and power, “the most powerful phase of the entire lunar cycle…[and therefore,] the most magically potent day of the month.” Full moon rituals often focus on releasing negativity, manifesting goals, and connecting with the divine. Some rituals include drawing down the moon, charging crystals under the full moon, and creating spell jars or sachets.
Full moon rituals in Hinduism
In Hinduism, “Purnima, or full moon day is associated with birth, rebirth, creation, and manifestation.” It is an auspicious day that divides the month into two lunar fortnights and is believed to be perfect for ushering in a fresh start. Many Hindu devotees fast on this day.
Full moon rituals in Buddhism
In 623 B.C., the Buddha was born on the Day of Vesak (the full moon in May). On the same day, a few years later, he attained enlightenment. Finally, on the same day, when the Buddha was eighty, he passed away. Because many religious milestones occurred on this day, the Day of Vesak, is sacred to millions of Buddhists worldwide.
Full moon rituals in Native American traditions
In many Native American traditions, the full moon is associated with the cycles of nature and the changing of the seasons. Full moon ceremonies often focus on honoring Nookomis, the earth, the elements, and the ancestors. Some of the rituals include drumming, dancing, and offering tobacco or other sacred herbs.
Full moon rituals in Chinese culture
In Chinese culture, “the full moon is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and family reunion,” and the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival is a time for giving thanks and expressing gratitude.
These are just a few examples of the many cultures that use the full moon as an important part of their rituals and celebrations. In short, the full moon seems to have become a universal symbol that has inspired and captivated people throughout history, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and connection in the modern world.
How does the energy of the moon affect us?
The moon’s energy is believed to affect us in various ways, both physically and emotionally. Here are some of the ways in which the energy of the moon is believed to impact us:
Sleep: The full moon’s light can interfere with our sleep patterns and cause restlessness or insomnia. Some people also report feeling more tired or lethargic during the waning moon phase.
Emotions: The moon is often associated with our emotions and innermost feelings. Many people report feeling more emotional or sensitive during the full moon, while others feel more introspective or contemplative during the new moon.
Fertility: The moon is also associated with fertility and cycles of life. Many women track their menstrual cycles based on the phases of the moon, and the full moon is often associated with fertility and abundance.
Creativity: Some people believe that the energy of the full moon can enhance our creativity and imagination. Full moon rituals and ceremonies are often used to harness this creative energy and bring new ideas to life.
Spiritual Connection: Finally, the moon is often associated with spirituality and connection to the divine. Many people feel a heightened sense of connection and awareness during the full moon and use this time for prayer, meditation, or other spiritual practices.
While no scientific evidence supports the idea that the moon’s energy directly affects us (for example, studies on the “Transylvanian effect” that have reported positive findings have been proven to be “methodologically flawed, inconclusive, or confounded with other variables”), many people report feeling a connection to the moon and its cycles. Whether through ritual and ceremony or simply by paying attention to the phases of the moon, we find that the moon’s energy can be a powerful source of inspiration and transformation in our lives.
Why do a full moon self-love ritual
A full moon self-love ritual can be a powerful way to connect with yourself, honor your journey, and cultivate feelings of self-love and acceptance. It’s also a great time to tap into the power of the collective belief in the full moon. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to do a full moon self-love ritual:
Release negative emotions
The full moon is a time of heightened emotions, and a self-love ritual can be a way to release any negative emotions or thoughts that may be weighing you down.
Celebrate your journey
A full moon self-love ritual can be a way to honor your journey and celebrate your growth and accomplishments. This can be especially powerful if you are going through a difficult time or experiencing self-doubt.
Set intentions
The full moon is a powerful time for manifesting and setting intentions. For example, if you wish to manifest more love in your life, you could do a full moon ritual while setting an intention to cultivate self-love and acceptance as well as attract your soul tribe or life-path partner.
Connect with your intuition
The full moon is often associated with a stronger intuition and spiritual connection. By doing a self-love ritual during the full moon, you can tap into this energy and connect with your inner wisdom and guidance.
Cultivate gratitude
Finally, a full moon self-love ritual can be a wonderful way to cultivate feelings of gratitude and appreciation for yourself and your life. By taking the time to reflect on what you are grateful for (instead of what is lacking), you can shift your focus towards positivity and abundance.
