Solitary Full Moon Ritual

In two previous articles, we covered the basic steps present in most Wiccan rituals (Ritual Construction) and some important things to keep in mind when writing your own ritual (Composing a Ritual,) be it a solitary or group ritual. Now, I’ll give an example of a Full Moon ritual based upon these steps and key points to keep in mind.

This ritual is written for the solitary practitioner, but could be converted for a small group of 2 -3 people; it would not be suitable for any more than that. It is written to include only the most basic of items, for it is the intention and sincerity of the person performing the ritual that matters most –not the number of shiny tools and flaming candles.

The purpose is to align the person performing the ritual with Lunar energies and allow them to more strongly feel the effects, power, and influence of the Moon within their lives. It calls upon the Elements and Deity in the guise of Moon and Sun. This ritual is suitable to be performed in or outdoors, and should take less than an hour to complete.

If you have any questions as to format, word usage, intent, etc, don’t hesitate to comment or contact me for clarification.

For this Ritual you will Need:

• Four Stones (about the size of your hand or larger, any type, shape, or color) or Four Candles
• One White Candle (preferably a pillar style or taper in a candle holder)

Purification

• Begin first by purifying yourself. This can be done through a basic Ground and Center exercise: close your eyes, breathe deeply, and as you exhale feel all stress and worries leave on your breath: breathe out all that could prevent you from focusing fully on this ritual. Repeat this until you feel light and focused.
• Next purify the space. Move any debris or furniture out of the way so that you have enough space to move about comfortably. 

Creation of Sacred Space

• Set about the Stones or Candles so that there is one at each compass point: North, East, South, and West. 
• Set the White Candle at the Center of your space.
• Light the Candle (if you’re using Candles at the Quarters, light these first, beginning at North, then East, then South, and finishing at West; light the Center Candle last.)
• Ground and Center again, if you need to.

Casting the Circle

• Pick up the Center Candle and walk to the North Stone. 
• Walk the perimeter of the Circle, clockwise, holding the Candle in one hand, your other hand sweeps the edge of the Circle. Chant these, or similar words:

Cast about a Circle, round;
Strong as Iron, Light as Sound.

• Return the Candle to the Center. ​

Inviting Various Spirits and Deities

Calling the Quarters: Invoking the Elements

• Stand before the North Stone/Candle, raise your arms, and say:

The Moon shines bright upon the Earth;
All are gathered in Her praise.

• Feel the Element of Earth arrive at your Circle. 
• Stand before the East Stone/Candle, raise your arms, and say:

The Night Air decked in Silver light,
All are gathered to sing Her praise.

• Feel the Element of Air arrive at your Circle.
• Stand before the South Stone/Candle, raise your arms, and say:

A flash of Silver, stirring the Fire within us,
All who gather feel the warmth of Her embrace.

•  Feel the Element of Fire arrive at your Circle.
• Stand before the West Stone/Candle, raise your arms, and say:

Tidal waters and emotions surge in Her presence,
All are gathered in Her love.

• Feel the Element of Water arrive at your Circle. Return to the Center of your Circle. Feel the Elemental Energies and the energy of your cast Circle around you.

 Calling the Gods: Lady Luna and Lord Sol

• Center yourself again, if needed.
• Remain at the Center of the Circle. Raise your arms and Call the Lady, saying:

Sweet Mother of the Starry Night,
Shining One of Beauty,
Descend here, with Your Silver Light,
Bless me with Your presence.

• Pause and feel the gentle tingle around you and through you as the Lady arrives.
• Center yourself again, if needed.
• Cross your arms across your chest, fists at your shoulders. Hold your head high and Call the Lord, saying:

Strong Father of the Radiant Day,
Fiery One of Glory,
Descend here, with Your Golden Ray,
Bless me with Your presence.

• Pause and feel the warm tingle around you and through you as the Lord arrives.

 Body of Work: Honoring the Goddess at the Full Moon

• Center yourself again, if needed.
• Pick up the Center Candle. Gaze at its flame for a moment, close your eyes and hold it aloft. Feel the Silver energy of the Moon swirling around you. Now say:

Mother Goddess, riding high,
shining down upon us,
Silver light that casts no Shadow,
the Sun bows in Your presence.

All are gathered here before You,
singing praises in Your name.
Glorious Celestial One,
Within, Without: All are the same.

Simple flame lit in Your honor,
naught that can compare,
wrap me in Your silver essence,
Your love, that I might share.

• Pause and feel the Lunar energies about you. Focus on the point where you end and those energies begin, focus until that point disappears. Breath deep, and know the Lady’s presence.

Thanking the Attending Spirits and Deities

​Thanking the Gods: as One

• Stand, arms raised, and say these or similar words:

Merciful Mother, Fearsome Father,
I stand here, your Child,
Thankful for All that I am: All that You have given.
Though, often I may forget my place in It All,
Always am I aware of my Connection to It All.
In Your Honor and Grace.

• Extinguish the Center Candle.

​Thanking the Elements

• Stand at the North Stone/Candle, arms raised, and say these or similar words:

The Lady sleeps and all the Earth is quiet.

• Stand at the West Stone/Candle, arms raised, and say:

The Lady sleeps and deep Waters hold still.

• Stand at the South Stone/Candle, arms raised, and say:

The Lady sleeps and Embers grow cold.

• Stand at the East Stone/Candle, arms raised, and say:

The Lady sleeps and the Winds are stayed.

​Dissolving Sacred Space

• Stand at the North Stone/Candle, walk the perimeter of the Circle, counterclockwise. Have one hand sweep the edge of the Circle as you walk, pulling the energy of the Circle back into you.
• The Circle is open and the Rite is ended.