On March 28th, we’ll see the last full moon of winter (or so we hope). The 2021 Full Worm Moon will peak at 12:50 PM, MST. The March full moon typically is seen before Ostara, the Vernal Equinox, so this year is somewhat different, but not rare by any means. With the full moon cycle being 28 days, and the number of days each month varying, things don’t always match up perfectly. So far, 2021 has been uneventful as far as sky watchers are concerned, but (teaser alert) that all changes with the total lunar eclipse expected in May, and three consecutive supermoons in April, May, and June. If you are tuned in with lunar energy, this summer should be phenomenal.
This moon is lovingly known as the full worm moon because this is the month in which earthworms start to emerge in our hemisphere. The name originates from long ago, when Native Americans would give the moons names based on earthly activities. This full moon is also called March’s moon, the full Crow Moon as the constant cawing of crows was a sign that winter had ended and springtime had commenced. It is also called the Sap Moon, Lenten Moon, Crust Moon, Chaste Moon, and Sugar Moon.
Tonight’s full moon celebration is focused on embracing the seasonal shift and using it to our full advantage.
In order to perform this ritual as written, you’ll need the following items:
Quarter Candles (yellow, red, blue, green)
Large White Goddess Candle – (We prefer a three wick candle to symbolize the triple Goddess aspect)
Paper and pencil for each participant
Fire pit or cauldron suitable for safely burning small objects and paper
Altar
This is intended to be performed outdoors, under the light of the full worm moon – dress appropriately and use proper fire safety.
<Anything in the ritual that is contained with <> should be understood as instructional for the ritual leader and should not be spoken aloud>
Ritual Begins
This circle cast fills the space around, to the sky above and below the ground, this area now a sacred place, neatly wedged between time and space!
Calling the Quarters
We look to the East where the great spirits of Air reside; unseen but powerful and intelligent. Since the beginning of time, the winds have moved the clouds, changed the landscape, and moved mighty objects. We look to them for the sacred breath to clear the pollution from our mental plane and allow for true cleansing and clearing of our spirit. <light yellow candle>
We look to the South where the great spirits of Fire reside; too bright and too majestic for our eyes to focus upon. Humankind has relied upon the great gift of fire for many reasons. We are blessed to have heat in the cold times, light in the darkness, and on nights as tonight, we burn away our troubles in the all-consuming flames. <light red candle>
Turning to the West where the great spirits of Water spill forth across the universe; fluid, solid, or as an ethereal mist, We are eternally mesmerized by the swiftness, the fluidity, and the ability to change without warning. Our lives are filled with emotional and spiritual debris which are realized as stones in the great rivers of our lives. Yet by your lessons, we see that with foresight, we can adjust our flow to move past them with ease. <light blue candle>
And now to the North, the direction where the great spirits of Earth; those spirits who serve at the terrestrial level. As we gather in nature to cleanse and clear under the light of this full worm moon, we are aware that humankind can be destructive to the planet. We seek guidance to help preserve and protect that which has been given to us so freely. <light green candle>
Great Goddess, she who is the mother to us all and mother to those who shall come in the future, we call for your presence in this circle tonight. We seek your wisdom, your comfort, your blessings, and your companionship on this night. Through your teachings we learn more about ourselves and the ways of nature so that both shall live harmoniously. <light Goddess candle>
Musical Interlude
Music is an integral part of celebrating; a practice which dates back as far as humankind. I like to pick a song that suits the particular season or event, just to make it a bit more thematic. This month I’ve chosen a gypsy song by Shantel called Borino Oro; it’s a lively and fun piece that will get your blood pumping and you’ll feel like dancing around the fire.
Opening statement
The theme of our ritual tonight is analyzing the Seasonal Shift. As human beings, its no secret that our moods change with the weather. I’m not talking about a weather event, like a snowstorm, but a seasonal change, such as we are experiencing right now. As winter starts to pass, leaving the occasional pile of snow or two in it’s wake, most people’s moods will improve. Now before you start to say anything, that does not mean that everyone was a grumpy troll during the winter. Even those folks who are super happy all the time, like my wife, will feel even happier. It’s an amazing sight to see when people are just starting to get back to the great outdoors.
The Seasonal Shift & Better Moods Ahead as We Move Into Spring
Lat month we focused on coming out of the darkness of winter into the light of spring. Everyone was on the edge of their figurative seats, just waiting for that one day they could walk around outside without the encumbrance of a heavy coat, hat, and gloves. Fast-forward 28 days later, and we are there; not everyday, but many days. Temperatures in the norther parts of the country are in the middle 50’s and although the deep south had a severe and unprecedented freeze, it’s starting to become a memory to most folks. Spring has sprung and you can almost feel the excitement in the air.
Tonight we’ll discuss the shift in our emotional selves that coincides with the shift in seasons. Warmer air, the sounds of new life, and more sunshine all have a positive effect on human beings. With the Vernal Equinox in our rear-view mirrors, each day will get longer. Combine that with the controversial “Daylight Savings Time” and suddenly we’re seeing daylight long into the evening. Although it will take several weeks until we see light in the early morning, everyone knows its coming. And speaking of light, let’s talk about the benefits of getting more sunshine.
Sunlight is a critical component to our overall health as human beings; more proof that we were not destined to be cubicle-dwellers or in our basements all day playing video games. Human beings need sunlight. When we are exposed to the sun, our bodies naturally produce Vitamin D, which by the way is important for calcium absorption, bone growth, and overall healing. Trust me, speaking from experience, Vitamin D helps you heal from injury or surgery. It also naturally boosts the immune system. Of course, I should be the first to say, don’t be that person who decides to get a suntan on day one of warm weather. You’ll get burned to a crisp and hate life for a few days. (Look here for tips on when and how to maximize your sun intake).
