Rakaunui - Full Moon Ritual
The full moon is a time of illumination.
It reveals what has grown, what has come to completion, and what is ready to be released. Like the tides, the moon reminds us that we are cyclical beings. There are seasons to gather, seasons to grow, and seasons to let go.
This ritual isn't about doing it perfectly.
It's about giving yourself permission to pause.
To breathe.
To listen.
To remember.
Brew yourself a cup of Ka kā wā cacao and allow the medicine of the cacao to create a space where your heart can soften and your inner wisdom can be heard.
Before You Begin
Find somewhere you feel comfortable.
This might be outside beneath the moon, wrapped in a blanket by a fire, beside a window, or sitting quietly in your garden. It can be during the day or under the Full moon.
Bring only what you need:
- A warm cup of Ka kā wā cacao
- A journal and pen
- A candle (optional)
- A blanket or cushion
- A small bowl of water, shell or stone from nature (optional)
Switch off your phone.
Allow this time to belong only to you.
Step One — Arrive
Before drinking your cacao, simply sit.
Feel your feet touching Papatūānuku. Connect to her through your root chakra, Imagine your roots growing deep and intertwining with hers.
Take five slow breaths.
Allow your shoulders to soften.
Notice the sounds around you.
The wind.
The birds.
The silence.
You don't need to change anything.
Simply arrive exactly as you are.
Step Two — Hold Your Cacao
Wrap both hands around your cup.
Notice the warmth.
The aroma, How does she smell?
The colour, what does she look like? and how does she view you?
The beautiful froth resting on top.
Before taking your first sip, pause.
Offer your gratitude, set your intention into your cup of cacao. Let her know where in your tinana (body) you require assistance today.
You might quietly say:
"Thank you to the hands that grew this cacao, to the whenua that nourished it, to the waters that sustained it, and to this moment of stillness that I now gift myself."
Take your first sip slowly.
Allow it to rest on your tongue before swallowing.
Notice how it feels as it moves through your body.
There is nowhere else to be.
Step Three — Listen
The full moon shines light on what we have been carrying.
Rather than asking your mind for answers, ask your heart.
Sit quietly with your cacao and gently reflect.
What am I holding that is no longer mine to carry?
What am I ready to release?
What has this past moon cycle taught me?
Where have I grown without even noticing?
Allow thoughts to come and go.
If emotions arise, let them.
Nothing needs fixing.
Everything simply wishes to be acknowledged.
Step Four — Write
When you're ready, open your journal.
Write freely.
Don't edit yourself.
Don't worry if it doesn't make sense.
Simply allow your heart to speak.
If something feels complete...
Write it down.
If something feels heavy...
Write it down.
If gratitude appears...
Write that too.
Step Five — Release
Choose one thing you are ready to let go of.
A belief.
A fear.
A story.
A habit.
Write it onto a separate piece of paper.
If it feels right, safely burn it. Or tear it into small pieces and return it to the compost. Or bury it in your garden.
Allow Papatūānuku to transform what no longer serves you.
Take a slow breath.
Notice how your body feels.
Step Six — Receive
Place one hand over your heart.
One over your belly.
Ask yourself:
What would I like to welcome into my life now?
Trust the first answer.
Whether it is peace...
Joy...
Rest...
Abundance...
Connection...
Or courage...
Simply allow yourself to receive it.
Take another sip of your cacao.
Imagine it carrying that intention throughout your body.
Closing
Offer thanks.
To yourself.
To the cacao.
To your tūpuna.
To the moon.
To Papatūānuku.
When you're ready, step outside if you can.
Feel the earth beneath your feet.
Lift your face towards the moon.
Take one final deep breath.
Remember—
The full moon doesn't ask you to become someone new.
It simply reminds you of everything you already are.
A Gentle Reminder
There is no right way to practise ritual.
Some full moons you may journal for an hour.
Others you may simply sit quietly with your cacao for ten minutes.
Both are enough.
The ritual isn't found in the length of time.
It's found in the intention you bring.
May this cup nourish your tinana.
May it settle your hinengaro.
May it awaken your wairua.
May it strengthen your connection to Papatūānuku and all those who walked before you.
Kā manaakitaka.