Release old patterns
The full moon is often associated with releasing old patterns and habits that no longer serve us. By focusing on self-love during a full moon ritual, you can release any negative self-talk or self-criticism that may be holding you back.
Connect with the divine feminine
The full moon is also associated with the divine feminine and the energy of the goddess. By doing a self-love ritual during the full moon, you can tap into this energy and connect with your own divine feminine energy.
Enhance creativity
The full moon is believed to enhance creativity and imagination, and a self-love ritual can be a way to channel this energy towards creative endeavors. Whether you are an artist, writer, or simply looking to tap into your own creative potential, a full moon self-love ritual can be a powerful way to do so.
Strengthen relationships
By cultivating self-love and acceptance, you can strengthen your relationships with others. When we love ourselves, we are better able to show love and compassion to those around us. A full moon self-love ritual can help amplify this ability, allowing you to truly appreciate your relationships – and strengthen them.
Foster inner peace
Finally, a full moon self-love ritual can be a way to foster inner peace and calm in your life. By taking the time to connect with yourself and cultivate feelings of love and acceptance, you can create a sense of groundedness and stability that can help you navigate life’s challenges with more ease and grace.
Ultimately, a full moon self-love ritual can be a way to connect with yourself on a deeper level, and cultivate feelings of love, acceptance, and gratitude. By setting aside time to honor yourself and your journey, you can create a powerful and transformative experience that can have a lasting impact on your life.
When to do a full moon ritual
It’s best to do a full moon ritual as close to the time the moon enters full as possible, so within the day and a half before or after the full moon. But you can do it up to a week after.
How to do a full moon ritual
The specific steps for a full moon ritual can vary depending on your personal beliefs and preferences, but here is a basic outline to get you started:
Step 1: Set full moon intentions
Before you begin your ritual, take a few moments to set an intention for what you hope to achieve or release during the full moon. You can write this down in a journal or simply hold it in your mind. For the record, I prefer writing it down because it allows me to remember what change I want to make. Also, in a few years, I can look at what I’ve written and amaze myself at how far I’ve gone.
Step 2: Create a sacred space
Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. You may wish to light candles, burn incense, or play soothing music to create a peaceful atmosphere. Again, these are all subjective (all self-love rituals are), but these are my favorite self-love tools in my arsenal (meaning, I always have them):
- Self-love candle
- Incense
- Relaxing live a blissful life music
- Selenite crystal
Step 3: Ground yourself
Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and ground your energy. You may wish to visualize roots growing down from your feet and anchoring you to the earth’s core. This works best when you’re outside, with your bare feet touching the earth. I find the beach to be the perfect place for this type of meditation, because I’m always barefoot on the sand – but just outside on the grass does wonders.
Of course, that’s not always possible. The next best thing is to wear earthing shoes or sandals. Earth Runners is a great way to stay grounded without actually going barefoot.
Step 4: Connect with the moon (through one of the full moon self-love rituals below)
The next section will give you several full moon self-love rituals (so choose one to do here), but a simple way to connect to the moon is to just take a moment to gaze at the moon, either through a window or by going outside. You can express gratitude for its energy and its connection to the natural world.
Step 5: Close the ritual
When you feel ready, close your ritual by expressing gratitude for the moon’s energy and for any insights or guidance you received. You may wish to blow out any candles or smudge yourself with sage or palo santo to cleanse your energy.
Remember, a full moon ritual is a personal practice, so feel free to adapt it to your own preferences and beliefs. The most important thing is to approach the ritual with an open heart and a willingness to connect with the energy of the moon for personal growth and healing.
Full moon self-love ritual ideas: What rituals should be done on a full moon?
Full moon rituals are often associated with the practice of self-love and self-care. What you can do this full moon is to choose one or a combination of the ideas in the list below and then insert them in step 4 above.
While specific rituals may vary depending on culture and personal preference, here are some examples of full moon rituals for self-love:
Moon bathing
This ritual involves standing or sitting outside in the moonlight, basking in its glow, and feeling its energy. You can also use this time to meditate or journal about what you want to release and what you want to invite into your life.
