The Full Worm Moon in 2022 will peak on the 18th at 1:20 AM, MST. It is the last full moon celebration before Ostara which makes it a perfect time for cleansing and clearing the negativity away. This month’s full moon is appropriately named the full worm moon because this is the time of year when the earthworms start to emerge. The common names of full moons originate with the Native Americans. They originate from earthly happenings and are quite accurate. The March full moon has many other lesser-known names, most of which are associated with Spring. Native American tribes is the northern part of the continent called the March full moon the Crow Moon. Cawing crows signaled the end of winter and start of Spring. It has also been called the Crust Full Moon, because warming daytime temperatures would melt a little of the snowpack each day and it would refreeze into a crust that night. Other names were the Sap Moon or Sugar Moon, the Chaste Moon, and the Death Moon.
Tonight’s our full moon celebration is focused on embracing the lunar energy in all aspects of our lives. Full moons are often used to charge crystals and magickal tools, make moon water and black salt, and to cleanse and clear negativity. With so much going on, we often forget than we can also recharge ourselves during the full moon. The lunar energy is powerful and can be a very positive influence in our lives, if we allow it to become a bigger part. If you would like to incorporate the traditional charging processes to this ritual, there are links at the bottom of the page to guide you.
What Items You’ll Need for This Full Worm Moon Ritual
This ritual is designed for a group and is best performed outside around a generous bonfire (bonfires just seem to make everything better, especially in February)
What items you’ll need to collect for this ritual (as written)
Quarter Candles (yellow, red, blue, green)
Large White Goddess Candle
Paper and pencil for each participant
Fire pit or cauldron suitable for safely burning small objects and paper
Altar
If any participant wishes, they may lay their stones, crystals, wands, or other magical tools on the communal altar during the ritual to allow them to charge while the ceremony proceeds.
Any portion of the ritual that is bracketed by <> symbols should be understood as instructional notes and not to be spoken aloud.
Ritual Begins
I cast this circle round and round from earth to sky, from sky to ground. I conjure now this sacred space, outside of time, outside of place. This circle is now cast; we are between the worlds.
<This serves as a call to action for the participants to stop talking, gather, and prepare to begin the ritual>
Calling the Full Worm Moon Quarters
East
The East is the direction of Spring, Sunrise and the waxing moon – It is also the direction of the Air Spirits, those without boundaries and without form, but able to move things at will. On this full worm moon night we seek council with those spirits, to aid us in our ritual of charging, providing us with the gift of transportation of the lunar energies down through the skies to converge on this sacred circle. <light yellow candle>
South
The South is the direction of Summer, Midday, and the full moon – It is also the direction of the Fire spirits, those embedded with the spark of new beginnings and able to inspire and motivate. We ask for the gift of activation on this night, to amplify the charge on our ritual objects and our selves and those around us. <light red candle>
West
The West is the direction of Fall, Dusk, and the waning moon – It is also the direction of the Water spirits, those that demonstrate mutability while still retaining their foundational form. We ask tonight for a renewed lesson of flexibility and the wisdom of changing forms to adapt to the environment around us. <light blue candle>
North
The North is the direction of Winter, Midnight, and the new moon – It is the direction of the Earth spirits, those who ground and reinforce the the order and structure of the world. We seek favor with the earthly spirits to show us how to expand and contract while maintaining a seamless connection to the land and the ever changing landscape. <light green candle>
Goddess
We turn our gaze to the full worm moon above and the infinite universe surrounding it. We call upon the protection of the Goddess, whether she be named Gaia, or Frigg, or Hathor, or Artemis, of Venus, or Ostara, or Brigid, or Diana. Her presence is everywhere and her powers infinite. It is because of her that we exist and it is she who provides for us in perpetuity. We honor and praise her on this night. <light Goddess candle>
Opening statement
In January, we celebrated the Wolf Moon with a lesson of preparing ourselves. In February, under the shining light of the Snow Moon, we engaged in creative planning for the future. Both were important lessons leading up the coming celebration of Ostara, when Springtime is officially sprung. Now, under the light of the Full Worm Moon, we complete the last step of preparatory work with a charging ritual. Our minds are ready, our plans have been made. Tonight we ready ourselves and our tools to move forward with passion and conviction of cause.
