The Power of the Full Moon: Rituals for Radiance, Release, and Renewal

by Claudia Barton, BCBA, LBA, CTP

 

For centuries, humans have turned their gaze to the moon as a source of guidance, inspiration, and reflection. Among all its phases, the Full Moon is the most celebrated — glowing with brilliance, marking cycles of harvest, celebration, and manifestation.

But the Full Moon is not just a beautiful sight in the sky; it’s also an invitation. An invitation to pause, reflect, release what no longer serves us, and celebrate the fullness of life.

The History and Meaning of the Full Moon

In ancient times, the Full Moon was a sacred marker.

  • Agricultural societies used it to determine planting and harvesting, associating the Full Moon with abundance and fertility.

  • Spiritual traditions across cultures saw it as a time of heightened intuition, when emotions, dreams, and intentions come into sharp focus.

  • In many cultures — from Indigenous ceremonies to Eastern philosophies — the Full Moon symbolized illumination, completion, and transformation.

Energetically, the Full Moon is like a spotlight: it shines a light on what has been hidden, making it the perfect time for clarity, release, and renewal.

Emotional Energy of the Full Moon

Many people report feeling more sensitive, restless, or energized during a Full Moon. This isn’t surprising: the moon affects the tides, and we, too, are mostly water.

The Full Moon amplifies emotions. What you’ve been holding in — stress, unspoken words, heavy energy — tends to rise to the surface. That’s why rituals of release (journaling, meditation, bathing, or body care) are so powerful during this time.

It’s also a time to celebrate. The Full Moon is the culmination of the lunar cycle, symbolizing fullness and completion. Just as the moon reflects the sun’s light in its entirety, this phase encourages us to reflect our own inner light.

Full Moon Rituals for Calm and Clarity

Here are ways to connect with the Full Moon’s energy and channel it into self-care:

  1. Journaling for Release
    Write down everything you want to let go of — fears, doubts, negative thought patterns. Burn the paper safely (or tear it up) as a symbolic act of release.

  2. Moonlight Meditation
    Sit under the moonlight or by a window. Breathe deeply, visualizing the moonlight washing over you, cleansing heavy energy and filling you with calm.

  3. Water Rituals
    Baths, moon water, or even standing under the shower with intention are powerful ways to cleanse and reset during a Full Moon.

  4. Body Care Ritual
    Use nourishing oils or balms as part of your moon ritual. Massage them into your skin slowly, pairing the act with gratitude and release.

Introducing: Full Moon Body Oil

To support these rituals, we created the Luna & Lavender™ Full Moon Body Oil — a luxurious blend crafted for radiance, calm, and renewal.

This oil is built on a foundation of exotic botanical oils (maracuja, baobab, pomegranate, kukui nut, pumpkin seed, carrot seed, squalane) chosen for their ability to nourish, repair, and illuminate the skin.

But what makes the Full Moon blend unique is its aromatic heart:

  • Neroli & Jasmine: uplifting and sensual, evoking celebration and joy.

  • Bergamot & Lavender: calming the nervous system, balancing the emotions.

  • Frankincense: grounding and centering, helping to release what no longer serves you.

  • Vanilla: warm, soft, comforting — like a gentle embrace.

This is not just skincare — it’s a ritual tool. Each time you apply it, you’re aligning with the Full Moon’s invitation to shine, release, and renew.

How to Use Your Full Moon Body Oil in Ritual

  • After Bath/Shower: Massage into damp skin under the moonlight or by candlelight. Imagine sealing in radiance and letting go of heaviness.

  • Pulse Points: Apply to wrists, neck, or over the heart as a calming natural perfume during Full Moon meditation.

  • Intention Setting: Before journaling, apply a few drops to your hands, rub together, and inhale deeply to connect body, mind, and spirit.

Behavioral Wellness Tip

The nervous system thrives on ritual and repetition. By creating a monthly Full Moon ritual with this oil — journaling, meditating, massaging, or simply pausing under the moonlight — you’re training your body to associate the act with release, calm, and renewal. Over time, even the scent of the oil will become a cue of peace and clarity.

Mantra for the Full Moon

“I release what no longer serves me. I shine in my fullness. I am whole, radiant, and free.”

 

 

 

Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. The rituals and practices described are cultural, historical, and wellness-inspired suggestions designed to support relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health or wellness routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.

 

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The Science Behind Health & Wellness

Why behavior matters. Why healing is possible. Why small steps work.

When we think of health and wellness, we often think of the body — nutrition, sleep, hydration, movement. But at the core of every lasting change is something deeper: behavior.

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), I view health and wellness through a scientific and compassionate lens. I don’t just ask what someone is doing — I ask why.

That’s where the real healing starts.

Why Behavior Matters in Wellness

Every time you choose to care for yourself — by applying a salve, setting down your phone, or pausing to breathe — you’re engaging in a behavior. These actions might seem small, but over time, they shape patterns. Patterns become habits. Habits become a lifestyle.

Behavior analysis teaches us that change doesn’t happen all at once — it happens one moment at a time, with reinforcement, consistency, and care.

The Nervous System & Trauma-Informed Support

For many of us, especially those with trauma histories, even the simplest self-care routines can feel overwhelming or unfamiliar. That’s why trauma-informed care matters. It reminds us that healing isn’t just about doing more — it’s about feeling safe enough to begin.

Behavioral wellness honors the body’s signals, works with the nervous system, and builds safety through predictable, gentle routines. When we approach wellness with compassion and structure, we help the body and mind slowly unlearn survival and relearn connection.

The Foundation of Behavior-Based Wellness

In behavior science, we use tools like:

  • Reinforcement to encourage healthy habits (rewarding what we want to see more of)
  • Prompting and shaping to help build routines gradually
  • Environmental design to make wellness easier and more accessible
  • Data and reflection to track what’s working — and why

These aren’t just clinical strategies. They can show up in your daily life as:

  • A lavender roller next to your bed to signal rest
  • A gentle balm you use after brushing your teeth to mark the end of your day
  • A sensory spray that helps your child transition more smoothly
  • A mantra you whisper each morning as a private moment of grounding

Why This Matters

Because true wellness isn't about extremes.
It’s about repeatable, nourishing actions that help you feel more like yourself.

And the science is clear: when we build wellness routines around behavior, not pressure, we make healing more accessible — for children, for parents, for everyone.

This is the foundation of my work and the intention behind every product I create. I want to help you feel safe in your routines, confident in your care, and connected to the deeper why behind the choices you make.

Mini Mantra:

“Small acts. Safe patterns. Lasting change.”

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