It seems strange to be talking about the value of sunshine during a full worm moon ritual, but here we are. But, since we are on the subject, lets also think about what the sun brings us in the form of delicious fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other wildcrafted delicacies. The seasonal shift causes a dietary change among most of us; usually one that is lighter, more nutrient rich, and has more water content. As we shift to our spring/summer diet and start to get outdoors more, many of us will also start to shed those holiday pounds; you remember that extra helping of chocolate-covered cheesecake you had on Valentine’s Day? Well it’s time to say bye-bye to it and fast. Also we tend to drink more water in the warmer months, in part because we are hot or doing something which makes us thirsty, but the extra water does a body good.
Now if we take all these things and put them together; warm air, sunshine, less heavy meals, more water, and Vitamin D, it’s no wonder our bodies feel and perform better. We get a reset to our biological clocks, see increases in our levels of serotonin and melatonin. The former goes a long way to improving our mood and the latter helps with both our mood and sleep pattern. So now that we understand the pathway to a happier self, it’s time to go outside and let Mother Nature lead us down the path of happiness. With that covered, the only thing left to completely round out our selves is to release the last remnants of winter baggage through a thorough cleansing and clearing of our spiritual side.
Full Worm Moon Clearing, Cleansing, and Continuing
Every month we gather under the full moon to rid ourselves of unwanted baggage. We take time in the days between to reflect and decide matters of the spirit and heart. We seek to glean insight from the happenings in our lives and the world around us. And for good reason. For no event happens without a reason, nor does anyone enter or leave our lives. We must always be observing and processing the great mystery of existence. However on the night of a full moon, contemplating must eventually reach an apex and we need to make decisions. Are there things which are hurting our personal growth that must be cast out?
The answer is most-always yes. For negativity, anger, impatience, greed, manipulation, jealousy, lust, corruption, and laziness are always present. We try to put up shields to defend ourselves from these loathsome traits, but sometimes they still slip in. Likewise sometimes others purposefully inject them into our lives. We may not understand how or why this manipulation is occurring, but it can be destructive to our spiritual growth. Our minds become polluted and we can easily lose sight of our well-planned goals, and fall into a dark place.
Often times we know the exact root of our problems, but for some reason always hold back when it comes to clearing. Other times we are almost-certain, but not one hundred percent sure. Other times, we are clueless. The best course of action is to start with the things we know are hurting us and clear them first. In the time that follows, you can refocus on what is left and continue the process until all is right with your inner-you. Cleanse, clear, and then continue – repeat as necessary.
If you are prepared to shed that weight, even a small portion of it, you’ll be back on the pathway of growth. Spiritual growth surpasses any other kind of growth as it is the guiding force that oversees our existence. It’s critical to keep moving forward. So tonight, in the same way our ancestors did, we can wash away the negativity in our lives in the cleansing flames. We can witness as the baggage of the past is completely consumed and the smoke travels far away. What is great is that by burning the remnants of things useless and without value, we free ourselves to find new and positive things to fill those empty spaces.
<Offer each person paper/pencil to write things down that they want to rid themselves of forever>
Each of you may approach the fire when you are ready to cast the unwanted from your life and create an open space to fill with things that have meaning. As you burn each item, state the following, “I give up freely that which is no longer serving me”
<Once everyone has burned their items, have the group join hands and say the following>
On this night, under the light of the Full Worm Moon, we choose to rid ourselves of that which no longer serves us. We feel the powerful lunar energy and how it supercharges our mind and helps to give us clarity of thought. The cold reminds us that winter will remain, but it won’t remain forever, for as the great wheel turns, all things change. Embrace the challenge of being a better you, tonight and into the future. As the moon above, so the earth below. So Mote it Be!
Cakes & Ale
Depending on the weather and the make-up of your group, you may choose to have a few libations and food at this time. Talk, share stories, and get to know your fellow citizens of the earth.
Closing the Full Worm Moon Circle
Earth spirits, we offer our eternal thanks for joining us in our full worm moon circle. Stand beside us as we prepare our lands for another season of growing. Extend your blessings so that we shall have abundance and comfort. <extinguish green candle>
Water spirits, we wish you well as you take leave from our circle. Leave each of us with the memory of adaptation, flexibility and the great understanding that all things can change, rearrange, and yet still remain the same deep within their core. . <extinguish blue candle>
Fire spirits, we bid you goodbye for now and again offer our highest and most humble thanks for all that you provide. We have gathered on this full worm moon to burn away that which no longer serves us and are counting on your great power to consume and send them skyward and out of our lives forever. <extinguish red candle>
Air spirits, we bid you farewell as you take flight and ascend back to the realm of your existence. We only ask that you convey the smoke to the furthest reaches of the universe as upon it rides those things for which we have chosen to release ourselves from tonight . <extinguish yellow candle>
Great Goddess, we thank you for your wisdom and love, for your guidance and comfort, and for your compassion and forgiveness. At times, we find ourselves lost in the busy world around us, but even in that chaos, we know you are always there keeping watch. Thank you infinitely! <extinguish Goddess candle>
This circle is now open!
Huzzah!
Additional Reading
Visit The Complete Catalogue of Rites and Rituals
For a complete calendar of full moons, astrological, pagan, and other holiday’s, check out our 2021 edition.
- Most Haunted Places on Earth – Visit at Your Own Risk - May 12, 2025
- Full Flower Moon Ritual Circle – The Moon of Blossoming Hearts - May 7, 2025
- Beltane Ritual 2025 – The Fire Between the Worlds - April 16, 2025
