Release & Renew: A Full Moon at Imbolc Candle Ritual

It's nearly the time of the year where the Wheel turns yet again. Here in the Southern Hemisphere, we are nearly at the midpoint between Winter Solstice & Spring Equinox - Imbolc. If you would like to know more about this time, see my Imbolc blog post HERE. My focus for this post is on the Full Moon we will have a couple of days before the traditional date for this Sabbat, August 1st.

While the Moon is at its peak, the energy is best harnessed for manifestation, to call in and attract, building that energy from the New Moon, and throughout the Waxing phases - however, it can be used to focus on release as well. Personally, I would do release work during the Waning period or a Dark Moon, but this Full Moon before Imbolc is calling me to release before welcoming the light of Spring... a bit of a spring clean perhaps!

This Full Moon is a time for releasing what no longer serves you...a time to let go. 

A time for looking at what ISN’T working, what is blocking you from achieving your dreams, what is stopping you from achieving your highest potential, what is holding you back, what is keeping your energy heavy or low. At Imbolc, we shake off the effects of Winter, releasing stagnant energy, so we can light the fires of inspiration & creativity, ready for the fresh new energy of Spring! The time of growth and new beginnings. So think on what energies you wish to carry forward with you, into the light and warmth of the new season, to sow & grow... and what you wish to leave behind. If this time is calling to you to, here is my simple Full Moon ritual - remember, ritual should come from the heart, use your intuition and tweak anything that doesn't resonate.

THE RADIANT MYSTIC'S ‘Let that Shit Go!’ Full Moon Candle Ritual

GATHER - 1x White Candle

CRYSTAL SUGGESTIONS - Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Snowflake Obsidian, Labradorite, Smokey Quartz.

OIL & BOTANICALS SUGGESTIONS - Rue, Jasmine Flowers, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Lavender, Orange oil, peel or leaves, Sage, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Ritual dressing oils such as Van Van oil, or Road Opener oil.

Before you begin your ritual, you may want to gather any extra items, such as a notepad and pen, a candle holder, or heat proof dish, matches, maybe your oracle cards or journal, & a glass of water. Be sure to read through instructions before you begin. Have everything ready so you can focus on your intentions.

1. CREATE YOUR SACRED SPACE. Light candles (not your Ritual Candle just yet!), set out your crystals, play some calming music, whatever you feel you need to create a peaceful environment. Cleanse your space with sage or incense, Florida Water or sound bowl and cleanse all the items you are using. Ask your Guides and Angels to fill your space with pure white light and visualise that light filling your space, surrounding you and filling you too.

   
   

2. WRITE DOWN a few things you wish to release, or let go of, over this next waning moon cycle. Use words, such as  I RELEASE, I LET GO OF, I NO LONGER… You may want to write these things in one column & in another column write what you want to replace it with, so you can focus on those during the next waxing moon phase. Be as specific as you like. Place your list to the side, you can choose to keep it to look back on or you can place it under your candle before you light it.

   
   

3. HOLD YOUR RITUAL CANDLE between your hands and repeat your Full Moon intentions, visualising the outcome, seeing it already happening. Focus on your breathing, focus on ‘infusing’ your candle with what you wish to let go of. When you feel this is complete, place your candle to the side.

   
   

4. IF YOU CHOOSE TO USE RITUAL OIL - Be sure your oil is safe on skin, if you are sensitive or have allergies, you may wish to wear gloves. Place a few drops on your fingers. Hold your Ritual Candle with the base towards you, wick facing away. As you are releasing energy and you want to let go of specific energy and things, rub the oil from base to wick, rubbing the oil AWAY from you. Visualise your releasing intentions as you do. With any excess oil, mix with a carrier oil, if safe for you to do so, and anoint your Third Eye & Heart chakras, put some in an oil burner, or pour it into a bath later, or save it for a future ritual. Use your intuition. 

   
   

5. PLACE YOUR CANDLE in it’s holder or on a heatproof dish. You may wish to place your list under the plate, as long as the candle will remain stable. Please DO NOT leave your candle unattended! Make sure the area is safe. NOTE - The oil may create a bigger flame.

   Light your Ritual Candle. As you do this, take a moment to take a few deep breaths and ground yourself. Read over your release list and see these things as done, complete, already existing. You may want to speak some affirmations or repeat your intentions over like a chant, be sure to continue your visualisations. You may want to do some journaling , pull an oracle card or meditate. It is up to you whether you allow your candle to burn, safely, until it is gone or wait until you ‘feel’ it is complete. You may even wish to burn it halfway and repeat this ritual again the following Full Moon, it is entirely up to you. Use your intuition. Always give thanks for what is to come. Finish with the affirmation ‘I release that which no longer serves me. I start afresh today, free from what keeps me from manifesting my best life & living my highest potential.’ Or something similar. Wrap up your ritual by stating  ‘And so it is’. Thank your Guides & Angels for their assistance. 

   
   

6. AFTER YOUR RITUAL - You may want to have a ritual bath or shower afterwards! Use your oil, if appropriate. Visualise any negative energy, or obstacles, blocking what you wish to manifest, washing away in the water. Think on your blessings, then as you let out the plug, or as the water is running, see all your troubles disappear down the plug hole & know this is a clean slate, a new beginning, you are free to move forward & begin manifesting your heart’s desires. 

   
   

7. TIPS ON CANDLE DISPOSAL - If biodegradeable, remains can be buried in the earth (usually best when you are drawing energy to you, if you have focused on releasing or banishing, do not bury near your home). Avoid burying salt.

   Natural materials can be burned in a fireplace or fire pit.

   Cleanse any recyclables or non-biodegrables before putting in the appropriate bin or cleaning. Cleanse with sage or florida water and make a statement such as ‘Release all my will and intentions from this item & let no magick be left in it. So be it’

   
   

Full Moon Blessings xx Terésa