Power up with a Full Moon Purging Ritual

The full moon of March has many names, depending on your culture and traditions. Some know it as the Sap Moon or the Worm Moon, which is perfect for this time of year: as the earth reactivates from the dormancy of winter, it sends its energy in the form of sap flowing up from the tree roots up into the branches, and it causes the worms to start moving through the soil into the sunshine. In other traditions, it is called the Storm Moon, another reflection of the changing seasons. I remember as a child hearing that March came in like a Lion, roaring with the energy of winds and storms.

Whatever we call this Moon, March is a powerful time, especially with the approaching equinox on the 20th of this month. At the time of the full moon – March 5^th – look to your allies (spirits, totems, guides, ancestors) for their assistance and guidance. Affirm to yourself that at this time you are aligned with the power of nature, its elements, and Grandmother Moon.

And the full moon is a perfect time to do a purging ritual.  You can create your own ritual, or adapt this simple ceremony which can be done indoors or outdoors.

Materials and preparation
Three or more candles, a smudging bundle, matches or lighter, fireproof vessel, and four objects representing the four elements of earth, fire, air and water. You could use a feather for air, a candle for fire, and so on. Write down everything you want to release on a small piece of paper.

 Begin the ritual

• Go to a place you have defined as a sacred space – your altar at home, a place you like to walk or meditate. Cleanse the space using whatever is most appropriate for you and the space: smudging, incense, a sprinkling of crystal elixir or purified water.
• Call on your team of allies – this could be masters, teachers, guides, spirits, animal totems or ancestors – and ask them to support you, guide you and be present with you during the ritual.
• Create a positive intention for the ritual. It can be as simple as “today I release all that no longer serves me”.
• Create an altar by laying down the four objects representing the elements of earth, fire, air and water and light your candles.
• Using your smudging bundle or incense wand, slowing start to trace a counter-clockwise spiral from your feet to above your head, widening the circle the higher you go.
• Look up to the Moon (if indoors, visualize the moon in your mind’s eye) and breathe in the power and cleansing energy of the Moon. Feel its light and energy flow from your head down through your chakras, all the way down to your feet.
• Continue breathing in the light of the moon while reading out your list of things to release, for each one stating “I now release you”. Breathe out the energy of things that no longer serve you after the release statement.
• OPTIONS: If you have a fireproof vessel at hand, burn the paper to fully release the energy, once again stating “I now release you”. Extinguish your fire carefully. If you are not using fire for this ritual, tear the paper into the tiniest of pieces and dispose of them in an environmentally sound way.

Complete the ritual
Continue to breathe deeply and fully. Feel the sense of release, and do not be surprised if emotions arise to your consciousness. Let them flow so they can be released. These are a natural part of the purging process. Relax and take your time – each of us completes at our own pace, in our own time. When you feel the final shift and release, give gratitude to your allies for their help, and thank your Wise Self for the release.

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Caution
When smudging or using incense, always be respectful of others around you; some people cannot tolerate the smoke in the air. Be sure you handle anything flammable with care, and fully extinguish flames, embers, smudge stick and candles completely.

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