Full Moon Rituals: 12 Ways to Release & Let Go

What Makes Full Moon Rituals So Powerful?

If the new moon is about planting seeds and setting intentions, the full moon is about HARVEST and RELEASE. The full moon is the peak of the lunar cycle—the moment when the moon is fully illuminated, emotions run high, and everything hidden comes to light. This is when the universe says, "Let go of what's weighing you down. Release what no longer serves you. Make space for what's coming."

The full moon occurs approximately every 29.5 days, creating 12-13 full moons per year. Each one is an opportunity to release, cleanse, and complete what you started at the new moon. While new moons are about CALLING IN, full moons are about LETTING GO.

Why Release During the Full Moon?

The full moon's gravitational pull affects not just ocean tides, but also the water in our bodies (we're 60% water!). This creates a natural amplification of emotions, intuition, and energy. What you've been suppressing WILL surface. What needs to be released WILL make itself known.

Full moon energy is:

• Illuminating - It brings hidden things to light
• Amplifying - It intensifies emotions and energy
• Culminating - It's the peak before the decline
• Releasing - It's the perfect time to let go
• Completing - It's about finishing cycles

When to Perform Full Moon Rituals

The full moon window is typically 24-48 hours, with the most powerful time being the exact moment of the full moon (check a lunar calendar for your timezone). However, you can work with full moon energy from the day before to the day after the exact full moon.

Best timing:

• The exact moment of the full moon = most potent
• Within 12 hours before or after = very powerful
• Within 24-48 hours = still effective

Pro tip: If possible, perform your ritual outdoors under the actual moonlight. If not, position yourself near a window where you can see the moon.

12 Powerful Full Moon Release Rituals

1. The Classic Burning Ceremony

What you need: Paper, pen, fireproof bowl or cauldron, matches

How to do it:

1. Write down everything you want to release on separate pieces of paper
2. Be specific: "I release my fear of failure," "I release my toxic relationship with [name]," "I release my limiting belief that I'm not enough"
3. Read each one aloud, feeling the weight of what you're carrying
4. Say: "I release this with love and gratitude for the lesson. I am free."
5. Burn each paper safely in your bowl
6. Watch it turn to ash—this is TRANSFORMATION
7. When all papers are burned, scatter the ashes in running water or bury them in earth

Why it works: Fire is the element of transformation. Burning physically destroys what you're releasing and transmutes it into smoke and ash.

2. Full Moon Water Release

What you need: Bowl of water, paper, pen

How to do it:

1. Fill a bowl with water (moon water if you have it)
2. Write what you're releasing on dissolvable paper or regular paper
3. Hold the paper and speak your release aloud
4. Place the paper in the water and watch it dissolve or soak
5. Visualize the water absorbing and neutralizing what you're releasing
6. Pour the water down the drain or into the earth
7. Say: "I release this to the waters. I am cleansed."

Why it works: Water is the element of emotions and purification. It absorbs, cleanses, and carries away what you no longer need.

3. Cord-Cutting Ceremony

What you need: String or ribbon, scissors, two candles

How to do it:

1. Light two candles side by side
2. Tie a string between them, representing the energetic cord between you and what you're releasing (person, situation, pattern)
3. Hold the string and say: "I acknowledge this connection and the lessons it brought me"
4. Say: "I now cut this cord with love. I release you. I am free. You are free."
5. Cut the string with scissors
6. Separate the candles and let them burn completely
7. Dispose of the cut string by burying it or throwing it away

Why it works: Energetic cords keep us attached to people, places, and patterns. Physically cutting them helps sever the energetic connection.

4. Full Moon Cleansing Bath

What you need: Epsom salt, sea salt, baking soda, essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, or sage), white candles

How to do it:

1. Draw a warm bath
2. Add 2 cups Epsom salt, 1 cup sea salt, 1/2 cup baking soda
3. Add 5-10 drops of cleansing essential oils
4. Light white candles around the tub
5. Step in and visualize all negativity, stress, and what you're releasing leaving your body through your pores
6. Soak for at least 20 minutes
7. When you pull the plug, watch everything drain away
8. Rinse with cool water to seal your energy field

Why it works: Salt is purifying, water cleanses, and the act of draining the tub symbolizes release.

5. The Gratitude Release Practice

What you need: Journal, pen

How to do it:

1. For each thing you're releasing, write a gratitude statement first
2. Example: "Thank you, fear of failure, for trying to keep me safe. I no longer need you. I release you with love."
3. Example: "Thank you, toxic relationship, for teaching me about boundaries. I release you with gratitude."
4. This transforms release from anger/resentment to love/appreciation
5. Read each gratitude statement aloud under the full moon
6. Then say: "I release you. I am free."

