Effects of the Moon ·
Full Moon Journal Prompts and a Simple Intention Ritual
A full moon ritual needs only a notebook, a pen and a quiet moment for yourself; no special tools are required. On the full moon evening you reread the intentions from the new moon, answer journal prompts, write down what you want to let go of and close with a short thank you. It promises no result.
Hello dear friends. 🌕 For a full moon ritual, a notebook, a pen and a quiet moment for yourself are enough. You do not need a set hour or special tools. While the moon is full and bright in the sky, we look back at the month behind us.
For me the full moon is a time of completion and gratitude. I return to the intentions I set at the new moon. I notice what has started to grow. I set the intention to let go of what I no longer want to carry. Under the light of the full moon nature looks different too; the trees, the soil and the sky all seem a little quieter. Similar rituals have lived in many cultures for centuries, in many forms. For me it is also a simple way of coming back to myself.
What did you complete this month? Is there something you are still carrying that you feel ready to put down? The answer may not come at once; carrying the question in your heart for a while is enough.
New moon and full moon: what is the difference?
The difference between the new moon and the full moon is the direction we look in. At the new moon I focus on beginnings and on setting intentions. At the full moon I focus on what has been completed, on gratitude and on letting go. One is like sowing the seed, the other like looking at the harvest. They are two ends of the same cycle. You can also do only one of them; there is no need to push yourself.
How do you do a simple full moon ritual?
For a simple full moon ritual, you can try these steps:
- A quiet corner: you can close your eyes for a few minutes and follow your breath.
- If you wrote intentions at the new moon, you can read them again.
- You can answer the journal prompts below in your notebook.
- You can write what you want to let go of on a separate piece of paper.
- You can close with a short thank you: what are you grateful for this month?
If you would like to light a candle, you can, but it is not necessary. The heart of the ritual is not the candle; it is your attention and your intention. If you do light one, keep it where you can see it and do not leave the room while it burns.
Which journal prompts work for a full moon?
These are the full moon journal prompts I use myself. Write without hurry, just as the words come:
- What did I complete this month, and what did I achieve?
- Which of my new moon intentions has started to grow?
- Is there a habit or a thought that no longer feels good and that I want to release?
- Who or what do I want to thank this month?
- How can I give myself some time in the next two weeks?
What can you do with your letting go note?
You can tear up the paper with the things you want to release. You can also fold it and put it away. The symbol is the same: you are letting it out of your hands. If you want to burn it, I suggest you do it only outdoors, in a fireproof container. Indoors, please never leave a candle or incense burning out of sight.
Does it have to be at an exact time?
No. You can choose any time that suits you on the full moon evening, or in the few days around it. For example, the first full moon of 2027 is the full moon in Leo on 22 January, at 15:17 Turkey time (12:17 UTC). The full moon is the same moment everywhere; only the clock time changes where you live. Opening your notebook that evening or the next day is enough. The ritual does not promise a result. It opens a space for you to spend time with yourself.
I have gathered all the new moon and full moon dates of the year in my 2027 calendar post. For the new moon side, you can read my intention list prompts. If you like to journal by candlelight, the handmade soy candles of Şifa Köyü, our organic farm in Şile on the Black Sea coast of Istanbul, are linked below; the shop is in Turkish and delivers within Turkey. A small light makes a warm corner of that evening.
If you would like to do this in nature, with a group, we can meet at the new moon and full moon meditation workshops at Şifa Köyü. The quiet of the farm keeps gratitude and letting go very good company. When you come, you can pet our animals and shop from the produce we grow from heirloom seeds, which holds EU-approved organic farming certification. The workshop can also be held in English. Write to us for the dates and we will get back to you.
What are you choosing to let go of at this full moon? I would be so happy if you shared your full moon experience with me. May it be a peaceful full moon that makes your heart lighter. With love. ✨
New Moon and Full Moon Meditation Workshops →
2027 new moon and full moon calendar →
New moon intention list: journal prompts →
Şifa Köyü shop: handmade candles (in Turkish, optional) →
Frequently asked questions
Does a full moon ritual need an exact time?
No. You can do it on the full moon evening or in the few days around it, whenever suits you.
Can I do it without any tools?
Yes. A notebook and a pen are enough. A candle or music is optional.
How is it different from a new moon ritual?
At the new moon we focus on beginnings and intentions. At the full moon we look at what has been completed, at gratitude and at letting go.
Do I have to burn my letting go note?
No. Tearing it up carries the same symbol. If you want to burn it, do it only outdoors and in a fireproof container.
Does a full moon ritual promise a result?
No. It is a symbolic, personal practice that opens a space for you to spend time with yourself.