There’s something special about sitting in a candlelit circle under the moon with people you love: setting intentions together, letting go of what’s been weighing on you and leaving a little lighter. You don’t need a high priestess, a forest clearing or a cupboard full of crystals to host one. A few cushions, a candle and a date on the lunar calendar will do nicely.
In this guide we’ll walk you through hosting your own, from picking the date to closing the circle, with complete new moon and full moon ceremonies, words you can say, journal prompts and ritual ideas for each. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, so take what feels good and leave the rest. Let’s begin!
What is a moon circle?
A moon circle is a ritual gathering that follows the lunar cycle. People meet at the new moon or the full moon to sit in a circle, share, journal, meditate and set or release intentions in tune with the moon’s phase.
There’s no single tradition behind them. People have marked the moon in ceremony for thousands of years, and modern circles borrow from witchcraft, women’s circles, yoga and good old-fashioned friendship. People come for all sorts of reasons: to set intentions, clear stuck energy, work through something difficult or simply find a bit of clarity, held by the energy of the group.
Moon circles are often linked with women’s circles and the divine feminine, but everyone is welcome: all genders, all bodies and all paths. You don’t need to be a witch either, just someone who fancies slowing down for an evening.
Why the moon? It travels from new to full and back again roughly every 29.5 days, which gives you a natural monthly rhythm: a fresh start at the new moon and a check-in two weeks later at the full moon.
New moon or full moon: which circle should you host?
There’s no wrong choice here, but the new moon and full moon bring very different energy to a circle, so pick the one that suits what your coven needs right now.
Host a new moon circle if you or your friends are craving a fresh start, whether that’s a new job, a move, a creative project or simply a new month. The sky is dark and the mood is quiet and inward, so expect candlelight, journaling and plenty of dreaming out loud. It’s also the gentler choice for a first circle, as the focus is on hopes for the month ahead rather than deep emotional sharing.
Host a full moon circle if your group has been through a lot and needs to let go, or you’ve got something to celebrate. Emotions tend to run high, so expect more sharing, a burning ritual and some energy-raising (dancing very much encouraged). It’s also the easier one to hold outdoors, with the moon lighting up the night.
Or do both. Many covens set intentions at the new moon and check in on them two weeks later at the full moon, so each circle builds on the last.
When to hold your moon circle
The next new moon is Monday 9 November 2026 at 07:01 in Scorpio. The next full moon is Tuesday 24 November 2026 at 14:53 in Gemini, the Beaver Moon.
The moon’s energy is said to last for about a day either side, so a Friday or Saturday evening close to the date is perfect. No need to stay up until 3am for the exact moment!
It’s worth checking which zodiac sign the moon is in, too, as it gives your circle a theme. A full moon in Cancer suits a cosy, nurturing circle, while a new moon in Aries is all about bold beginnings. Our planner shows the sign, ritual focus, crystals and colours for every upcoming moon:
- Next new moon: Monday 9 November 2026, 07:01, in Scorpio
- Next full moon: Tuesday 24 November 2026, 14:53, in Gemini
How to host a moon circle, step by step
Every moon circle follows the same shape: invite your guests, prepare the space, open the circle, hold the ceremony and close. Only the ceremony changes with the moon, and you’ll find a full new moon and full moon version further down.
1) Invite your coven
Three to twelve people is a lovely size: small enough for everyone to share, big enough to feel the group energy. Let guests know what to expect so beginners feel at ease, and ask each of them to bring:
- A journal or a few sheets of paper and a pen
- A cushion or blanket to sit on
- One meaningful item for the altar, such as a crystal, flower, photo or shell
- Something to share afterwards, like snacks or herbal tea
Can’t get everyone in one room? Online moon circles work surprisingly well. Ask each guest to set up a mini altar at home, light a candle at the same moment and follow along over video call.
2) Set up your space and moon altar
Arrange cushions, blankets or yoga mats in a circle around a centre point, indoors or out (this is Britain, so always have a plan B for rain). Keep the lighting low and warm, switch phones to silent and pop on some gentle music.
The altar sits in the centre and holds the energy of the ceremony. It can be a single candle on a cloth or as elaborate as you like. Many witches represent the four directions and their elements:
- North – Earth: plants, crystals, stones, salt or soil
- East – Air: feathers, incense, essential oils, bells
- South – Fire: candles and anything red, orange or gold
- West – Water: a bowl of water, shells, a chalice, sea glass
As guests arrive, invite them to place their item on the altar and say a few words about it. Our woven cotton tapestry blankets make a gorgeous altar cloth, and they’re cosy enough to wrap around your shoulders when the night air bites.
