There is something ancient and visceral about the full moon. At its peak, it illuminates everything—both around us and within. In many traditions, the full moon is a time of culmination and clarity, a mirror reflecting what is no longer needed. It’s a powerful moment to pause, breathe, and release.

At The Way Apothecary, we honor this phase not with grand gestures, but with quiet rituals—ones that help us align with the power of the moon. By attuning ourselves to it, we can truly harness its energy and process. Releasing on the full moon isn’t about fixing or forcing. It’s about softening into awareness and gently letting go of what’s been weighing us down.

Why the Full Moon?

The full moon marks the energetic high point of the lunar cycle. What began as an intention at the new moon has now reached its fullest expression. This is the moment to ask: What feels complete? What am I ready to shed?

For those of us in midlife, this rhythm can feel especially resonant. Our bodies and spirits are already in a process of release—letting go of roles, expectations, hormonal cycles, and versions of ourselves that no longer fit. Aligning with the moon gives structure and softness to that process. It offers a moment to name what’s shifting, to bless it, and to let it go.

If the Full Moon Affects You…

Some people feel electric under a full moon—restless, weepy, or unable to sleep. Some feel heavy and lethargic, as if they are walking through honey. If that’s you, you’re not alone. The moon’s pull isn’t subtle. It tugs at the tides, at our hormones, at the edges of our consciousness. And if you are close to your period—be gentle with yourself. This can be intense.

Instead of resisting it, try leaning in.

Let the intensity move through you. Step outside. Go for a walk in the woods. Let your bare feet find the earth. Take a bath in candlelight. Add your favorite crystal to the water. Do something that shakes the energy loose—something a little wild, a little untamed.

This isn’t about soothing it away. It’s about giving it space to move.

How to Create a Simple Releasing Ritual

You don’t need anything elaborate—just space, time, and your own attention. Here’s a gentle structure to guide you:

• Clear a space. Light a candle. Mist the air with something calming and expansive—like clary sage, bergamot, or rose (this is a teaser for something coming very soon!).

• Write. Let the questions below guide you into your own truth.

• Speak it aloud. If something feels ready to be released, say it. Name it. You can write it down and safely burn, bury, or tear the paper if that feels symbolic for you.

• Breathe. Close with a few deep breaths, a hand on your heart or belly, and the knowing that releasing is an act of trust.

A Moment with The Women’s Circle Body Oil

If you have The Women’s Circle Body Oil, this is a beautiful time to work with it.

Try to sit in the moonlight as you apply the oil over your body. Move slowly. Massage deeply. Let your hands become tools of release—offering care to the skin, muscles, and tissues that hold so much.

As you work the oil in, imagine letting go through the body itself. Not through words or thoughts, but through sensation. Allow your breath to guide you, and trust that your body knows how to let go when given space and attention.

Let this be a ritual of connection—to the moon, to your body, and to the wisdom that lives beneath the surface.

Full Moon Journal Prompts

These prompts are designed to help you connect to the deeper emotional layers of what’s being released—not just events, but the beliefs, attachments, and old stories they carry.

• What have I been holding onto that no longer feels true?

• Is there a version of myself I’m ready to thank—and release?

• What am I afraid will happen if I let go?

• What would spaciousness feel like right now?

• What does my body need in order to feel safe enough to soften?

Take It Further

Try working with essential oils as part of your full moon ritual. You don’t need to do anything elaborate—just let scent guide you inward.

Add about 10 drops total of essential oil to your diffuser, or simply place a drop on a scent strip or cotton ball. Sit quietly with the aroma. Let it move through your senses and into your body. Nothing to do, nothing to be. Just allow.

Here are a few oils that pair beautifully with the energy of release:

• Clary Sage – Connects you to feminine wisdom, intuition, and inner knowing

• Juniper – Helps clear stagnant energy and gently supports release

• Patchouli – Grounds the body and mind, offering steadiness

• Lemon – Brings clarity and lightness when things feel heavy

There’s no need to use them all—just choose what you’re drawn to. Let your body decide. Sometimes the subtlest rituals are the most powerful.

Take good care,
Françoise