For as long as we’ve looked skyward, the moon has pulled on tides, hearts and minds alike. Its phases mirror our own cycles of growth, release, and renewal. The full moon, in particular, has long been a symbol of culmination and clarity - a moment to pause, reflect, and let go of what no longer serves us.

The Moon and Us

In British folklore and for many cultures, the moon holds a special place. For some, it was customary to nod at the new moon and turn silver in your pocket for good luck. Crops were planted during the waxing moon, believing that the growing light would encourage robust growth. Conversely, harvesting was often done during the waning moon, aligning with the natural cycle of decline. For others, they would turn their rings on their fingers and make wishes under the moonlight. The moon also played, and still does, a significant role in many spiritual practices - many associating each phase with different energies and purposes. The moon is also considered in some cultures to be a symbol of the Goddess and her various manifestations. Such traditions underscore the moon's perceived influence on fortune and fate.

The full moon has also been associated with heightened emotions and behaviours. The term "lunatic" derives from the Latin "luna," reflecting the ancient belief that the moon could influence mental states. Even today, some believe that the full moon affects human behaviour, and though scientific studies have found no conclusive evidence to support this, if I had a pound for each time my best friend and I have been feeling odd with no explanation, only to realise a full moon is brewing, I’d be one rich girly. Nonetheless, the moon's pull on our psyche remains a powerful symbol in our collective consciousness.

A Simple Full Moon Ritual

Engaging in a full moon ritual can be a grounding practice to align with the lunar cycle, and it’s something I’ve been doing for years as a means of reflection and letting go. Here are some tips that you might like to try:

Create a Sacred Space: Find a quiet spot where you feel comfortable. Light a candle or incense to set the mood and cleanse your space energetically.
Hold Your Talisman: Choose a piece of jewellery or an object that holds significance for you. This could be a necklace, ring, a photograph or a crystal—anything that feels personal and powerful.
Reflect and Release: Take a few moments to meditate on what you'd like to release. This could be a habit, thought pattern, or anything that no longer serves you. Visualise this energy leaving your body.
Set an Intention: Consider what you want to invite into your life. Hold your talisman and infuse it with this intention, imagining it absorbing your desired energy.
Express Gratitude: Thank the moon for its guidance and your talisman for holding your intention.
Wear Your Talisman: Keep your jewellery or object close in the coming days as a reminder of your intention and the energy you've cultivated.

An Act of Self Care

Whether or not you believe in the moon's influence, taking time to reflect during its fullness can be a powerful act of self-care. It's an opportunity to check in with yourself, acknowledge your journey, and set a course for where you wish to go next.

As you wear your talisman, let it serve as a touchstone—a physical reminder of your intentions and the ever-present possibility of renewal. Just as the moon cycles through phases, so too can we shed old layers and embrace new beginnings.

Keep shining,

E x

Lunar Living: Setting Intentions with the Moon and Talisman