Musical Interlude
Music has been used throughout history as a way to raise energy. Our full moon rituals have had a musical selection in them for years, each hand-selected to fit the event. Tonight will be no different. Tonight we will be energized and enchanted by one of my favorite songs, by FAUN, called Walpurgisnacht.
Understanding Why This is Necessary
As we start to feel the pull from nature to return to the land, many grow anxious. But with snow still on the frozen ground in many areas, we are limited. So instead, we focus on other things. Things like spring cleaning around our houses. Cleaning, decluttering, and reorganizing are great short-term activities to burn off high levels of energy. The warmer air allows for open windows and the stale air of many long months to be circulated out of the house. Walls and curtains are dark with the smoke and grime of the winter fires. Dust has gathered on ledges and high places have cobwebs. It seems that every area needs attention, including our bodies and our spirit.
This is one of the most important times of the year to clear out the negativity and baggage we are carrying and to cleanse our spirits. It is time to cut cords, evaluate alliances, and make affirmations to raise our level of vibration. It is a time for shadow work and true understanding of our deepest core needs and aspirations. It is a time to put truth ahead of emotion and make decisions that will keep us walking firmly in the center of our own spiritual path. These actions are not always easy and sometimes they come with the pain of change. There may be uncertainty about what lies ahead after we give up some of the crutches we are leaning upon. There may be conflict with those around us for making hard choices.
But, remember this. You are on an individualized spiritual path. It is up to you to decide who walks with you and for good reason. There are many who may be in your life at this very moment who don’t want to see you have spiritual growth. They are possibly feeding off of your energy or using you for various reasons. Sometimes they put you in situations which only benefits their advancement and not yours. It may be for material gain or to control you emotionally for other and often nefarious reasons. They whisper twisted words, act in bizarre ways and try to influence your every action. Once you recognize this, it’s imperative to act upon it. Most people who are taking advantage of you will never change, they will only change tactics to try and pull the wool back over your opened eyes. Don’t stumble, don’t rationalize, and don’t take the easy route.
Cleaning and Clearing
Emotional baggage, hurtful people, bad relationships, and unhealthy situations do nothing but weigh us down. We are filled with sludge, darkness, anger, and negativity. Our clear vision is clouded and we are influenced by those who seek to harm us in one way or another. Yet, have no fear, for there is a way out of this mess we call our lives. There is something called choice, something called self-care and something called cleansing. The process is simple, but the action itself will be powerful and possibly life-changing. On this full worm moon, by the flames of this fire, the safety in this circle and the vision of a better future, we must act.
<the ritual leader should significantly slow down the following portion of the ritual – each sentence must be allowed to sink in to everyone’s thoughts – read it like a guided meditation, one sentence, then a lengthy pause, then another and so on – speak with an even and calming voice throughout>
Close you eyes, take several deep breaths and bring yourself to a point of relaxation. Let the spirits of air, earth, fire and water guide you as you settle deep into a state of calm rational thinking. Wander through the passageways of your own mind, paying special attention to what is troubling you. Focus on the things that are influencing your life but not bringing you to a higher state of being. There are things doing emotional damage, things doing spiritual damage, and things which serve another. There are people who want you to stay down. There are places which seem to draw you but offer you nothing but negativity. Focus on those items that you wish to release from your life. It’s time to make a decision; one that will give you a hand up and a step forward.
<distribute paper and pencils>
Open your eyes but maintain that focus. You will need that intention to make a clean break from the demons that may be haunting you. Write down everything that you can remember that is working against you. This is the moment to burn away that which causes our pain, to free ourselves from fear and anxiety, and to break free of unhealthy relationships. Now is the time to cut the cords once and for all. Your spiritual future depends on your strength of mind. Once you have written it down, use your intention to make it so. Believe in yourself to be the agent of change you need.