Release ritual
Write down anything that is no longer serving you, such as negative thoughts, limiting beliefs, or toxic relationships, on a piece of paper. Then, burn the paper under the full moon while visualizing yourself releasing these things from your life. For example, let’s say you want to release a toxic relationship. You can imagine a metal chain (symbolizing the relationship) dissolving into small pieces (symbolizing release).
Gratitude ritual
Take a moment to reflect on all the things you’re grateful for in your life. Write them down on a piece of paper and place it under the full moon. Imagine the light of the moon magnifying and amplifying all these good things, so you attract more of them.
You can also express gratitude by performing acts of kindness or volunteering during the full moon phase.
Full moon bath soak
Create a relaxing bath ritual during the full moon with essential oils, candles, and moon salts. As you soak in the bath, set intentions for self-love and self-care, and visualize yourself being surrounded by healing energy. Check out our 13 Self-Love Bath Soak Recipes to Make You Feel Like a Goddess for inspiration on what exactly to put in your bath.
If you don’t have time for a bath, why not take a spiritual shower instead?
Crystal charging
Place your crystals under the full moon to charge them with the energy of the moon and enhance their healing properties. Use these crystals during your self-care routine or meditation practice. Selenite, one of my favorite crystals, is particularly effective at charging other crystals under the light of the full moon.
Moonlit walk
Take a walk outside under the full moon, and connect with nature. Use this time to reflect on your life, set intentions, and appreciate the beauty around you.
Full moon yoga
Incorporate a yoga practice that aligns with the full moon, such as a moon salutation or a gentle flow. Use this time to focus on your breath and connect with your body, mind, and spirit.
This practice by Yoga With Adriene is perfect:
Moonlit dance
Dance under the full moon to release any negative energy and connect with your body. You can also use this time to express yourself creatively through movement. You can choose whichever music moves you, but you may find this Full Moon Ritual Music playlist to be apt.
Full moon tarot reading
Use tarot cards or oracle cards to gain insight into your life during the full moon phase. The Full Moon Altar Cards is the perfect deck if you want to work with the energy of the full moon. It’s very simple to use, you just select whichever card represents the current full moon. At the time of writing (Mar 2023), we are preparing for the full moon in Virgo, so you select the morning glory card.
Moonlight cleansing
Take a shower or bath under the light of the moon. This could be outdoors or indoors, if you have a window in your bathroom from where the moon can shine on you. Visualize the water cleansing your body, mind, and spirit of any negative energy. You can enhance the experience with music (this is the perfect time to listen to a customized meditation) and candles.
Moon journaling
Take some time to write in your journal or worksheet (I love this Moon Plans Printable!) during the full moon phase. Reflect on your emotions, goals, and desires, and set intentions for self-love and self-care.
Take some time to reflect on your feelings and experiences during the full moon. You can write down any insights, messages, emotions, goals, intentions, desires, or guidance that comes to you. Is there anything out of the ordinary that comes to mind?
Moon meditation
Spend some time in meditation or visualization, focusing on your breath and connecting with the energy for the full moon by imagining its light going through the crown of your head, down to your feet, and into the earth’s core. You may wish to imagine yourself releasing old patterns or calling in positive energy and blessings.
Full moon circle
Gather with friends or like-minded individuals and create a full moon circle. Use this time to share your thoughts and feelings, set intentions, and support each other in your journey towards self-love and self-care.
Moon manifestation
Write down your intentions on a piece of paper, fold it up, and bury it under the full moon. This symbolizes planting the seeds of your intentions and allowing them to grow and manifest over time.
Moon fire ceremony
Build a bonfire outside (keep safe!) and write down anything you want to release on a piece of paper. Place the paper in the fire and visualize it burning away negative energy and emotions. You can also use this time to set intentions and invite positive energy and self-love.
What do you burn during a full moon?
A love letter from an old flame, a piece of paper with a list of things you wish to change – you can burn anything that no longer serves you and that you want to release.
Moon tea ceremony
Brew a cup of tea using herbs or flowers that correspond with the full moon phase, such as chamomile or lavender. Take time to enjoy the tea, reflect on your intentions, and connect with the energy of the moon.
