I used to all the time.
It's like I would try to ignore my shadow and then suddenly, I would be flat on my face.
AKA an emotional wreck, feeling dazed and confused.
These days, however, I don't ignore my shadow.
Nor do I just pay attention to her when she decides it's time to show herself.
Now, I seek her out.
I want to dance with my shadow, not trip over her. So every month I reserve time to embrace her.
I sit with her every new and full moon. Yes, that may sound a little witchy, but it actually helps me create a rhythm and remember it's time to connect with her. Before I started working with the lunar cycle, I would put it off. I would say, tomorrow night I'll do it. Because it wasn't scheduled.
And let's be real. If it's not scheduled, it's not happening.
So now it's a scheduled ritual. I get my candle, my cauldron, paper/pen, and I ask my shadow to come out and play.
And you know what, it has helped me stablize my emotions, heal my nervous system, become incredibly self-aware, and overall is bringing me closer to the life of my dreams.
It doesn't have to be fancy. In fact, simple is easier to integrate. It's short, maybe like 30-minutes, which is less time than binge watching a single episode on Netflix.
Here's a little ritual for you.
5-Step Full Moon Burn Ritual: Release & Rise
Best Performed under the Full Moon or any moon when you're ready to shed what's holding you back.
YOUâLL NEED:
- Fire-safe container (cauldron, bowl, firepit)
- Paper + pen
- Matches/lighter
- A sacred totem (stone, crystal, charm)
- Optional Earth Medicines: mugwort, palo santo, Indica, cacao, or rosemary for clarity and expansion
1.
SET THE SACRED SPACE
Cleanse with smoke, sound, or intention. Light a candle. Breathe deeply. Call in Fire, the Moon, and your Highest Self.
Say aloud: âI step into this space to release what no longer serves and make room for my expansion.â
2.
NAME WHAT YOUâRE RELEASING
On paper, write out whatâs weighing you downâoutdated beliefs, reactive triggers, inner narratives that no longer reflect your truth.
3.
BURN TO TRANSFORM
Read your list aloud if you feel called. Then, one by one, burn each piece in your fire-safe container.
As it burns, affirm:
âI release this story from my body, mind, and spirit. I am free to evolve.â
4.
CHARGE YOUR TOTEM
Hold your totem and breathe your new truth into it. Let it become a tangible reminder of your freedom and power.
Say aloud: âI charge this sacred object to anchor my liberation. When I hold it, I remember who I am.â
Leave it in moonlight overnight to seal the ritual.
5.
CLOSE WITH GRATITUDE
Place your hands over your heart. Give thanks for your willingness to release, your courage to change, and the sacred fire for its medicine.
Whisper: âThank you, thank you, thank you. It is done.â
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