Each lunar phase (e.g., Full Moon) has a certain quality of energy that you can work with to fulfill your intentions. For example, the full moon is releasing and clearing. You can also galvanize this energy with the subtle properties of full moon essential oils.
Essential Oils and Lunar Phases
What cosmic body is more significant to life on earth than the moon? All plants and animals are entrained to its rhythm. There are cultures that worship the moon and others that gauge time and orient their livelihoods by it. Nearly every culture views the moon as a symbol, and quite logically, many see it as a symbol of change. Borrowing from a number of sources and considerable personal experience, this four-part blog series of Essential Oils and Lunar Phasesidentifies essentials oils that correspond well with the different phases of the moon and corresponding ceremonies, and more specifically, the intentions that are associated with each lunar phase. For example, the full moon is a time to let go of what no longer serves us and the new moon is a time for new beginnings. Using subtle aromatherapy (energetic or vibrational attributes of essential oils) and essential oils’ effects on the mind and emotions, specific essential oils can be selected and used to support the intentions of each moon phase and associated ceremonies. Complementary essential oils or blends can be diffused during the lunar phase or added to a lunar ritual, ceremony, or celebration.
This blog series will look at four phases of the moon: the New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, and Waning Moon. But, it should be noted that the cycles of the moon are sometimes further broken down to include more phases such as Black Moon or Half Moon. This is a common Wicca tradition. For some, each full moon that rises throughout the year on a nearly monthly cycle has its own distinctive qualities and symbolism. In this blog series, we cover just the main four phases without distinguishing seasonal variation in moons. Here, we also, focus on the subtle aromatherapy attributes of essential oils. We also explain how to use an essential oil or blend. All lunar phases represent some aspect of transition – beginnings, adjustments, releases, etc. I personally feel that all transitions benefit from some energetic clearing (smudging) so I always use a few essential oils that do this well. Those that immediately come to mind are:
- Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)
- Juniper berry (Juniperus communis)
- White sage (Salvia apiana)
- Utah juniper (Juniperus osteoperma)
See my blogs for some additional information on clearing or smudging with essential oils, liquid smudges, basic, inexpensive diffusers, and my eBook Clearing Energy With Smudging.
The Full Moon
Northern Hemisphere sky
The Full Moon is about releases, endings, and letting go of what no longer serves you. It’s a great time to kick habits, sell things, spring clean, change jobs, and move. It’s also a time for detoxing, purging, and energetic clearing.
Full Moon Energy and Letting Go
Full-Moon endings are complete while Waning-Moon releases are about the process of change. For example, during the Waning Moon, you could decide it’s time to leave a particular job and begin to look for another one. In contrast, during the Full Moon, it’s time to submit the resignation letter.
The Waning Moon provides time for reflection and consideration of options. It’s a preparation period. The Full Moon is about commitment and action. In a sense, the Waning-Moon is yin (inward and reflective) in nature and the Full Moon is yang (outward and action) in nature.
Many releases and endings have two vantage points. For example, if a woman decides she wants a divorce, her husband has to agree. Dianne Ronngren writes that Full-Moon endings are limited to those that involve someone else to bring about the desired change and, consequently, Full-Moon ceremonies are comprised of two steps: letting go and accepting or embracing the new. This view is not shared by everyone. Many people see the Full Moon simply as a time for release and ending. For me, it can be any type of release and ending but should be definitive and complete and entails action. The person who is letting go is no longer mulling over the choice but rather committed to acting.
Because the Full Moon is about endings, it can also be associated with a sense of loss and even grief. One can experience sadness and grief even when a change is desired. Grief can accompany excitement and enthusiasm for change as well.
Where a choice is particularly difficult or courageous, it can entail fear and require fortitude and confidence and/or yield a sense of liberation and achievement. The emotions depend on the individual, and how s(he) feels once s(he) has resolved to act.
Many people believe that as the moon waxes, grows from a thin crescent to a thick semi-spherical form, and finally becomes a full sphere, its force and influence intensify. Following this logic, the Full Moon is the most powerful and dramatic time to let go or end something.
