The full moon on July 16, 2019 is a special one, as it's happening at the same time as a partial lunar eclipse. Full moons are known to bring about clarity, closure, and transformation. However, eclipses cause the moon energy to be stronger than usual. It may feel intense, but the energy around this full moon lunar eclipse is actually like a refreshing breeze. If things have felt stuck or stagnant for you, this is a great opportunity to shake things loose and begin moving forward.

July's full moon is powerful — illuminating the true nature of your life's circumstances, and inspiring you to get serious about what will bring you true happiness. These energies and the deep contemplation they inspire may feel intense, emotional, and overwhelming. Though potent, this full moon lunar eclipse is a wonderful gateway of change. Here are some rituals that will help you stay calm, clear, and open so this full moon can put you on track with your life and where you need to be heading.

Create a Calm + Clean Atmosphere
Our surroundings have a strong effect on our mental states, so it's important to keep them nice, clean, and calming. Clear your space of any clutter, and you'll notice that your mind will feel less jumbled as well. We also suggest adding soothing touches, such as candles, crystals, and incense — all of which have calming effects on our central nervous systems.

Once your space has been tidied up, it's time to give it an energetic refresh. Select a cleansing tool, such as sage or Palo Santo, to smudge throughout your space. Doing so clears away mental clutter and negative energy.

Move Your Body
Stretch and move your body for about 5-10 minutes in order to loosen any knots and kinks. This gets your breath and blood flowing, and removes stuck energy and emotional blockages. A simple yoga flow is a great way to accomplish this. Some calming and releasing yoga poses include:

• Cat-Cow
• Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall)
• Balasana (Wide Leg Child's Pose)
• Paschimottasana (Seated Forward Fold)

Mind Clearing Meditation
Now that you've shown your body some love, it's time to do the same for your mind. This four-minute guided meditation led by yoga and mindfulness teacher, Sara Clark, will help to open, relax and soften you. If you like, however, you can also meditate on your own.

Set Your Intentions
Once your body and mind are calm and clear, the true callings of your heart and soul are able to communicate more clearly with you. The following journaling exercises will help identify and solidify your intentions.

Begin by writing down anything that has felt stuck or out of alignment in your life, and include the words “I release” before each one. For example:
- “I release the habit of saying no to new opportunities.”
- “I release the fear of dating and opening up to new potential romantic partners.”
- “I release the misunderstanding that my body is not beautiful.”

Once your list of all that you wish to release is complete, start a new list of all of the new, wonderful things that you want to invite into your life, and include the words “I am ready” before each one. For example:
- “I am ready to start saying yes to new opportunities, experiences, and people.”
- “I am ready for a loving and supportive relationship.”
- “I am ready to think and say only kind things about my body.”

Deep Breaths for Closure
Find a comfortable place to sit or lay down. Place one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly. Take five deep, slow inhales and exhales. At the end of the last exhale say to yourself:

“This cycle has ended. A new one can now begin. It is brighter. I am lighter. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

These rituals can be done together or individually. They are best done between the dates of July 11-29, 2019.

WE WANT TO KNOW:
How has July's full moon been affecting you? Do these rituals help you navigate the lunar energies? Do you have any full moon rituals of your own? Share your answers with us in the comments below!