Full Moon Forgiveness Ritual
The night of the full moon brims with possibilities and magical energies to harness – one of the most powerful being a simple act of forgiveness. Witchcraft isn’t always about gaining something, sometimes it’s about losing something; removing blockages that hold you back from living your full potential.
This ritual is a powerful and cathartic way to release negative energy, forgive yourself and others, and invite healing into your life. Simply decide what (or who) you need to forgive, check out when the next full moon is, and gather your items.
What you’ll need:
- Dried rosemary, hyssop, and hibiscus
- A bowl of water
- Rose petals
- Pen and paper
- A fire – whether this is the form of a cauldron, a fireplace or an outdoor bonfire is up to you. To really tap into your witch-roots, do it outside under the light of the moon.
What to do:
In your chosen area, lay out your items in front of you and take three deep breaths.
Begin the process of centering your own energy and tapping into the abundant energy of the earth. Take as long as you need to connect with the moment and feel the presence of the divine as it comes to you.
If you’d like to open a circle, the time to do it is now.
When you feel ready, light the fire and grab your pen and paper. For this part, spend as much time as you need to really reflect on what you’re forgiving – and most importantly why. Write down everything that comes to mind. It doesn’t have to be pretty or perfect, it just needs to be real and from your heart.
The reason we focus on the why is because it helps with gratitude. You could easily write a list of things you should forgive yourself or others for, but it’s when you dip into what lies beneath that action that true magic manifests. You will realise that you’re letting go of this hurt or judgement because you have gained wisdom from it, and it’s served its purpose. Mistakes and failures are simply lessons in disguise.
When you’re done pouring your heart onto paper, fold it up and hold it to your centre. Take a deep breath and say:
“Thank you. I release you.”
It’s now time to release your words into the universe. Drop your folded piece of paper into the fire and sprinkle the dried herbs on top. Rosemary will give you clarity and protection, hyssop offers cleansing, and hibiscus is for forgiveness and compassion. As the paper turn to ash, let the smoke from the herbs and the fire fill and infuse your sacred space.
Next, scatter the rose petals in your bowl of water. The water represents your emotions and wisdom, and the petals represent self-love and the heart. Dip your fingers into the water and touch it to your third eye, your heart, and then just below your belly button. Feel the coolness of the water spread through the energy centres in your body – cleansing, refreshing, and clearing any remaining blockages in your energy field.
As your ritual comes to a close, notice the weight that has lifted from your shoulders. Pay attention to the lightness you feel, thanking the moon and any divine beings that have been attracted to your work.
If you opened a circle, now is the time to close it.
Take a few deep breaths and thank the earth for aiding you in this ritual, allowing your roots to detach from the earth and come back into your body. Release your energy from your centre back into your body evenly.
Witch tip! While any full moon will support you in this ritual, the best ones for this kind of emotional witchwork are the moons that rise in the water signs: Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio. Aquarius full moons are great for letting go too, but forgiveness is more about gratitude than good riddance, so if you choose to do this on a full moon in Aquarius, be mindful that you approach the ritual with your emotions in harmony.
Remember:
- If you miss the full moon, don’t stress! The power of the full moon can be harnessed three days before and three days after she rises.
- Change or substitute whatever feels right to you. This is your personal craft and it should be treated as such.