Essential Oils and the Full Moon
- Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)
- Fragonia (Agonis fragrans)
- Galbanum (Ferula glabaniflua)
- Hyssop (Hyssopus oficinalis)
- Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
- Orange (Citrus sinensis)
- Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)
- Rose (Rosa damacenus)
- Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)
- Sandalwood (Santalum album)
- Tangerine (Citrus reticulata blanco)
- Tea tree (Melaleuca alternafolia)
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Essential Oil Attributes
Taken as a group, the following essential oils support transitions on a number of different levels: mental, emotional, energetic, or spiritual. Fragonia is the quintessential essential oil for release whether the release is in the form of deep-seated patterns or blockages, negative mental or emotional patterns or toxins or suppressed feelings, ideas, or emotions. Galbanum and hyssop are excellent essential oils for shedding old ideas, beliefs, and behaviors. Myrtle and petitgrain help one overcome destructive, obsessive, and addictive habits. Tea tree assists in the release and clearing of mental and emotional stress once a new perspective is gained and actions are taken. Yarrow works on an energetic level. It reintegrates energy that has been disturbed through the process of change.
Additional Essential Oils to Support Release
There are also many essential oils that ease the sadness and grief that often accompanies endings and transitions. Examples include bergamot, neroli (Citrus aurantium), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), sandalwood, marjoram (Oreganum marjorana), hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis). Sandalwood also helps one let go of worldly attachments.
Both rose and rosewood lends support to those undergoing mental and emotional stress associated with grief and especially loss related to love, relationships, and personal attachments. Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) facilitates the release of fearful emotions and even those deep in the cellular memory.
Citruses, in general, are uplifting and instill optimism. For example, orange and tangerine, and to a lesser degree, bergamot, are uplifting and optimistic. They bring emotional vitality to transitions. Tangerine allows one to realize change without a great amount of anxiety, drama, or trauma. Orange helps one detach from drama, expel negativity, and feel confident and courageous. It releases negativity and draws in positive energy. Bergamot helps one let go of the need to control and instead be open to new and uncertain situations.
Confidence and fortitude are often required for difficult transitions. These emotions are also associated with the Full Moon, letting go, and endings. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is an excellent essential oil to garner confidence, courage, and fortitude. Yarrow also instills courage.
Detoxification
The essential oils listed above for room clearing can also be used for Full Moon transitions because letting go involves clearing. Going one step further, essential oils for detoxing may be appropriate as well. Some of the more common detox essential oils are grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi), lemon (Citrus limon), juniper berry (Juniperus communis), cypress, cedar (Cedrus atlantica), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). See my blog post on essential oils and detoxing for more information.
How to Determine the Phase of the Moon
How do you know a Full Moon is approaching? There are two easy ways to determine when the Full Moon is approaching. For the northern hemisphere:
- When the moon is visible at night, the Full Moon is approaching.
- When the moon’s dark or incomplete side is to the left and the moon is filling from right to left, the moon is waxing and a Full Moon is approaching. (The opposite is true for the southern hemisphere where the moon’s dark or incomplete side is to the right and it fills from left to right.)
Using the Full Moon Essential Oil or Blend
How one uses a Full Moon blend of essential oils varies with beliefs and spiritual practices. Essential oils, essential oil blends, or dried herbs of the same plant or botanical species can be added to the ceremonies. (for more on clearing energy, see my Starchaser ebook on Smudging).
Dried Herbs
Note that it’s important to know the botanical name of the plant species because you want the specific healing properties of that species in particular. Dried herbs can be burnt along with traditional smudging herbs or sticks.
Essential Oils
Essential oils should not be burnt. They can be diffused using a proper essential oil diffuser (see beginner’s guide to simple inexpensive diffusers).
Diffuser Oils
Diffuser oil can be added to any ceremonial space. Just a few drops of the blend will be sufficient because less is more when it comes to subtle aromatherapy. However, a ceremony isn’t necessary. One can simply set an intention for the lunar phase and use the diffuser oils during the phase. The blend can be diffused a couple of days before the lunar phase begins for preparation and a couple of days after for continuity.
Personal Inhalers
Personal Inhalers provide an easy, convenient way to carry the blend with you over a few days during the lunar phase of choice. The supportive scent can be inhaled wherever desired.
Ritual Baths
Essential oils can be added to ritual baths. Baths are often the ritual of choice with the moon because of the intrinsic relationship between the moon and water. Make sure to use these wonderfully powerful natural substances safely. Choose the right essential oils, use only a few drops, and use a dispersant to assure that the oils and water mix or emulsify. For more detailed instructions, see our blog post on using essential oils in the bath.
With or without a Full Moon ceremony, always set a clear positive intention. Perhaps write the intention down and place it in a special place: in a Reiki box, under a crystal grid, or in some other special box or dish. It doesn’t matter where you place it as long as the space is treated as a special place (or a sacred place) with a special or designated purpose.
Support With Letting Go
Here are a few resources to assist you
