Full moon journal prompts are reflection questions for the midpoint of the lunar cycle, such as "What went well since the new moon?" and "What am I ready to set down?" Light a candle on or near the full moon, choose two or three prompts, write for a few minutes each, and close with one thing you are grateful for. The full moon is traditionally associated with reflection and completion.

What you need

A journal or paper
A pen
A candle (for example the AltarWell Full Moon candle)
Matches or a lighter
Wick trimmer or scissors

Step by step

Check the date. Look up this month's full moon. The night of the full moon or a day either side works.
Light the candle. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch, place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface and light it. Take a few slow breaths.
Look back first. If you wrote intentions at the new moon, read them before you start. If not, simply think back over the last two weeks.
Choose two or three prompts. Pick the prompts below that feel most relevant this month and spend three to five minutes writing on each.
End with gratitude. Finish by writing one to three things you are grateful for from this cycle, however small.
Close safely. Extinguish the candle; never leave it burning unattended. If you wrote something you want to let go of, tear up or recycle that page rather than burning it.

Prompts for looking back

1. What went well since the new moon?

2. Which intention did I make progress on, and what helped?

3. What surprised me this cycle?

4. What did I learn about how I like to spend my time?

Prompts for setting down

5. What am I ready to set down or put aside for now?

6. Which plan no longer fits, and what would I change?

7. What took more of my attention than I wanted?

8. What can I let be unfinished?

Prompts for gratitude

9. Who made this cycle better, and how could I thank them?

10. What ordinary moment do I want to remember?

11. What am I glad I tried?

12. What would I like to carry into the next new moon?

Full moon release ritual or journal prompts?

The full moon release ritual guide covers the full two-list ritual. This page gives you more prompts for the writing part. Use whichever suits the evening.

Moon phase dates

Find this month's full moon date, time and traditional name (Central Time, from U.S. Naval Observatory data): Moon phases by month · Moon phase guide

Related candles

Full Moon candle (Honeysuckle): for reflection and release.
Gratitude candle (Vanilla Bean): for counting what is good.

Candle safety basics

Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every lighting.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and extinguish it before you go to bed or leave the room.
Burn for no more than 4 hours at a time, then let the candle cool fully before relighting.
Place the jar on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from children, pets, drafts and anything that can catch fire.

More detail: Candle care & safety · FAQ