Full moon ritual: an easy release ritual for beginners
A simple full moon ritual for letting go: what you need, a step-by-step 20-minute release ritual, journal prompts, and full moon safety notes.
2 min read · Updated 2026-10-23
Why the full moon
The full moon is the moon at its brightest, when it's directly opposite the sun. In a lot of spiritual traditions, it's a time for release, gratitude and completion: things are at their fullest, so it's the moment to notice what's done and let it go.
Honestly, the real magic is that it gives you a reason, once a month, to stop and think about your life. Um, yes please 🌙
What you need
Nothing you have to buy. Pick from:
- a candle (or a fairy light, or just the moon)
- paper and a pen
- a cosy blanket
- a glass of water, or a calming tea
- optional: a bowl of water, crystals, a playlist you love
A note on smoke: white sage is sacred to many Indigenous nations and is often over-harvested. If you'd like to clear your space, open a window, ring a bell, or use a herb you grew yourself, like rosemary or lavender.
A 20-minute full moon release ritual
- Set the space. Tidy one small area. Light your candle, somewhere stable, away from anything that can catch. If you can see the moon, sit near a window.
- Arrive. Sit down and take five slow breaths.
- Gratitude first. Write down three things that went well since the last full moon. Little things count.
- Write what you're letting go of. Habits, worries, grudges, a version of yourself you've outgrown. Start each one with "I'm ready to let go of…".
- Read it out loud, softly. Feel how true it is.
- Release it. Tear the paper into tiny pieces and recycle it, or soak it in water until the ink runs. (Skip burning paper indoors. Safety is part of the ritual.)
- Breathe it out. Three long sighs, letting each one carry something away.
- Close. Blow out the candle, drink your water, and go to bed early if you can.
Sit with the moon
3 minutes, with a soft chime at the end.
Practice
A full moon letting-go list
On or near the full moon, write down three things you're ready to let go of. Then tear the paper up and recycle it. Very satisfying.
Full moon journal prompts
- What am I proud of from this month?
- What am I still carrying that isn't mine to carry?
- What would I do differently if I weren't scared?
- What's finished, even if I'm not ready to admit it?
Full moon and your chakras
The full moon is a lovely time to check in with your heart chakra (forgiveness is a release too) and your crown chakra. End the ritual with three slow OMs if you like.
FAQ
What do you do on a full moon?
Popular full moon rituals focus on gratitude and release: journaling what you're grateful for, writing what you want to let go of, and taking a quiet moment under the moon.
When should you do a full moon ritual?
On the night of the full moon, or the day before or after. The energy is said to last for a few days.
What's the difference between a full moon and new moon ritual?
The full moon is usually for letting go and gratitude. The new moon is for setting new intentions.
Do I need crystals for a full moon ritual?
No. A pen, a piece of paper and a few quiet minutes are all you need.
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