The Full Worm Moon will peak on March 25th, 1:01 AM, MST – The name, Worm Moon, dates back to Native Americans, who would name each full moon by an event or phenomena which occurred during that time period. In the month of March, as the snow began melting, insects and beetles would begin moving, leaving winding tracks across the damp soil, which resembled worms moving across the ground. Other, less-known names for this month’s moon had an association with spring. One other name was the Crow Moon, as cawing crows signaled the end of winter. Another was the Crust Moon. March daytime temperatures were warm enough to melt the upper laying of the snowpack, yet the nighttime temperatures would drop, refreezing the wet snow into a crust that night. Other names were the Sap Moon, Sugar Moon, Wind Moon, Sleepy Moon, the Chaste Moon, and the Death Moon.
In a similar timing as last year, the Worm Moon will peak early in the morning, and many people will perform this ritual the night prior. It’s your choice, on when you do it.
Full Worm Moon Ritual Circle
What items you’ll need to collect for this ritual
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 (if a fire is not an option, then fill a wide bowl with salt. During the banishing portion, have the participants bury their paper in the salt)
Athame or Wand
Altar – encourage everyone beforehand to bring their stones, crystals, wands, or other magical tools to be charged on the communal altar during the ritual.
Any portion of the ritual that is bracketed by <> symbols should be understood as instructional notes and not to be spoken aloud.
Ritual Begins
<Using your Wand or Athame, point in each cardinal directions while calling the quarters; ask all participants to turn in the direction, following your lead>
Full moon night, blessed light, magick realm within my sight. Neither present nor past, this circle cast, a place to think, a lunar link. Between the worlds, for now we dwell, it’s safe to cast our magick spells. The full worm moon circle is open!
East
The spirits of air come from the east. Moving freely across the vast open spaces, they control the skies, create the wind, and reign over the clouds. The wind is a powerful messenger, carrying words from the ancestors from beyond the veil to us, and taking that which no longer serves, away from us. They connect us with the rest of the universe and whisper guidance and happiness. <light yellow candle in the East>
South
From the south come the spirits of fire. Strong and powerful, and represented by flame, they are the purest form of earthly energy, and never let us forget the great lesson of duality. Fire both creates and destroys. It provides and also takes away. It can be harnessed, but never controlled. It is one of life’s greatest mysteries, but also one of life’s great necessities. <light red candle in the south>
West
Water spirits come from the west. Known for cleansing, healing, and purification, water is powerful and plays an important role in our lives. It teaches us the lessons of transformation, adaptation, and perseverance. Water adapts to the environment, but not to hide it’s identity, but to find the form which allows it to function at a high level. It changes as needed for success. When something tries to stop it, it moves around it, or with enough time, through it. <light blue candle in the west>
North
The earth spirits come from the north. The soil, stone, animals, insects, trees, and plants are all connected. None exist to serve themselves, but instead to support one another for a great harmony. It is the lesson of unity, cooperation, and service. When we go into the forest, the earth spirits are guiding us to find certain places and see certain things. They are there to guide us to reach a higher vibration and be a greater contributor to the harmony of the planet. <light green candle in the north>
Goddesses
Blessed are the faithful. Those who trust and honor the Gods and Goddesses are rewarded with the love and compassion of nurturing parents. From our first cries as a newborn, to the last breath we take, our lives are in their hands. We offer praises and prayers for protection and safety, health and healing, sight and understanding, honor and humility. <light Goddess candle>
Musical Interlude
Whether drums, chanting, singing, and other rhythmic instruments, music has the power to raise the collective energy of the gathered group. A singular focus of conscious, each person sending energy to that which was about to happen. Tonight we choose a lively song by TRIDDANA called, “Dare to Tame Me.” It will certainly rock your world.
Our Return to the Land
As we start to feel the pull from nature to return to the land, many grow anxious, often feeling trapped between two masters. Our homes are in need of spring cleaning, and now our years and lands might feel like added work. The key here is balance. Spend some of your time cleaning, decluttering, and reorganizing, while integrating outdoor tasks slowly. Let fresh air in the house to cleanse the air, carry away the smoke and dust of winter, and to invigorate the environment.
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 Meditation
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 speak calmly and prepare everyone to enter a period of meditation>
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>
Closing the Full Worm Moon Circle
North
As we step confidently away from this circle, we do so with new knowledge, confidence, and the strength to take great steps forward in our personal spiritual growth. Trust in the earth spirits of the north to stay grounded. <extinguish green candle in the north>
West
With any great cleansing, comes another reminder of the lessons of the water spirits of the west. Nothing is permanent, no matter how soiled, no matter how damaged and scarred. With enough time, patience, and determination, all negativity can be washed away. <extinguish blue candle in the west>
South
Through the powerful fire spirits of the south, we have taken a step in the right direction. That which no longer serves us has been eradicated from our being and banished to places far from here. We have seen the flames, but now, cleansed of negativity, we can see the true light. <extinguish red candle in the south>
East
The air spirits of the east will remain with us as we depart. There role is that of a messenger, but also one of great support. Every gust reminds us to stay true to ourselves, remain on our chosen spiritual path, and be the best version of ourselves that we can be. <extinguish yellow candle in the east>
Closing Prayer
We gather our strength from many sources. Our Gods and Goddesses, the powerful lunar energy, and the grounding energy of the very earth itself, all combine to provide each of us with all the tools necessary to rise to heights unseen. For each and all, I ask for blessings, fortitude, and the love and compassion that brings us together. We are stronger together and our bonds forever. Go now in peace. This circle is open, but the connections never broken.
Additional Reading
Witchcraft & Magickal Knowledge
Full Moon Crystal and Stone Cleansing and Charging
- September’s Full Harvest Moon Ritual for 2024 - September 12, 2024
- May’s Full Flower Moon 2024 – Blessed Abundance - May 22, 2024
- March’s Full Worm Moon, 2024 - March 24, 2024
