What to Do on a Full Moon, According to an Astrologist

In our busy, modern lives, we have become so disconnected from nature. But who needs an Apple Watch when we have the moon? Sure, planning life around a lunar calendar might sound a bit woo woo. But for as long as there’s been civilization, people have been organizing not just spells and rituals, but agricultural seasons and even the best time to get a haircut around the moon’s phases. The easiest way to start working with this lunar schedule? Make plans! Here, we'll explain the questions below to get your ready for the next full moon.

• What exactly are full moons?
• What's the astrological significance of full moons?
• When are the full moons in 2022 and 2023?
• What should you do during a full moon?

Every 28 to 30 days (aka, about every month), we have a full moon—when the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the zodiac (and the Earth!). This means that Earth is located between the sun and the moon, so, from our perspective on Earth, the moon appears completely illuminated by the sun. When we look up at the sky on full moons—if there are clear skies—we see a glowing circular disk in the sky.

Full moons are times of culmination, manifestation and release. When we reach this part of the cycle, the moon rises just as the sun sets, keeping the sky illuminated throughout the night. That’s why so many report sleep disruptions during this lunar phase, it’s when we’re meant to be most active!

• January 17, 2022
• February 16, 2022
• March 18, 2022
• April 16, 2022
• May 16, 2022*
• June 14, 2022
• July 13, 2022
• August 11, 2022
• September 12, 2022
• October 9, 2022
• November 8, 2022*
• December 7, 2022

• January 6, 2023
• February 5, 2023
• March 7, 2023
• April 6, 2023
• May 5, 2023*
• June 3, 2023
• July 3, 2023
• August 1, 2023
• August 30, 2023
• September 29, 2023
• October 28, 2023*
• November 27, 2023
• December 26, 2023

*Note: These full moons are lunar eclipses. Things initiated under an eclipse can be unpredictable or tumultuous. Under this influence, it’s best not to plan any generative activities but rather use this energy for release.

So how can you best take advantage of this full moon energy? Here’s some ideas, both magical and mundane.

Think about it: Before there was electricity, full moons were the time of the month when you could stay out late into the night with no worries, trusting that there would be some light on the subject. Everyone’s energy is always high around a full moon, and it’s the best time of the month to be circulating and socializing. Plan your next party or event around this time and you’ll be guaranteed a good time and a great turnout.

Again, full moons are meant to be the most active time of the month. So if you’ve been meaning to hit the gym, go for a personal record on your 5K or join your friend for hot vinyasa—go for it! And you don’t have to hit the gym in the middle of the night for this to work either! Full moon energy isn’t only present for one night; it’s present for the few days leading up to and following the peak, so take advantage of all of it!

To get into the woo-woo, if you’ve discovered the healing power of crystals, the full moon is a great time to charge them. Just leave your rose quartz or lapis lazuli out overnight in a place where the full moon will hit them. If you want, you can take a moment to meditate or set intentions with the crystals, but the moonlight should do the work on its own! You can also use the full moon to make moon water!