A Simple Practice for Letting Go
The full moon illuminates what we've been holding onto, what we've been carrying, and what we're ready to release. While the new moon invites us to plant seeds and set intentions, the full moon asks a different question: what can you let go of to make space for what's coming?
This is the moon of completion, of clearing, of gentle release. And when we bring ceremonial cacao into this natural rhythm, we create a powerful ritual for letting go with grace and heart.
Why Full Moon and Cacao
Cacao has a way of softening our grip on what we're holding. It opens the heart and helps us see with compassion rather than force. Full moons can feel intense, but cacao reminds us that release doesn't have to be harsh. It can be tender.
This ritual works whether you have twenty minutes or an hour. You can practice it alone at home, step outside under the moonlight if the weather allows, or gather around a fire for an even more powerful experience of transformation.
What You'll Need
Gather these simple items:
- Your Elements for Life Ceremonial Cacao
- A candle
- Journal and pen
- Optional: incense, palo santo, or sage for clearing
- Optional: a heatproof bowl if you plan to burn your release
Preparing Your Cacao
Before you begin the ritual itself, prepare your ceremonial cacao following your favourite ceremonial cacao drink recipe with care and intention.
As you chop, heat, and stir, hold this question gently in your awareness: What am I ready to release?
You might not have an answer yet. That's fine. Let the question sit with you as you prepare your drink. The act of making cacao is already part of the ritual, already softening what needs to soften.
Add warmth with a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom if you like. Pour into your favourite cup. If you're heading outdoors or to a fire, transfer to a flask to keep warm.
Your cacao is ready. Now find your space.
The Ritual
Step 1: Create Your Space
Settle into your chosen spot. This might be a quiet corner of your home, a place under the open sky, or a circle around a fire.
Light your candle. If you have sage, palo santo, or incense, use it to clear the energy around you. Take three deep breaths and let yourself arrive.
Step 2: Open Sacred Space
Before you drink, take a moment to honour all that has brought this cacao to you.
Hold your cup between your hands. Feel its warmth. Then speak aloud or silently:
"I honour the cacao and all who have tended it. I honour the land, the hands, and the journey that brings this medicine to me. I open this space with gratitude and with respect."
Pause. Feel the weight of that acknowledgement.
Then set your intention for the ritual:
"I invite the spirit of cacao to help me release what no longer serves. May I let go with grace and trust."
Step 3: Ground and Arrive
Take five slow, deep breaths. Feel your body supported beneath you. Notice the warmth of the cup in your hands. Let your shoulders drop. Let your jaw soften.
Step 4: Sip and Soften
Take three mindful sips of your cacao. With each sip, let something release. A bit of tension. A bit of holding. A bit of the weight you've been carrying.
Step 5: Name What You're Holding
Open your journal. At the top of a fresh page, write: What am I ready to release?
Then let it flow. Don't edit. Don't judge. Just write.
You might release:
- Old stories about yourself
- Resentment or hurt you've been carrying
- Expectations that no longer fit
- Fear that's kept you small
- A relationship, habit, or pattern that's run its course
Write until you feel complete. It might be a sentence or several pages.
Step 6: Honour What You've Carried
Read back over what you've written. Place a hand on your heart and acknowledge: I've been carrying this. It served a purpose once. Now I'm ready to let it go.
Take another sip of cacao. Let it soften any tightness in your chest.
Step 7: The Release
There are different ways to complete the release. Choose what feels right:
- Burn it: Safely burn the page in a heatproof bowl or in the fire, watching the smoke carry your release away
- Bury it: Tear the page into small pieces and bury them in the earth, returning what you've released to be composted
- Keep it: If none of these feel right, simply fold the page, place it somewhere safe, and know that the act of naming is enough
Step 8: Fill the Space
Release creates space. Now is the time to call in what you want instead.
Place both hands on your heart. Close your eyes. Ask yourself: What do I want to invite into this space?
You might call in peace, clarity, joy, courage, or trust. Whatever arises, name it aloud or silently.
Take a final sip of your cacao, letting it seal this new invitation.
A Guided Journey for Deeper Release
If you'd like support moving through the release, we've created a Full Moon Journey of Release guided sound journey on Insight Timer. This meditation works with the cacao spirit to help you let go with gentleness and trust.
You can weave it into your ritual at Step 7, using the guided journey as your release practice. Or save it for afterwards, when you want to deepen into the energy of letting go.
Closing the Ritual
Finish any remaining cacao. Take three deep breaths. Place your hands on the earth or the floor and silently say:
"I release what no longer serves. I trust what remains. I welcome what's coming."
Blow out your candle. The ritual is complete.
Carry It Forward
Full moons happen every month, and each one offers a fresh opportunity for release. You might return to this ritual regularly, or adapt it to your own needs.
The important thing is this: you don't have to carry everything forever. The full moon reminds us that letting go is natural. Cacao helps us do it with an open heart.
What Are You Ready to Release?
The next full moon is waiting. Your cacao is waiting. And perhaps, something you've been holding is ready to be released.
Explore our ceremonial cacao range and discover which one wants to support your full moon practice; Virgin Ceremonial Cacao, Serendipity Ceremonial Cacao, or our easy-to-use Ceremonial Cacao Buttons. Each carries its own personality, and all are crafted with integrity, love, and respect for the plant.
What’s your favourite full moon ritual? We’d love to hear from you, post a comment below.
Try These Recipes Next
Check out these sublime recipes made with ceremonial cacao.
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Heart-opening Iced Ceremonial Cacao Drink
Check out these simple yet powerful Cacao Rituals
New Moon Cacao Intention-Setting Ritual
Samhain Ritual: Connecting with the Ancestors
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