Full Moon Release Ritual: How to Let Go and Cleanse Your Energy
Full Moon Release Ritual: How to Let Go and Cleanse Your Energy
When I first started working with the full moon, I didn’t really understand its power. I used to think of it as just another night—until I tried my first full moon release ritual. That night changed everything. I felt lighter, calmer, and somehow more aligned with who I was meant to be.
The full moon isn’t just beautiful—it’s the most powerful time for cleansing energy, letting go of negativity, and releasing emotional baggage that no longer serves you. Whether it’s old habits, toxic relationships, self-doubt, or fear, the full moon helps you clear energetic space so you can welcome something new.
In this guide, I’ll share how I personally perform my full moon release ritual, step by step, with tools I actually use. You’ll find easy ways to cleanse your energy, my favorite candles, herbs, and crystals from Amazon, and how to make this night feel truly magical.

Table of Contents
Why the Full Moon Is Perfect for Letting Go
The full moon represents completion. It’s when the energy of the lunar cycle reaches its peak—shining light on everything that’s been hidden. It’s the perfect time to release, forgive, and start fresh.
When I sit under the full moon, I think of it as spiritual detox. The energy feels intense but freeing. It’s like the universe saying, “You’ve carried this long enough—it’s time to let it go.”
By aligning your release ritual with the full moon, you’re working with nature’s rhythm. That alignment makes your manifestations stronger and your emotional healing deeper.
What You’ll Need for a Full Moon Release Ritual
You don’t need to be an expert or have a witchy altar (though it helps if you want one). I started with just a white candle and a piece of paper. Over time, I built my ritual kit.
Here’s a simple list to get you started:
- White or black candle – for purification and transformation.
- Sage or palo santo – to cleanse negative energy.
- Crystals – like selenite, amethyst, or black tourmaline.
- Journal and pen – for writing what you’re ready to release.
- Bowl of water or salt – to symbolize cleansing.
White Ritual Candles on Amazon
Sage Smudge Kit on Amazon
Selenite Tower on Amazon
Black Tourmaline Stones on Amazon
Full Moon Ritual Journal on Amazon
You can keep it simple or make it special. The point is to create a space that feels safe, calm, and sacred to you.
Step-by-Step Full Moon Release Ritual
Below is exactly how I do my ritual each month. Feel free to adapt it based on your own energy or spiritual beliefs.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Space
Before the ritual, I like to clear my environment. I light a stick of sage or palo santo and walk around the room, letting the smoke reach every corner. As I do it, I say:
“I release all negative energy from this space. Only peace and light remain.”
Palo Santo and Sage Cleansing Set on Amazon
This step sets the tone. You’re not just cleaning the air—you’re clearing energy.
Step 2: Light Your Candle
Lighting a white candle represents purification. The flame symbolizes your inner light and divine guidance. As I light mine, I take three deep breaths and say:
“I release all that no longer serves me and welcome peace into my heart.”
White Pillar Candles Set on Amazon
Step 3: Write Down What You’re Releasing
This is the most important part of the ritual. I take my journal and write down everything I’m ready to let go of. It could be emotions, situations, people, fears—anything.
For example, I might write:
- “I release the fear of not being enough.”
- “I release my attachment to the past.”
- “I release resentment toward (name).”
Be honest. Don’t hold back. You’re not judging yourself—you’re freeing yourself.
Step 4: Meditate with Crystals
Once I finish writing, I take a few moments to meditate with my crystals. I usually hold amethyst in one hand and selenite in the other.
- Amethyst helps calm the mind and release emotional tension.
- Selenite clears negative energy and connects you to higher vibrations.
- Black Tourmaline grounds and protects your energy during emotional release.
Amethyst Cluster on Amazon
Selenite Wand Set on Amazon
While meditating, I visualize all that energy leaving my body and dissolving into the universe.
Step 5: Burn or Tear Your Paper
Once you’ve written everything down, it’s time to release it physically.
If it’s safe, you can burn the paper (in a fireproof bowl) while saying:
“With this fire, I release what no longer serves me.”
If you prefer something safer, you can tear the paper into small pieces and throw it into running water (like a sink or river). The point is to physically symbolize letting go.
Step 6: Close with Gratitude
End the ritual by thanking the moon, yourself, and God or the Universe (whichever aligns with your beliefs).
I usually whisper something like:
“Thank you for this release. Thank you for helping me grow.”
Then I sit for a minute and feel the peace that comes afterward—it’s one of my favorite moments of the entire month.
Crystals for Full Moon Cleansing
If you’re building your crystal collection for full moon rituals, here are my top picks:
Crystal | Purpose | Best Use |
---|---|---|
Selenite | Cleansing & purification | Use to clear other crystals or your aura. |
Amethyst | Emotional healing | Hold during meditation or place by your candle. |
Black Tourmaline | Protection | Keep near your feet or at the edge of your altar. |
Moonstone | Lunar connection | Place in moonlight to recharge intention. |
Full Moon Crystal Kit on Amazon
Charging your crystals under the full moon keeps their energy high and aligned with your intentions.
Optional Add-Ons for a More Powerful Ritual
Over time, I’ve added little touches that make my rituals feel more special:
- Essential oils like lavender or frankincense to relax and elevate vibration.
- Moon water (a bowl of water charged under the moonlight).
- Music or binaural beats for meditation.
- Salt circle or Himalayan salt lamp for added cleansing power.
Lavender Essential Oil on Amazon
Himalayan Salt Lamp on Amazon
These details aren’t required—but they deepen the connection.
Creating Moon Water for Cleansing
This is one of my favorite parts of any full moon. I fill a glass bowl with water and place it by the window where the moonlight can touch it overnight.
The next morning, I use that moon water to anoint my candles, cleanse crystals, or even wipe down my altar. It’s such a simple but meaningful way to keep the moon’s energy alive for the days ahead.
My Personal Experience After Doing This Ritual
After I started doing full moon release rituals consistently, I noticed real changes. I wasn’t holding on to small frustrations anymore. I forgave faster. My manifestations started showing up faster too—because I had finally made room for them.
Letting go isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. When you release, you’re telling the universe, “I’m ready for something better.”
10 Intentions You Can Release During the Full Moon
If you need inspiration, here are some examples I’ve used in my journal:
- I release the need to control what’s not mine.
- I release fear and welcome trust.
- I release guilt for past choices.
- I release procrastination and self-doubt.
- I release old emotional wounds.
- I release attachment to outcomes.
- I release comparison and jealousy.
- I release what drains my peace.
- I release negative self-talk.
- I release resistance to change.
You can write your own or adapt these to your life.
After the Ritual: What Comes Next
Once your ritual is done, your energy might feel lighter—but don’t rush to fill that space. Give yourself a few quiet days after the full moon to rest, reflect, and recharge.
I usually keep a white candle burning for an hour or two each night afterward, just as a reminder of renewal.
Long-Lasting White Candles on Amazon
Final Thoughts
Doing a full moon release ritual has become one of my favorite spiritual practices. It’s not about perfection—it’s about intention. Every time I sit down with my candle, crystals, and journal, I feel a deeper sense of peace and alignment.
If you’ve been feeling heavy, blocked, or emotionally tired, I invite you to try this. Let the moonlight hold your emotions for a night, and watch how light you’ll feel afterward.
The beauty of this ritual is that anyone can do it—with just a few simple tools and a genuine desire to let go.
Full Moon Cleansing Kit on Amazon
Sage and Crystal Set on Amazon
So the next time you see the full moon glowing, take it as a sign:
It’s time to release, cleanse, and start fresh.