Moon phase tracker
Create a moon phase tracker in your journal and use it to track your emotions, moods, and self-care practices during each phase of the moon. This can help you become more aware of your natural rhythms and cycles – and support your journey towards self-love and self-care.
Moonlight gratitude walk
Take a walk outside in the moonlight and focus on expressing gratitude for everything in your life. Use this time to connect with nature, reflect on your blessings, and cultivate a positive mindset.
Moon anointing
Anoint yourself with essential oils or natural perfumes during the full moon phase. Choose scents that correspond with the energy of the moon, such as sandalwood or frankincense. Use this time to connect with your senses and cultivate self-love and self-care.
Full moon Celtic or Shamanic Reiki
Many ancient cultures are very in tune with the rhythm of nature, including the lunar cycle. Tap into their wisdom by booking a full moon session with a Celtic Reiki or Shamanic Reiki practitioner. The first time I had a Reiki session, I saw stars – literally. I was flying in space so fast that I was going past so many stars and planets I lost count. It was a transcendental experience and one I would always recommend.
Full moon self-love jar
Create a self-love spell jar specifically for the full moon. This can be a simple yet powerful way to set intentions and cultivate self-love and self-care. Here’s a recipe for making your own full moon self-love jar:
What You’ll Need:
- A small glass jar with a lid
- Pink or red paper
- A pen or marker
- Small pieces of rose quartz crystal
- Dried rose petals
- Dried lavender flowers
- Himalayan pink salt
- A few drops of essential oils (optional but highly recommended)
What the items are for:
Glass jar: The glass jar is used to hold the other ingredients together and create a sacred vessel for your intentions.
Rose quartz crystals: Rose quartz is a crystal that is often used to promote love, compassion, and healing.
Dried rose petals: Rose petals are associated with love, beauty, and healing.
Dried lavender flowers: Lavender is associated with peace, relaxation, and emotional balance.
Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt is a natural mineral that is believed to have healing properties. It is often used to purify and protect the energy of the space.
Essential oils: Essential oils add fragrance and enhance the energy of the other ingredients. Choose oils that you love and which correspond with the intention of the spell, such as lavender for relaxation or rose for love.
Each of these ingredients works together to create a powerful and meaningful full moon self-love jar that can support your intentions and promote self-love and self-care.
Instructions (Make sure you set up your space before you start):
1. Cleanse and charge your jar and crystals under the light of the full moon.
2. Write down affirmations or intentions related to self-love and self-care on the pink or red paper. Examples include “I am worthy of love,” “I honor my body and mind,” and “I am deserving of happiness and peace.” For more, take a look at 100+ Love Affirmations for Self-Love, Romance, and Relationships.
3. Fold the paper and place it in the bottom of the jar.
4. Add the rose quartz crystals, dried rose petals, and dried lavender flowers to the jar.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of Himalayan pink salt on top of the crystals and flowers.
6. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture.
7. Seal the jar and place it on your altar or in a special place where you can see it often.
Whenever you need a reminder of self-love and self-care, open the jar and inhale the soothing scent of the flowers and essential oils. Visualize yourself surrounded by loving energy and repeat your affirmations or intentions.
Remember, this is just one recipe for a full moon self-love jar. Feel free to customize it with your own favorite herbs, crystals, and intentions. The most important thing is to create a jar that resonates with you and supports your journey towards self-love and self-care. For more ideas, read ​​Self Love Spell Jars: How to Supercharge Your Self-Care Routine.
These are just a few examples of full moon rituals for self-love that people around the world practice. Ultimately, the best full moon ritual is the one that resonates with you and supports your journey towards self-love and self-care.
Full moon self-love rituals
The full moon is a beautiful reminder of the cyclical nature of life, and it provides us with an opportunity to reflect, release, and renew. By incorporating full moon self-love rituals into our lives, we can deepen our connection to ourselves and the world around us, and open ourselves up to growth, healing, and transformation. Whether you choose to journal, meditate, or create a crystal grid (or something else from our mega list of self-care ideas, there is no wrong way to honor the full moon and honor yourself. So the next time the full moon rises, take some time to reflect on these rituals and find the one that resonates with you.
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