Have you ever noticed how the energy just feels different during a full moon? You might experience sleepless nights or heightened emotions… it’s said that the moon’s pull doesn’t just affect the tides – it stirs something within us too. Hospital workers and emergency services often report busier shifts during a full moon, others feel restless, more sensitive or even more creative during this time. There’s no denying the full moon has fascinated us all for centuries.
We’re looking at how you can take some time to prepare for the full moon and harvest its full power. It’s seen as a moment for reflection, release and realignment. There are ways to channel this lunar energy to help you set fresh intentions and support your wellbeing.
In this guide, we’re going to be exploring how to get ready for the full moon with expert wisdom, reflection and rituals to help you move through this phase with intention.
What is a Full Moon?
A full moon happens when the Earth sits directly between the sun and the moon, so the moon’s face is fully illuminated by sunlight. For centuries, cultures across the world have observed and celebrated full moons. It represents the peak of the lunar cycle, when energy is at its highest.
Why the Full Moon Affects us
Here are some of the reasons people believe the moon impacts us:
The Moon’s and Water
The moon’s gravitational pull creates the ocean tides, and since the body is made up of around 60% water, people believe that the lunar phases subtly influence our own ‘inner tides’ – our energy shifts to our emotions.
“Since the moon rules the tides, and our bodies are largely water, many believe the Full Moon affects our internal waters. For example, a study found that the gravitational pull of the moon in different phases may affect the fluid compartments of the human body, altering cardiovascular functions. (Ujjwal Chakraborty & Tusharkanti Ghosh, “A study on the physical fitness index, heart rate and blood pressure in different phases of lunar month on male human subjects,” PubMed, 2013),” says Bella von Nesselrode, MCMA, Forbes Longevity Contributor
Sleep and Energy Levels
Many people find it takes longer to sleep and sleep less deeply around a full moon, leading to people feeling ‘on edge’. This could be on a subconscious level due to the increase light exposure, as well as it being the peak of the lunar energy cycle, often meaning people feel ‘wired’, creative or reflective. To counter this, people can try to wind down a little earlier and create a full moon bedtime routine to help support sleep. Dim the lights and consider blackout curtains to mounter the moon’s brightness.
Spiritual Symbolism
On a spiritual level, the full moon is often viewed as a time of culmination and release… what’s been building since the new moon reaches its peak and reveals what no longer serves us.
How to Prepare for a Full Moon
The key to preparing for a full moon is by creating both emotional and physical space for release and renewal. Here are some ways to align with this lunar phase:
Prioritise and Review
At the School of Creative Wellness, founder, Susanna Edwards champions living more in line with the seasons and nature. Susanna says: “Full and new moons have become crucial check in points of self care and ritual in my life and my practice as a yoga teacher and a creative. I prepare for the full moon by prioritising small moments to connect to my body and my thoughts. I tend to reflect and harvest points of celebration over the past few weeks and write down the positives, the small or big wins, the moments I am proud of. I also prepare by reviewing what has been present in my life that I can let go of, this could be behaviours, situations, people, habits that have not served me well; a kind of intentional burn, to release things to make room for new growth and experience. I make digital mood boards regularly to make sense of things in my life, I collect images and words, note feelings, inspirations, and thoughts in a creative act that is really therapeutic and non judgemental. Most importantly I make space for rest and small pauses at the end of this lunar cycle, something that we all find hard to prioritise. This helps me to recalibrate and prepare to meet the coming new moon period with space for new intentions and experiences.”
Clear your space
Energy clearing can help to reset your environment and prepare you. This could be through sound bowls to shift stagnant energy, smudging with sage or palo santo or even simply decluttering and tidying up to make your space feel lighter.
Release what no longer serves you
The full moon is the time for letting go. This could be through journaling to help you write down what you’re ready to release, or by simply taking some time to consider them in your mind and quietly let them go. If you can do so safely, you can also write down what you wish to release and burn the paper.
“Each full moon as a name and tends to have a ’theme’. Overall the full moon is a great time to release what is no longer serving you, surrender old patterns, and step into the next version of yourself with lightness and clarity.
As the moon reaches its fullest potential, its energy intensifies, and so does ours. Our emotions may amplify, and our desires become clearer maybe in the form of dreams. This heightened energetic state opens up a window of opportunity for us to manifest our deepest intentions and aspirations.
Crystals like Amethyst, Clear Quartz or Rose quartz can help amplify clarity, balance and self love during this lunar phase
Create a crystal grid or altar dedicated to the full moon’s energy. Arrange Amethyst, Clear Quartz, and Rose Quartz in a pattern that resonates with you, placing other supportive crystals if desired. Use this sacred space to set intentions, express gratitude, or simply just sit and focus or meditate during the full moon. Allow the crystals’ energies to enhance the power and focus of your practices.
By working with Amethyst, Clear Quartz, and Rose Quartz during the full moon, you can tap into their unique properties and amplify the transformative energy of this lunar phase. These crystals serve as valuable allies in your journey of intuition, self-reflection, intention setting, and manifestation during the enchanting full moon,” says Jyoti Sheath, Founder of Not Another London.
Charge your Tools and Crystals
The moon’s light can be a powerful way to cleanse and charge any spiritual tools. Place your crystals, tarot decks or even a jar of water under the moonlight to absorb its energy.
“For centuries the full moon has been seen as a time to pause, release, and recharge. Many traditions honour it with water rituals, believing the moonlight carries a cleansing energy.
Moon water is created by charging water with the moon’s energy, and it can be used in ritual baths, teas, remedies, or even to water sacred plants. To make your own, fill a glass container with pure water and place it outside or on a windowsill where it will receive direct moonlight.
Bring it back inside before sunrise. For extra intention, add a crystal if you want to focus on something specific, or a pinch of salt if you’ll be using it for cleansing,” says Shelly Dar, Wellbeing Therapy.
Reflect, Realign & Give Thanks
The full moon can help us to illuminate truths and redefine our goals – so set some time to write affirmations or visualisations to align with your higher self.
Take some time to reflect before you set your fresh intentions. What feels ready to be released? Then gently note down what you’d like to welcome in. You can also anchor this intention with a small ritual – like lighting a candle or writing the intention down.
Next time the moon is full, take a moment to connect, release and realign. You might be surprised with how much lighter you feel.
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