Why it works: Gratitude transmutes negative energy into positive. You can't hold onto resentment while feeling grateful.

6. Full Moon Smudging & Space Clearing

What you need: White sage, palo santo, or incense; feather or fan

How to do it:

1. Open all windows and doors
2. Light your sage or palo santo
3. Starting at the front door, walk clockwise through your entire space
4. Waft smoke into every corner, closet, and room
5. Say: "I release all stagnant energy, negativity, and what no longer serves this space"
6. Pay special attention to areas that feel heavy
7. End at the front door and send the energy out
8. Close windows and doors

Why it works: Smoke carries away stagnant energy and purifies your environment, creating space for new energy.

7. The Full Moon Scream/Sound Release

What you need: Private space (or go to nature)

How to do it:

1. Go somewhere you can be LOUD without disturbing others
2. Stand under the full moon (or facing a window)
3. Take a deep breath and SCREAM, releasing everything you've been holding
4. Or make primal sounds, growl, roar, wail—whatever wants to come out
5. Let your body shake, move, release
6. Continue until you feel empty and lighter
7. End with deep breaths and silence

Why it works: Emotions are ENERGY. Sometimes they need to be physically released through sound and movement.

8. Full Moon Journaling Release

What you need: Journal, pen

How to do it:

1. Set a timer for 20 minutes
2. Write continuously about everything you want to release
3. Don't edit, don't censor—just PURGE onto the page
4. Let all the anger, fear, resentment, pain flow out
5. When the timer goes off, read what you wrote
6. Tear out the pages and burn them, bury them, or shred them
7. Say: "I release this. It no longer has power over me."

Why it works: Writing externalizes what's internal. Destroying the pages symbolizes release.

9. Crystal Cleansing & Charging

What you need: Your crystals, windowsill or outdoor space

How to do it:

1. Gather all your crystals
2. Hold each one and say: "I release all energy this crystal has absorbed. I cleanse and reset you."
3. Place them on a windowsill or outside where they'll receive moonlight
4. Leave them overnight (at least 4 hours)
5. Retrieve them before sunrise
6. They're now cleansed and charged with full moon energy

Why it works: Crystals absorb energy. The full moon cleanses and recharges them to their highest vibration.

10. The Full Moon Forgiveness Ritual

What you need: Mirror, candle, rose quartz

How to do it:

1. Light a candle and hold your rose quartz
2. Look at yourself in the mirror
3. Say aloud: "I forgive you, [your name], for [specific thing]"
4. Repeat for everything you're holding against yourself
5. Then say: "I forgive [other person's name] for [specific thing]"
6. Repeat for everyone you need to forgive
7. End with: "I release all unforgiveness. I am free. They are free."
8. Place your hand on your heart and breathe

Why it works: Forgiveness is the ultimate release. You're not condoning—you're freeing yourself from the burden.

11. Full Moon Decluttering

What you need: Trash bags, donation boxes

How to do it:

1. Choose one area of your home (closet, drawer, room)
2. Go through every item and ask: "Does this serve me? Do I love this? Do I need this?"
3. If the answer is no, release it
4. As you remove each item, say: "I release you with gratitude"
5. Donate, sell, or dispose of items
6. Clean the space thoroughly
7. Notice how much lighter you feel

Why it works: Physical clutter = energetic clutter. Releasing possessions creates space for new energy.

12. The Full Moon Dance Release

What you need: Music, space to move

How to do it:

1. Put on music that matches what you're releasing (angry music for anger, sad music for grief, etc.)
2. Dance, move, shake your body
3. Let the emotion MOVE THROUGH you, not stay stuck
4. Scream, cry, laugh—whatever comes
5. Continue until the emotion shifts and you feel lighter
6. End with calming music and gentle movement
7. Lie down and breathe

Why it works: Emotions are meant to move (e-motion = energy in motion). Dancing releases what's stuck.

How to Create Your Personal Full Moon Ritual

You don't have to do all 12! Here's how to create a ritual that works for YOU:

Step 1: Identify What You're Releasing

Ask yourself:

• What's weighing me down?
• What am I ready to let go of?
• What's no longer serving me?
• What patterns keep repeating?
• What emotions am I holding onto?

