Full Moon Energy
The meaning of it & simple ways to work with it.
It probably doesn’t take much to convince someone that energy shifts a bit during a full moon. If you talk to any ER or hospital staff member, any daycare provider or teacher, or any person in general, there is an extra sense of something in the air.
It’s also the time when we see movies depicting the most frightful scenes, full of folklore or dark secrets. The time when werewolves come alive and witches fly… we’re lured into its magic whether we intentionally know it or not.
And the thing is - there's good reason for it.
The Full Moon is the brightest phase of the lunar cycle - a time when the Moon is fully illuminated and visible in the night sky, and its energy feels the same. There is a natural feel of it being heightened, bringing clarity, a culmination of sorts, and a natural push toward awareness. Emotions may feel stronger, insights more vivid, and patterns more noticeable.
This “culmination” is also one of celebration, for the full moon is when we’re recognizing the fruits of our efforts from when we set our intentions during the new moon. So this amplified, outward-facing and celebratory energy, naturally puts people into a mood to be social. To gather, connect, be out-and-about… to be bright and full (hence the extra activity).
So how do we embrace the energy of the full moon as a tool for creating more intention, magic and alignment in our own lives and our own energy? Let’s get into it.
The Full Moon & the Zodiac
Just as the sun moves through the zodiac signs each year, the moon does the same. However, the moon moves much faster, moving signs every 2-2.5ish days. Each Full Moon falls in a particular zodiac sign, coloring its energy with that sign’s qualities. And most often, there is only one Full Moon per zodiac sign each year (on occasion there might be two, depending on the year). For example:
A Full Moon in Aries encourages courage, bold action, and releasing what no longer serves your personal independence (these are common characteristics of Aries).
A Full Moon in Libra highlights relationships, balance, and emotional harmony (common themes of Libra).
Noticing which sign the Full Moon falls in can give you additional insight into the areas of life feeling most illuminated at this time, and where your attention - or release - might be most beneficial. Note: This is a layer however, it offers more depth, but it is not mandatory by any means if you want to keep things simple. But if you do want to dig deeper, let’s chat.
The Names of the Full Moon
Full Moons carry traditional names, many passed down through Indigenous nations and farming cultures (you’ll see these listed in the annual Farmer’s Almanac), reflecting seasonal shifts and natural phenomena. These names can offer an easy, intuitive way to connect with the time of year, for example:
Beaver Moon (November): reminds us of preparation and reflection, mirroring the natural activity of beavers storing food for winter.
Wolf Moon (January): calls attention to community, survival, and inner strength.
Flower Moon (May): reflects the fresh blooms coming to life in the early stages of spring, a time for new beginnings and growth.
Observing the natural world around you at each Full Moon can help deepen this connection as it brings the energy into a very tangible form. It’s easy to notice which plants, animals, or weather patterns are active, blooming, or receding, and it’s a gentle reminder that we are part of a larger rhythm.
Practical Ways to Work with the Full Moon
Now comes the fun part. As you’re ready to set time aside to incorporate this into your routine, remember that working with the Full Moon doesn’t require hours of ritual or elaborate setups. You don’t need to go buy crystals or cauldrons or new notebooks or anything else that social media might suggest (you can if you want, but it’s not necessary). We forget that small gestures of awareness are meaningful. Here are a few options:
Reflect & Release: Take a few minutes to journal what’s come to fruition, what feels complete, or what you’re ready to let go of.
Set Intentions: Clarify what you want to carry forward from the lessons of the cycle. When you’re making space for things (by letting go of what doesn’t work) it opens up a bit more space for something else to come in.
Moon Observation: Step outside simply look at the Full Moon, notice its brightness, feel its presence - simple awareness is enough sometimes. And if it’s cold, even looking at it through the window can do something, can feel like something.
If you have a bit more time or you want to add an extra layer to deepen your practice:
Light a candle: While a candle is somewhat of a staple in most practices (and at any time) there is additional significance at a Full Moon due to the theme of “illumination”.
Create a small altar: Gather things that are specific to the season you’re in (i.e. winter, spring, etc.), the zodiac sign of the moon or the element associated with the moon. I tend to use crystals, color associations, plants, etc. as they tend to be things I have on hand. The small additions to your space act as a token of awareness for the energy of the season.
Let go of your worries: IF you have a safe space to do so (i.e. a fireplace or bonfire pit), write down on a small piece of paper what you want to let go of. Carefully light the paper on fire (or toss it into the fire) and watch the smoke carry it away. As you do, take a moment to think about it being carried off on the wind, and notice if it helps you feel differently.
The key is flexibility. You can engage deeply or lightly, depending on your time and energy. Even just pausing to notice the Moon’s fullness and letting its energy guide a small reflection is meaningful.
As you practice…
The Full Moon is a natural checkpoint in the lunar cycle. It’s an invitation to see clearly, honor completion, and release what no longer serves you. Tuning in, even briefly, gives you a chance to align with the rhythms of nature and become more aware of your own inner cycles. Every Full Moon brings a chance to pause, reflect on the things you’ve seen through (or are coming to fruition), celebrate and then let go of what isn’t feeling authentic and nourishing for you anymore.
A Full Moon captured outside my city window.