To really honor yourself during this full moon, I put together this simple lunar ritual you can do anytime during the three days of the moon’s apex. Its simple by design, but always feel free to add to it to make it yours, to make it do what you need it to. Include it in a longer ritual or even take away what doesn’t work for you. Magick has no rules. 😘
This ritual taps into the nurturing, intuitive vibe of the Cancer full moon. It’s all about letting go of emotional baggage so you can make space for the growth and healing you want in the year ahead.
What You’ll Need
- a quiet, comfortable space you won’t be disturbed (ideally where you can see the moon!)
- a container of water (tap is totally fine)
- a candle or other flame
- matches or a lighter
- a journal, phone notes app, or paper and a pen
- salt
- a stone – this could be a crystal associated with emotional healing like moonstone or rose quartz, or a pretty rock you picked up off the ground – or other small token to represent your emotional journey
- soothing music or water sounds (optional, to set the mood)
The Ritual
Prepare your space in whatever way works for you. Physically pick up the clutter, spiritually cleanse the energy, gather your items, and remove distractions.
Sit comfortably and take some deep breaths to center yourself.
If you can’t see the moon where you’re sitting, visualize yourself being surrounded by moonlight. Hold your hands over your heart and feel the calming energy of the moon soak into you. Set your intentions by saying something like: “I release my emotional burdens and open my heart to growth and healing in 2025.”
Its time to journal. Write down any emotional patterns, fears, or relationships (to people, objects, habits, or beliefs) that feel heavy or unresolved. Be honest with yourself. No one else needs to see this. (You could even burn it at the end if you want!)
Reflect on what you want to release, and why it’s holding you back. If you need help, use one, some, or all of the following prompts:
- What recurring emotions or patterns have I noticed in myself last year? How have they impacted my relationships and choices?
- What emotions or emotional needs have I been neglecting or avoiding? How can I create space to honor and meet them in 2025?
- What is the ideal emotional state I want to reach by the end of 2025? What does it look and feel like? What steps can I take to nurture that growth throughout the year?
Light the candle. Say something like: “Under the light of the Cancer full moon, I see what no longer serves me, and I choose to let it go.”
Hold the container of water in your hands. Imagine it absorbing all your emotional burdens and blockages.
If you’ve used a journal, your phone, or otherwise want to keep your thoughts, summarize the points on another piece of paper. Slowly tear the paper into small pieces and drop them in the water.
Stir the water gently with your fingers, visualizing the release of old energy as the papers muddle and mush together.
Add a pinch of salt to the water to purify and cleanse the emotional energy. Say something like: “With this salt, I cleanse my emotions and prepare to nurture my growth.”
Close your eyes and sit with yourself for a few moments. You can meditate here, letting your mind go blank. You can visualize your inner emotional space as a garden (or journey to your otherworld garden space if you have one!) clear of debris and ready for new seeds of joy, love, and growth. If you’re using a crystal, stone, or other token, hold it to your heart while you do this.
Once you feel grounded and complete, blow out the candle and say something like: “I release the past with gratitude. I step forward with an open heart and clear intentions for 2025.”
Dispose of the water with the paper in it in a way that is symbolic to you and safe for the environment. (When in doubt, light some cleansing incense and flush it down the toilet with a prayer!)
Drink a new glass of water or some herbal tea to ground yourself. (Rose tea would be ideal for this!)
Do some after-ritual journaling or divination if you feel called.
Want a clean copy to add to your grimoire, book of shadows, or magickal digital storage? Grab a free PDF download here!
Modern Day Magick 