What is the Spiritual Meaning of the Full Moon?

PDF download Download Article
Exploring the connection between spirituality, emotion, and the moon
PDF download Download Article

The full moon has captivated and inspired humans from time immemorial, but what exactly does it represent on a spiritual level? In this article, we'll be answering all of your burning questions about what the full moon means spiritually and how full moon energy might impact your emotions and behavior. We've also included tips for harnessing the power of the full moon and a few simple rituals you can do to make the most of this special time each month.

Things You Should Know

  • Spiritually, the full moon symbolizes deep emotion, completion, and spiritual growth.
  • Emotions can be extreme during the full moon, and full moon energy can manifest in different ways—you may feel creative, anxious, sensitive, or exhausted.
  • When the moon is full, focus on celebrating what you've accomplished, feeling grateful for the good things in life, and letting go of things that don't serve you.
Section 1 of 4:

What does the moon symbolize spiritually?

PDF download Download Article
  1. The full moon marks the end of the monthly moon cycle, and it reflects something similar in a spiritual sense: it's the culmination of positive energy after a period of work or effort. The full moon is the perfect time to look back on what you’ve accomplished during the past month and enjoy the fruits of your labor. [1]
    • During the full moon is the perfect time to let go of things that no longer serve you so you can start the next month refreshed. For example, you might release a small grudge against a coworker, or forgive yourself for not meeting a personal goal during the previous month.
  2. The moon is connected to all things emotional and represents the deepest parts of ourselves: our spiritual nature and subconscious mind. On a spiritual level, your intuition, creativity, and emotions are generally running hot during a full moon. The emotions that come to the surface can provide a lot of insight since they reflect what you're dealing with spiritually.
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

The Effects of Full Moon Energy

PDF download Download Article
  1. Full moon energy can manifest in the body in different ways—you may feel extra creative, anxious, sensitive, or even exhausted when the moon is full. All of these feelings are normal. Try to gently remind yourself that any extreme emotions you’re experiencing will pass.
    • The full moon is the perfect time to sit with whatever emotions come to the surface—they're a reflection of what you’re currently experiencing on a spiritual level.
  2. The moon is powerful enough to affect the ocean tides, so it makes sense that it might also affect human beings on a deeper level, too. Research indicates that our natural circadian rhythms may somehow be in tune with the phases of the lunar cycle—when the moon is shining bright in the sky, people tend to go to sleep later and sleep less than when the moon’s light is waning. [2]
    • If you have trouble sleeping during a full moon, create a nighttime ritual to help you relax before bed. Doing gentle stretches , drinking a warm mug of herbal tea, or taking a soothing bath are all great options.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How long does full moon energy last?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Scientifically speaking, the moon is only 100% illuminated for an instant when the sun and moon are exactly opposite one another. [3] Full moon energy builds up all month, though, and it generally lasts for about 3 days before and after the moon peaks in the sky. If you want to harness full moon energy for manifesting , aim to do it during this 6-day period.
Section 4 of 4:

What to Do During a Full Moon

PDF download Download Article
  1. Spend some time reflecting on the past month. Did you accomplish your goals, or get close? What worked and what didn’t? Which relationships lifted you up, and which ones dragged you down? Then, based on your reflections, start crafting the intentions you want to set for the coming month. [4]
    • For example, you might recommit yourself to the projects and relationships that are important to you.
    • Give yourself permission to let go of negative emotions, thoughts, and projects that aren’t serving you.
    • Try reciting full moon affirmations to start the new month with positive energy.
  2. A full moon ritual can be anything you want it to be, and it can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. If you want something simple, try a simple hike or walk under the full moon. Or you can take a purifying bath and just relax in the warm water. No matter what you decide to do, spend a few minutes outside basking in the moonlight before you begin. Focus on soaking up that positive full moon energy.
    • Try this simple journaling ritual: After soaking up the moonlight for a few minutes, grab your journal and put your experience into words . Don’t worry about spelling or proper grammar—just get the thoughts, ideas, and feelings down on the page. Make note of any specific emotions or physical sensations you felt, as well. [5]
  3. Go outside and find a comfortable place to sit. Then, to meditate , focus on relaxing your body and emptying your mind of thoughts. If thoughts do enter your mind, don't stress about them. Just examine the thoughts as objectively as you can and try to let them go. If you’re new to meditation, aim to meditate for 2-3 minutes.
    • It’s totally fine to start small! You can increase how long you meditate over time as you get used to doing it.
  4. Spend a few minutes making a list of the things that you’re grateful for in your life right now. If lists aren’t really your thing, feel free to write a longform journal entry instead. The important thing is to write down whatever comes to mind without examining it too closely, and keep going until you naturally run out of things to write down. Then, take a few minutes to reflect on what you’ve written.
    • You don’t need to push yourself to continue thinking of things you’re grateful for—stop when you’re ready. Aim to make this a relaxing and uplifting exercise.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does It Mean if Your Right Foot Itches?
      12 Spiritual Meanings of Seeing an Owl at Night
      What Does Sneezing Mean Spiritually?
      What It Means When Your Left Foot Itches
      20 Symbols to Protect You From Bad Luck
      What Do Rat Dreams Mean?
      What Does It Mean When You See a Dead Bird?
      What Does It Mean When a Bird Flies Into Your House?
      What Does it Mean When You Hear an Owl Hooting?
      All About the Sanpaku Eye Superstition
      What Does Your Birthmark Mean Spiritually?
      How Do You Get Rid of Bad Luck? 11 Crucial Steps
      What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Broken Glass?
      A Guide to the Symbolism & Spiritual Lore of Red Spider Lilies
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about moon cycles, check out our in-depth interview with Jennifer McVey, Cht .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.sunsigns.org/moon-astrology/
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/moon-effects-on-humans
      3. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16407788/
      4. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting-psychology/
      5. ↑ https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/5-powerful-health-benefits-of-journaling

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 57,252 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement