During a full moon, the moon is reflecting an intense amount of solar energy which can make it both a very powerful time and a very challenging time. Essentially the Sun’s energy, reflected by the moon, illuminates all our hidden subconscious qualities. Think of it like someone shining a torch onto your shadow self.

When it unearths hidden emotions that we are not ready for - our emotions become heightened and we tend to feel uncomfortable and often very raw as our emotional self can become quite visible to those around us.

It is usually the time we might find ourselves yelling at the universe or when really bad – then at others around us.

To help prevent feeling out of control then this is the time you really need to be grounded.

However, when we work with the full moon energy and use it to accept ourselves with no exceptions then we begin to awaken and grow spiritually. Our true selves are illuminated in the full moon light and we can use that intense energy to expand our connection with spirit, to open and expand our consciousness.

It is the perfect time for sacred ritual, to celebrate our connection to earth and spirit, to channel and release both wisdom and love and to celebrate who you are. Make use of the full moon’s intense energy and send it out into the universe for a positive cause.

If the New Moon is for planting and the Waxing Moon is for striving, the Full Moon is the grand finale. This is the "Harvest" phase—a time of high energy, peak intuition, and, quite frankly, a little bit of beautiful chaos.

In a women's circle, a Full Moon ritual is about celebration and illumination. The moon is fully lit by the sun, meaning there is nowhere left to hide. We see our successes, and we see what is no longer serving us with total clarity.

A Full Moon Ritual - The power of Illumination & Overflow.

The Full Moon corresponds with the "Mother" archetype—fullness, fruition, and the peak of the cycle.

1. The Opening (The High Vibration)

Full Moon energy is "up." This isn't the time for hushed whispers; it’s the time for voice and presence.

• The Shared Light: Place a large bowl of water in the center to catch the moonlight (or candlelight). 
• The Sound: Begin with voicing a "OM" or another sound you are drawn to. Feel the vibration in your chest.
• The Invocation: "Under the light of this Grandmother Moon, we see ourselves fully. We celebrate what has bloomed, and we release what has withered."

2. The Ritual: "The Great Release"

The Full Moon is the most powerful time for Letting Go. Because the "cup" is full, we must pour some out to make room for the next cycle.

• The Shadow Work: Grab a piece of paper, and write down one thing that has became "visible" in the last two weeks that they are ready to let go of (e.g., a resentment, a limiting belief, or a finished project).
• The Fire/Water Element: Tear up the paper into tiny shreds and drop it into a "dissolving bowl" of water.
• The Affirmation: Then say "It is seen. It is honored. It is released."

3. The Celebration: "The Harvest Toast"

Shift the energy from releasing to receiving.

• In Gratitude: Share with the moon one "win" from the past two weeks, no matter how small. Feel the gratitude for the journey.

The energy of a Waxing Moon is growth and expansion. As we watch it grow larger in the sky, the ideas and wisdom we birthed during a new moon are now gaining momentum.

As the energy of the Waxing Moon builds during this time, it absorbs energy inwards in order to gain strength to move forward. Now is the time to use this energy to work towards your dreams and to pour into what you love.

During a waxing moon, especially those of you with empath abilities, (those who feel the energy of others around them), should be careful of not absorbing too much energy into their Aura. Working on protecting your Aura is very important during a waxing moon.

If the New Moon was about the "Void," the Waxing Moon (the period between the New and Full Moon) is about momentum. As the sliver of light grows larger each night, the energy shifts from quiet dreaming to active building.

A Waxing Moon Ritual

This phase corresponds with the "Maiden" archetype and the energy of Spring. It is the "follicular phase" of the lunar cycle—where energy levels rise and we begin to see the first sprouts of the intentions we planted in the dark.

1. The Opening (Raising Energy)

Unlike the New Moon’s hushed tones, the Waxing Moon benefits from a bit more "fire."

• Sound & Movement: Begin with gentle sounds like a "hum", and then begin to move gently, feeling your connection to the moon and the earth. 
• The Invocation: "As the light grows in the sky, may the power grow within our intentions."

2. The Ritual: "Feeding the Seed"

If the New Moon was planting the seed, the Waxing Moon is about watering it.

• The Action: Place a large bowl of water in the center of the circle, and add to it some dried herbs (like rosemary for clarity or basil for prosperity) or add some favourite flower petals to inspire you.
• The Declaration: Now open yourself up to the moon and tell her what action your taking toward you manifesting your new moon goal. 
• Share this statement to the moon: "I see my goal growing, and I ask the moon to help grow my goal with me." 

3. The "Block-Buster" Refinement

As we take action, we often hit our first obstacles. The First Quarter Moon (the midpoint of the waxing phase) is specifically for overcoming these hurdles.

• The "Yes" List: Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, focus on what has gone right. Write down three things you have said "YES" to this month.
• Gratitude: Send your gratitude to the moon for her beautiful energy and ask her for the strength to keep going forward.