A Harvest Moon Ritual: Moon Water, Walking, and Journaling

It's a full moon tonight! This one is the Harvest Moon (also known as the Corn Moon) — the name given to the full moon that falls closest to the autumn equinox.

I always marvel at the moon. I make a point to go outside and see it, especially when it's full, but I love watching the different phases too. I also love when it's positioned just right so I can see it through my bedroom window while lying in bed.

The full moon has traditionally been linked to farming, planting, and harvesting, as well as being a time for reflection and renewal. Leaning into that spirit of reflection, I decided to do some research and put together a few rituals to try tonight. I knew people put out moon water and charge crystals under the light, but I wanted to know — what else do people do on a full moon?

Here's what I came up with:

1. Prepare moon water.

I set a covered pitcher of water outside, positioned as far away from the fluorescent light as possible. Instead of leaving it out overnight to soak up the moon's energy, I let it sit while I worked through the rest of my full moon practice.

2. Walk and set an intention.

A 5-minute walk, repeating an intention to myself, followed by 5 minutes of sitting outside in meditation.

3. Journal and reflect.

A few questions to guide it:

• What do I want to release this month?

• What are 3 things I'm grateful for this month?

• What went well this month?

• What was difficult?

• What did I learn?

• What would I like to do differently next month?

4. Drink the moon water before bed.

How it went:

I went outside and put out my water. The moon, which had been visible earlier, was now hidden behind clouds, so I couldn't see it. I set my timer for 5 minutes anyway and started my walk.

It was lovely. At first, I enjoyed noticing how the different plants and trees swayed in slow, deliberate movements. The air was crisp and cool, and after an evening of driving and sitting at my desk, the movement felt great. Then I noticed how loud it actually was outside — a rushing water sound, insects (frogs too, perhaps — gasp), a plane flying overhead, and music drifting from a car passing in the distance. It was also surprisingly bright, with outdoor lights on, one of which I couldn't control since it comes on automatically. Still, I was enjoying it, and just as I dropped into a rhythm and my mind began to clear, the timer sounded. The 5 minutes were up.

The clouds were still covering the moon, though a brief gap revealed part of it for a few seconds. I decided to skip the 5 minutes of outdoor meditation and headed inside to find a journal to write in. I really, truly enjoyed writing and reflecting — the questions had me thinking, writing, and sitting with whatever came up. It was a wonderful session.

After that, it was time to retrieve the moon water and enjoy it before bed. I checked for the moon as soon as I stepped outside, and there it was — clearly visible, dramatic clouds flanking either side, shining brightly down on me. I smiled, enjoyed my water, and headed inside.

Do you do anything particular for the full moon? I'd love to hear how you mark it, if at all.