3) Cleanse the space
Cleansing clears out stagnant energy and marks the shift from everyday life into ritual time. Open a window so old energy has somewhere to go, then choose one of these:
- Smoke from herbs you can grow or buy locally, such as rosemary, lavender, bay or garden sage
- Sound from a bell, singing bowl or rattle, or clapping into each corner
- Scent from an essential oil diffuser or a simmer pot of citrus and herbs
- Salt or moon water sprinkled lightly around the edge of the circle
A gentle note: white sage and palo santo hold deep significance for some Indigenous peoples, and their popularity has led to over-harvesting and concerns about cultural appropriation. Local herbs work beautifully and are kinder to the planet. Burn them over a heatproof dish, never leave flames unattended, and keep pets and floaty sleeves well away!
4) Open the circle
Start by agreeing a few circle guidelines: what’s shared in the circle stays in the circle, anyone can pass, and nobody needs fixing. Then light the altar candle and say a few words. If you’re not sure what to say, try this:
“Welcome, everyone. Tonight we gather under the [new / full] moon in [sign]. Let’s take three slow breaths together and leave the day at the door. This circle is a safe space: what’s shared here stays here, and you can always pass.”
Go around the circle so everyone can say their name and one word for how they’re feeling. Then ground the group with a two-minute meditation: breathe in for four counts and out for six, and imagine silvery moonlight pouring in through the crown of your head and roots reaching down from your seat into the earth.
5) Hold your new moon or full moon ceremony
This is the heart of the circle and usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Follow the new moon ceremony or the full moon ceremony below.
6) Close the circle and share food
End on a warm note. Some circles hold hands and go around with one closing word; others repeat an affirmation together, such as “We are grounded, we are guided, we are grateful.” Thank the moon and each other, blow out the candles, and share food. Ceremonial cacao, herbal teas, seasonal fruit and moon-shaped biscuits all go down a treat.
New moon ceremony: set your intentions
The new moon is a blank page. The sky is dark, the energy is quiet and inward, and it’s the perfect time to dream about the month ahead. After opening the circle, move through these four steps:
- Reflect (10 minutes): give everyone time to journal on one or two of the prompts below.
- Write your intentions (10 minutes): turn those reflections into three intentions, written in the present tense as if they’re already true, such as “I am confident sharing my art” or “I have a home that feels calm”.
- Speak them aloud (15 minutes): go around the circle and share one intention each. After each one, the group can reply “And so it is.” Saying it in front of witnesses adds power and accountability.
- Seal them (5 minutes): fold your intentions and tuck them under a crystal on the altar, drop them into an intention jar, or plant them in a pot of soil with a seed.
Keep your intentions somewhere safe and bring them back out at the full moon two weeks later.
New moon journal prompts
- What do I want to welcome into my life this month?
- Where am I ready for a fresh start?
- What would my highest self do next?
- What small daily habit would support my dreams?
- How do I want to feel when the full moon arrives?
New moon ritual ideas
- Start an intention jar for the circle and add to it every new moon.
- Plant seeds and watch them grow alongside your intentions.
- Make a group vision board from magazine cut-outs.
- Write a letter to your future self to open at the next full moon.
- Try candle magick: carve a word or symbol for your intention into a candle and let it burn down safely over the coming days.
- Pull a three-card tarot spread for the month ahead: what to begin, what supports me, what to watch for.
Full moon ceremony: release and give thanks
The full moon is the bright, emotional peak of the cycle. It shines a light on what’s working and what’s holding you back, which makes it a powerful time for gratitude and release. After opening the circle:
- Celebrate (10 minutes): go around the circle and share something you’re proud of or grateful for this month. If you set intentions at the new moon, check in on them now.
- Reflect (10 minutes): journal on what you’re ready to let go of, using the prompts below.
- Release (15 minutes): write what you’re releasing on a slip of paper. Say “I release what no longer serves me” and safely burn it in a heatproof bowl, tear it up or bury it in the garden. If fire isn’t an option, dissolve rice paper in a bowl of water.
- Charge and manifest (5 minutes): set crystals and jars of water out to bathe in the moonlight, and name what you’re calling in next.
- Raise the energy (5 minutes): dance, drum, chant or simply laugh together under the moon.
Full moon journal prompts
- What has this lunar cycle taught me?
- What am I most grateful for right now?
- What am I ready to release, and why?
- Where have I been holding myself back?
- What has come into the light that I’d been avoiding?
Full moon ritual ideas
- Make moon water by leaving a jar of water out overnight. Use it for plants, cleansing or bath rituals, and only drink it if it’s clean drinking water in a lidded jar.
- Charge your crystals on a windowsill or in the garden.
- Burn bay leaves with wishes written on them.
- Hold a sound bath with singing bowls, chimes or drums.
- Dance under the moon to a shared playlist.
- Take a moon bath with salts, herbs and candlelight when you get home.
Every Moon Circle is Different
There’s no perfect recipe for a moon ritual. What matters is creating a safe space where your group can slow down, connect and take something meaningful home. If you laughed, reflected and left feeling a little lighter, you did it right.
Thanks for reading, fellow witches! Tag your moon altars on Instagram or TikTok with #cosmicdrifterscoven, we’d love to see them.
