Once in a Blue Moon
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May is the month of the Flower Moon. This year (2026), the full moon coincided with Beltane on the very first day of May. And now, we are gifted with a second full moon this month — a Blue Moon — arriving on May 31.
The full moon represents abundance, illumination, and the moment when we begin to see the results of intentions planted during the new moon. Its energy is often considered strongest at this time, making it a meaningful opportunity to focus on goals, spell work, manifestation, or reflection. It is also a time to seek clarity about the path ahead.
If there is an area of your life that feels uncertain or troubling, sitting beneath the full moon in meditation can help bring insight and perspective.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, May’s Blue Moon is also a micromoon, meaning it will be at one of its farthest points from Earth — the opposite of a supermoon. Even from afar, its energy remains a reminder to reflect on what you wish to invite into your life, and what you may be ready to release.
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Moon Energy in November - The Waning and Dark Moons
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As we move through the second half of November, we find ourselves closer to the beginning of winter. This year, the waning moon dominates this period, culminating in a new moon on December 1. During this two-week phase, the shorter days naturally encourage introspection and release.
The waning moon is a time to shed old patterns, habits, or mindsets, and November’s waning moon is particularly potent as it precedes the winter solstice—the darkest part of the year in the northern hemisphere.
This phase offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on what is no longer serving you, allowing you to prepare for winter with a lighter mental and emotional load. If you practice shadow work, this is an opportune moment to delve inward, confront your inner truths, and embrace the energy of transformation.
Here are some rituals and practices to help you connect with the waning moon and set your intentions for the next turn of the Wheel of the Year.
November Rituals and Practices for Letting Go
Journaling for Release
Journaling is one of the most effective ways to find clarity and identify areas of your life that need improvement. Whether you prefer a stream-of-consciousness style or guided prompts, journaling helps bring buried emotions and thoughts to the surface.
Here are some prompts to get started:
- What am I holding onto? (e.g., grudges, limiting beliefs, memories)
- What can I do in the next month to bring more joy or reduce stress in my life?
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Journal Prompt Cards: These include over 100 prompts to guide your reflection throughout the year.
A Cleansing Ritual
A cleansing ritual during the waning or dark moon aligns perfectly with the phase’s energy of release. To perform one, follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare your space: Choose a quiet area and gather your tools, such as cleansing herbs (rosemary, sage, or lavender), saltwater, or essential oils.
2. Set your intention: Focus on what you want to release, saying it aloud or silently (e.g., *“I release all energy that no longer serves me.”*).
3. Cleanse: Waft smoke from herbs, sprinkle saltwater, or diffuse oils around the space. Visualize negative energy leaving and positivity filling the room.
4. Seal the ritual: Welcome protective and calming energy, then express gratitude for the cleansing. Ground yourself with water or tea afterward.
Letting Go Meditation
Meditation is a powerful practice for cultivating inner peace and clarity, especially during this time of release.
- Guided meditations: Perfect for beginners or those seeking structure, these meditations often include calming visuals and verbal guidance for deep relaxation.
- Solo meditation: Focus on your breath, a mantra, or simply observe your thoughts, allowing a freer, more personal exploration.
Both approaches help reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and create a deeper connection with yourself, making meditation an excellent tool for emotional and mental release.
When I meditate or want to turn off any racing thoughts, I’ll listen to this creator on YouTube.
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- Meditation Cushions: I would only buy a specific meditation cushion after meditating on a regular basis for while, to make sure that you will actually use it.
- Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, lavender, or frankincense are ideal for creating a serene (almost spa-like) atmosphere.
The waning moon and dark moon phases in November provide an ideal time to slow down, reflect, and let go. Through journaling, cleansing rituals, and meditation, you can align with the moon's energy to shed what no longer serves you and embrace the natural cycles of release and renewal.
What practices help you release and reset during the waning moon? Let me know in the comments below!
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.
The November Moon
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I always think of November as a transitional month between the busy short autumn days to the longer, slower winter evenings. For me the month is an invitation to slow down and breathe. While I’m reluctant to say goodbye to warmer days, there’s something deeply soothing about this seasonal shift.
The November Moon & Wheel of the Year
For those of us who follow a nature-based spiritual path, the November moon falls during Samhain, at the very beginning of the Wheel of the Year. This first full moon of the new wheel invites us to harness its energy and set intentions, seek clarity, or prepare to let go of the things that no longer serve us.
The November Moon & The Crone
Throughout history, cultures worldwide have named each moon, and November’s full moon is often called the “Dark Moon” or the “Beaver Moon.” The moon, embodying feminine energy with its 28-day cycle, has long guided planting and hunting seasons, seasonal celebrations and the ocean’s tides.
In the Triple Goddess tradition, the full moon represents the Mother, a symbol of fullness before transitioning into the Crone phase. I don’t think any other month of the year embodies the essence of The Crone like November. It is the end of the growing season, when everything dies. While at the same time it is a time for beginnings. If you are like me, mistakes have been made in the past twelve months. What can we learn from them? How can we grow? No matter what your age, tapping into your inner crone is tapping into your own innate wisdom - it’s like listening to the small voice inside - you know, the one that you might otherwise ignore.
If you’ve been caught up in the hustle of daily life, November is an ideal time to pause and reflect. Celebrating the November moon cycle can give you a framework to move from autopilot toward intentional practices and activities that will bring you joy and fulfillment.
Simple ways to connect with November’s moon:
Meditate under the moonlight, setting intentions for the new season. If you can’t catch the moonlight where you live because of weather/location, you could light a candle instead.
Journal about what you wish to release and what you hope to cultivate. These are my favorite journals that I have used for years.
Spend meaningful time with loved ones, enjoying the season’s warmth and connection. The holiday season is about to kick off. Rather than being stressed about dinners and gifts, how can you make this time of year feel easier and more enjoyable with the people you love?
Let go. During the waning moon period (the second half the moon cycle) focus on what you would like to release in your life. I dare you to get deep with this one - what is the thing, the habit, the relationship, the situation that you know you need to change?
November often gets a bad wrap because it signals the long cold months ahead (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Approaching the darkest month of the year with a sense of curiosity, reflection and intention can help you enjoy this time of year instead of dreading it. Following the cycle of the moon is just one way to find inspiration for slowing down and embracing this season of transition.
Will you follow the November Moon?
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.