I love the moon. It is so full of symbolism,

particularly that of feminine energy and our inner world of dreams, desires and emotions. And the full moon is my favorite because it represents completion, illumination and celebration. As the apex and closing of the Moon phases, it calls us to a time of rest and reflection on the past month as we celebrate our accomplishments and identify what we are ready to release. 

A full moon ritual is such a beautiful way to connect with nature as reminder that there are things so much bigger than us. It's intended to be fun but also a way of honoring your soul in  reflection and intention setting. You can do these rituals alone or with friends, inside in your pajamas or dancing naked outside in the moonlight. This is your space for self-expression and connection, so please adapt this ritual in any way that feels right and true to you. That being said, I am going to outline a tentative ritual below for inspiration.  

For me personally, I like to set up rituals and initiations in the same way each time (The HSP in me loves a routine!) The symbolism, invocation and movements may be different but I find it very soothing to enter, hold, and close the ceremony in the same way each time. 

So here it is:

Ritual:

Location
You will want to find a location where you feel safe, connected and won't be interrupted. You may prefer for it to be in nature or a quiet room in your house. 
 
Timing
Evening or nighttime the day before, day of or day after the is best for your full moon rituals but do whatever time is best for your schedule.You will want to reserve 30-60 minutes for each ceremony so that you can take your time with the intentions, meditations, journaling, and practices. 
 
Clothing
Wear something comfortable. You may also like to include a shawl, scarf, blanket, or wearing a certain lotion or oil as symbol of a physical barrier of protection during your ceremony. 
 
Some helpful items to have beforehand. 

• Something to mark and create a circle (flowers, sticks, rocks, leaves, a circle in sand, etc.)
• Tools for opening your sacred space (candle, incense, a bowl of water, essential oils, Palo Santo, Sage, or Rosemary, etc.)
• Words for your invocation: a poem, prayer, bible verse, intentions etc.
• Journal and pens
• flash paper or individual sheets of paper for releasing intentions
• playlist of music that feels sacred to you
• Any additional items that may deepen your experience or intention setting (i.e rosary or mala beads, oracle or tarot cards, crystals, photos of loved ones, items from nature, symbols or statues of Jesus/ Mary/ Saints/ Goddesses/ Crosses etc.)
• Hot cup of tea or ceremonial Cocao

Create your sacred space: 
Find a place that is secluded and quiet where you will not be interrupted and can sit comfortably.

To clear stagnant energy and set the stage for a calm setting, you may want to light Palo Santo, Sage, or Rosemary prior to your ceremony. Allow it to burn a little before blowing out the flame. Waft the smoke around your space, not forgetting the corners, as well as around yourself. Think about the ritual you are about to perform and how positive and happy you will feel afterwards, this sets the energy in the room. You may also want to cleanse yourself or your "tools" and if so, do this in a clockwise direction. Place the smoldering Palo Santo/Sage/ Rosemary in a heatproof dish and set aside.

In traditional ritual practice, it is encouraged to create a container or circle around you. Symbolically this acts as a form of protection and holding as you hold this sacred time. If this resonates with you, create a circle about 3-5 feet in diameter with flowers, sticks, rocks, shells, drawing in sand, leaves, or even sitting on a blanket. 

Place in front of you your paper, pen, and additional items that are a part of your ceremony.
Enter your circle and take whatever position is most comfortable.

Invocation 

This is often practiced as a way of marking the beginning of a sacred ceremony so that you feel grounded, supported and safe.

The following steps will help you do this.

• Hold an action or ritual that symbolically moves you into the sacred space. (lighting a candle or incense, burning sage, washing your hands, swaying your body, listening to a particular song, facing each direction calling in the elements)
• If a physical barrier of a shawl or blanket feels right for you, place it around your shoulders or body as a symbol of protection. 
• Call on the guidance and support of anyone you would like to call into your circle. This may be God, angels, ancestors or loved ones who have passed, an animal friend, mentors, etc.

Meditation.

 Listen the the meditation above. 

Reflecting on the The Buck Moon: 

The term Buck Moon comes form the Native American Algonquin people who primarily lived east of the Mississippi River where deer were prevalent. This refers to the new antlers that are growing rapidly on male deer (bucks) and reach full size in mid summer. Not only are the buck antlers growing right now, but so are you. Metaphorically this time to lean into your strength and ambition and discovering your full potential. 

Take time to listen to your music as you work with the following journal prompts:

• What are your strengths you bring to this world?
• What are your most raw, true ambitions or desires?
• What has kept you from acting on your ambitions?
• What are your small and large victories this month?
• What signs or synchronicities are you noticing lately?
• What is this month illuminating in your life?

Releasing: 

 On a single sheet of paper (This paper is especially fun), write out anything that is holding you back or blocking you from your ambitions. What do you desire to release this this moon cycle. It could be situations, people, negative thoughts, behaviors. 

• I release myself from ….
• I free myself of ….
• I forgive myself for ….

Symbolically release these thing by burning, tearing, submerging in water, etc. while saying them aloud. Connect with your body.

As you are releasing these things that have held you back, imagine filling that space up with new energy of love, gratitude and positivity. As you take a few breaths and call forward three I am statements. (Ie. I am brave. I am loving. I am fire. etc)

Verbally close this portion of the ceremony by stating your I am statements

"I am_____ . I am____. I am_____. I am supported on my journey. I am directed and everything is happening at the right time for the right reason right now. I am following my true path letting my light shine right now. And so it is."

Reflect

Take a mindful moment to listen to an uplifting song on your playlist as you sip on your tea or cocoa. Reflect with any items that you brought into your circle (i.e. pull your tarot or oracle cards, read a scripture, say a prayer, etc.)

Closing & Self Care :
At the end of your ritual, take a moment to give thanks to the earth, the space that held you in ritual, and to those you called on during your invocation. Wipe your circle away, or leave it as a gentle imprint of your time there.