Full moon meditation is a type of focused contemplation that synchronizes the mind and spirit with what is believed to be the moon’s strongest and most forceful lunar phase. Meditation itself is a process that guides the mind beyond focusing on mundane events to focus instead on a higher plane of thinking where practitioners can access their deepest thoughts, the subconscious, the spiritual world and possibly even the universal mind, which is believed to be the collective library of thought from every mind that has ever existed. During the full moon, which occurs during a five-day, mid-month period when the moon is directly opposite the sun and moon’s gravitation pull is expected to be maximal, meditation advocates believe the ability to transcend everyday consciousness and merge with higher thought becomes easier and much more potent.
The practice of full moon meditation involves being silent and suspending controlled thought in order to access a stream of consciousness and an open mind; it also involves suspending negative emotion in favor of peacefulness. Arranging the body in a still, relaxed position in a chair or on the floor is usually most effective; floor positions include the kneeling position with the head bowed or a seated lotus position, with the legs crossed and the palms open to the sky. Some people prefer to sit outdoors in full view of the full moon; others sit indoors near a window through which they can see the moon. Often music is played or created spontaneously with drums or other instruments. One can also chant or practice rhythmic breathing.
Effects of full moon meditation include greater spiritual energy, heightened emotion, revival of memories and the receipt of luck or blessings for projects targeted during meditation, particularly projects involving service to others. Some people believe the channel to the universe is opened wider during full moon meditation, allowing people to feel a greater love from the universe or God, which they can share with the world. All of this creates a greater opportunity to have a spiritual awakening, receive revelations about one’s life, and to make personality shifts, according to practitioners. Spiritual advisers often encourage those who don’t meditate regularly to seize the chance to meditate during a full moon in order to calm sudden anxiety and depression since the full moon is often associated with turbulent and fanatical bouts of emotion.
Meditating during the full moon is a practice associated with Eastern religion and is particularly embraced in Buddhism. Buddhists and Hindus believe that blocked chakras, or energy force fields, can be cleared by the divine love that is received during full moon meditation, restoring vitality and health. New Age movements and Wiccan religions incorporate full moon meditation, believing it enables people to climb beyond their animal instincts and behavior.
Practitioners believe there are seven types of energy than can be strengthened during a full moon meditation. Personal will, the higher mind, love, and harmony are the first four energies. Lower reasoning, devotion, and the ability to organize or manage are the remaining energies. Scientists, however, counter that while the moon does have a slightly greater gravitational pull during a full moon, it does not affect the emotions and behavior of human beings.