Under the Full Moon of August 2025: A Botanical Journey of Purification
The peak of the Full Moon—known as the Sturgeon Moon—will grace our skies on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This lunar event, when Earth sits directly between the Sun and Moon, bathes the night in luminous energy and has long been celebrated as a time of abundance, purification, and spiritual insight. Under this radiance, rituals aimed at release, intention-setting, and connection to nature resonate with amplified power.
Palo Santo: Sacred “Holy Wood” for Clearing & Healing
Bursera graveolens, or Palo Santo, has been treasured by Andean healers for millennia to clear negative energy, reduce pain, and alleviate stress (Healthline, ResearchGate).
Traditional Uses: Burned as incense to purify spaces; the smoke is drawn into the body to promote emotional balance.
Therapeutic Compounds: Rich in limonene and α-terpineol, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and insect-repellent properties (ResearchGate).
Modern Ritual: Light a Palo Santo stick, let the smoke waft around your body and home, and state a mantra of release beneath the Full Moon’s glow.
Roses & Hibiscus: Flowers of Love, Healing, and Radiance
Damask Rose:
Emotional Well-Being: Rose oil inhalation has demonstrated anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects, easing menstrual discomfort and promoting relaxation.
Physical Healing: Exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities; used topically for skin irritation and wound care.
Hibiscus:
Cardiovascular Support: Hibiscus tea is rich in anthocyanins that help maintain healthy blood pressure.
Cleansing: Its tart infusion is a detoxifying elixir, perfect for a Full Moon cleanse.
Calendula (Marigold) & Cornflower: Golden & Blue Allies
Calendula officinalis:
Renowned for wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties; calendula oil soothes burns, cuts, and skin irritations.
Ritual Use: Craft a cooling calendula-infused oil to anoint your skin under moonlight.
Cornflower:
Traditionally used as a bitter tonic, diuretic, and treatment for mild ocular inflammation; the vivid blue petals symbolize clarity and vision.
Ritual Use: Float dried cornflower petals in a bowl of water as a “Moon Bath” for your hands, inviting mental clarity.
Lavender, Chamomile & Lemon Balm: The Calming Trio
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
Offers antimicrobial, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects; inhaling lavender oil has been shown to ease anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Under the Full Moon, diffuse lavender oil to deepen meditation and dreamwork.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla):
A gentle sedative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory herb; chamomile tea soothes the nervous system and supports restful sleep.
Sip chamomile infusion as you journal your intentions by moonlight.
Lemon Balm:
Known for calming and antiviral properties; lemon balm tea uplifts the spirit while grounding overactive minds.
Other Lunar Botanicals for Your Altar
White Sage (Salvia apiana): classic smudge for clearing.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): memory and protection.
Verbena (Verbena officinalis): purification and courage.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): respiratory support, energetic clearing.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): dreamwork and lunar magic.
Crafting Your Full Moon Ceremony
Cleanse Your Space: Burn white sage or palo santo to clear stale energy.
Set Up Your Altar: Arrange a silver plate, a bowl of water with floating calendula and cornflower, and candles in moonstone holders.
Invoke the Moon: Light lavender-scented incense; recite your intentions under the luminous sky.
Anoint & Meditate: Apply rose-infused oil to your pulse points; sit in stillness, absorbing lunar energy.
Release & Reflect: Write what you wish to let go of on a scrap of paper, burn it safely, and watch the smoke carry away all that no longer serves you.
May your Full Sturgeon Moon ritual—infused with the smoke of Palo Santo, petals of rose and marigold, and the calming embrace of lavender and chamomile—guide you toward renewal, clarity, and deep connection with the natural world. Blessed be under the moon’s silver light.