When you are ready, approach the fire with your list and commit it to the flames – say out loud, “I release that which no longer serves me”
<Provide ample time for everyone to burn and meditate over what was released>
Lunar Charging and Replenishing Your Energy
The spirits of air will carry the smoke which holds those negative things away. Focus on the smoke as it rises higher than you can see and takes that baggage away forever. You will feel lighter, maybe even empty. You are taking a big step toward a better and more focused you. Now we must fill those empty spaces so they cannot be corrupted with negativity again. For this, we look to the full worm moon and the powerful lunar energy it radiates.
<follow the instructions as above – this reads like a guided meditation>
Once again, close your eyes. Open every pore, allow your senses to become one with the universe. Look within and see the heavens, feel the winds of change sweeping over you. Listen as the waters of life spill forth from the hidden wellsprings of the universe. Feel the heat of the great forges burning with the spark of creation. Embrace the grounding bond you have with the earth and the safety it provides. You are here and you are everywhere. Energy circulates around you and penetrates you from every direction. Your spirit is part of the collective and the divine is watching over you.
Set your intention on that which will serve you. Drink in the energy of that which will protect you. Become a vessel for that which will guide you along your spiritual pathway. Recapture your freedom of choice and allow the compass of your soul to point you in the direction of your highest self. Seek and you will find. Feel the energy as it fills those spaces; building protective walls from negativity and washing away everything that isn’t light and aware. Ponder on the opportunities that await you and they shall be within your reach. Become one with the universe and the universe shall forever be your companion.
<allow an extended period of silent meditation>
Closing the Full Worm Moon Circle
Now join me as we close this circle and make preparations for the start of great and new things in our spiritual lives. We are charged with lunar energy and our baggage has been carried away.
We look first to the North and give our complete appreciation to the spirits of the Earth. We are blessed to be grounded and yet still able to exchange energy freely with the universe. We leave here ready to become better versions of ourselves and create an environment with brings us to a higher vibration. <extinguish green candle>
Now to the West and offer gratitude to the spirits of Water. We are cleansed and our focus is once again crystal clear. Great change comes for a reason and causes us to become different forms but not to become something different. We depart from this circle with the full understanding that we decide what we are to be. <extinguish blue candle>
Turn to the South and share high praises to the spirits of Fire. As the flames deconstruct the elements of negativity, we have a great understanding of the power of fire. For as it destroys, it has also led to creation and planted the seeds of great hope to emerge from the places where darkness once resided. <extinguish red candle>
Finally look to the East and acknowledge our indebtedness to the spirits of Air. The gentle breezes move around our newly charged beings. We feel alive and renewed. Our confidence is restored and our pathway ahead is now clear. <extinguish yellow candle>
Great Goddess, on this night of great and powerful energy we leave in a state of joy and satisfaction. Our goals have been accomplished and our souls are in a state of euphoria. We are blessed for the opportunity to share space with all the divine elements of the universe and have gained new insight, wisdom, and a sense of peace by your presence. <extinguish Goddess candle>
This circle is now open!
Huzzah!
Full Moon Events
Moon Water – How to Make, Store, and Use It
Witches Black Salt – Infusing the Power of Herbs
Full Moon Crystal and Stone Cleansing and Charging
Ostara 2022 – The Time of the Maiden Goddess
- October’s Full Hunter’s Moon 2024 -Joining the Ancient Hunt - October 12, 2024
- September’s Full Harvest Moon Ritual for 2024 - September 12, 2024
- May’s Full Flower Moon 2024 – Blessed Abundance - May 22, 2024
Excellent article! I have bookmarked it so I can refer to it when I do a personalized ritual for myself. Thank you, Ralph, for this very beneficial information.