Step 2: Choose 2-3 Rituals That Resonate

Pick rituals based on:

• What you're releasing (emotions = water/sound, patterns = burning, people = cord-cutting)
• Your personal style (introverted = journaling, extroverted = dancing)
• What feels most powerful to you

Step 3: Create Sacred Space

• Cleanse your space with sage or sound
• Light white candles
• Place crystals (selenite, clear quartz, moonstone)
• Play soft music or nature sounds
• Position yourself where you can see the moon

Step 4: Perform Your Chosen Rituals

Take your time. This isn't a race. Feel everything fully.

Step 5: Close the Ritual

• Thank the moon and the universe
• Blow out candles
• Ground yourself (eat, drink water, touch the earth)
• Journal any insights

What to Release at Each Full Moon

Different full moons (based on their zodiac sign) are better for releasing different things:

• Aries Full Moon: Anger, impatience, impulsiveness
• Taurus Full Moon: Stubbornness, materialism, resistance to change
• Gemini Full Moon: Overthinking, gossip, scattered energy
• Cancer Full Moon: Emotional baggage, codependency, past wounds
• Leo Full Moon: Ego, need for validation, pride
• Virgo Full Moon: Perfectionism, criticism, control
• Libra Full Moon: People-pleasing, codependency, indecision
• Scorpio Full Moon: Jealousy, control, obsession
• Sagittarius Full Moon: Restlessness, excess, overcommitment
• Capricorn Full Moon: Rigidity, workaholism, emotional coldness
• Aquarius Full Moon: Detachment, rebellion for rebellion's sake, isolation
• Pisces Full Moon: Escapism, victim mentality, boundary issues

Full Moon Self-Care After Releasing

Release can be intense. Here's how to care for yourself:

• Hydrate: Drink lots of water to flush out released energy
• Rest: You might feel emotionally exhausted—that's normal
• Ground: Walk barefoot, eat root vegetables, touch the earth
• Nourish: Eat comforting, nourishing food
• Be gentle: Don't schedule anything intense for 24 hours after
• Journal: Process any emotions or insights that arise
• Sleep: You might have vivid dreams—this is integration

Common Full Moon Ritual Mistakes

1. Trying to Manifest Instead of Release

Full moons are for LETTING GO, not calling in. Save manifestation for the new moon.

2. Releasing Without Feeling

If you just go through the motions without actually FEELING, nothing releases. Let yourself feel it all.

3. Holding Onto "Just in Case"

If you're not sure whether to release something, ask: "Is this serving my highest good RIGHT NOW?" If not, release it.

4. Forgetting to Fill the Space

After releasing, consciously invite in what you DO want. Nature abhors a vacuum.

Signs Your Full Moon Ritual Worked

Watch for these signs in the days following:

• Feeling lighter, freer, more at peace
• Situations or people naturally falling away
• Emotional release (crying, anger, then relief)
• Increased clarity about what you want
• Synchronicities related to what you released
• Physical symptoms clearing (headaches, tension, etc.)
• Feeling more energized and motivated
• Old patterns no longer triggering you

Full Moon Ritual Frequency

How often should you do full moon rituals?

Ideally, EVERY full moon (12-13 times per year). Each full moon is an opportunity to release what accumulated during that lunar cycle. Think of it as monthly energetic hygiene.

At minimum, do full moon rituals during:

• Eclipses (supercharged release)
• Supermoons (amplified energy)
• When you're feeling particularly heavy or stuck
• At the end of major life chapters

Combining Full Moon Rituals with New Moon Intentions

For maximum manifestation power, work with the FULL lunar cycle:

New Moon: Set intentions, plant seeds, call in what you want

Waxing Moon (days 1-14): Take action, build momentum, stay focused

Full Moon: Release what's blocking your intentions, let go of obstacles

Waning Moon (days 15-28): Rest, integrate, prepare for the next cycle

This creates a complete cycle of manifestation and release.

Final Thoughts: The Art of Letting Go

Full moon rituals aren't just about releasing—they're about TRUSTING. Trusting that what's meant for you won't pass you by. Trusting that letting go creates space for something better. Trusting that you don't have to carry everything forever.

You are not meant to hold onto pain, fear, resentment, or what no longer serves you. You are meant to FLOW, like the tides the moon controls. Holding on creates stagnation. Releasing creates movement.

Every full moon is a cosmic permission slip to put down what's heavy. To forgive. To release. To be FREE.

The moon is full. Your hands are full. It's time to let go.

Enhance your full moon rituals with our cleansing crystals, release candles, and full moon ritual tools.