I was barefoot, having formed a semi-circle with seven others for a full moon circle, with my eyes closed, hands clasped together, a yoga mat in front of me.
“Open your arms and your hands for me, sister,” came the soothing voice of Camilla Dos Santos, a shaman and natural health practitioner, as she whirled a woody blend of palo santo and frankincense around me to cleanse my aura.
We were in the yoga studio at Beaverbrook’s plush Coach House Spa, tucked into the pastoral Surrey Hills, for a two-hour full moon circle to mark February’s full moon in Leo. With lights dimmed, the scene was set with sprigs of rosemary, crystals, incense and bowls of different sizes on the floor, in front of a large ceremonial gong.
The full moon — the pinnacle of the lunar cycle — has been celebrated for thousands of years; seen as a time to let go of unwanted energy and set new intentions. Though there is no scientific proof, the moon is also considered by many to impact our mental health and our mood.
Although I haven’t experienced seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the past, this year, I found winter’s endless grey and white skies slowly impacting my mood. While I often meditate and I’ve tried sound baths, this was my first full moon circle, and I was curious as to how I would feel during and after this ancient ritual.
Every full moon circle, also known as a full moon ritual, is different, but typically, you can expect to meditate, either outside, under the glow of the moon, or indoors. This is often accompanied by other ceremonial elements. For us, it included a cacao ceremony, breath work and yin movement, before ending with a guided sound bath meditation.
Camilla and Lino, the two circle facilitators, first explained how the full moon in Leo in 2025 is a powerful time for self expression and embracing your inner confidence. With this in mind, they asked us to consider setting intentions that we would later be asked to write down.
Having first cleansed our auras, Camilla dished out warm mugs of mood-boosting ceremonial cacao. After guiding us through the cacao ceremony, in honour of the spirit of Cacao, “Father Sky and Mother Earth,” we were led into breath work.
Following their instructions, I inhaled deeply through my nose. “Then we exhale out of the mouth, forming a cone-like shape and sending [our breath] to the ground,” Camilla guided.
She encouraged us to chant with her, which we did — hesitantly and self-consciously at first, then louder and freely. The breath work was calming and grounding; helping me to feel more present and connected in the moment.
Mostly, though, I found I responded well to Lino and Camilla’s clear guidance. They played the flute and harmonica, respectively. “This harmonica will allow the vibrations of the cacao to seep deep into your body and help you to do the work we have to do,” said Camilla.
How this mindfulness technique helped me cope with anxiety.
Yin and yang
I found the yin movement to be mostly gentle, though also invigorating, and involved holding positions for longer. I could feel my legs tremble as I held the Boat pose, or Nāvāsana, as I sat on the floor with my legs outstretched in the air, in front of me.
The final element of our full moon circle was a sublime sound bath, using crystal bowls, a drum and a gong, which perfectly complemented the yin movements. Lying down on a yoga mat, I became cocooned beneath a thick blanket as Camilla created sound vibrations using the crystal bowls.
“Close your eyes. Be present and let the sounds take you where it needs to take you today,” Lino instructed. I felt light and possibly drifted into a mild slumber.
For me, the experience was about harnessing the wisdom shared during the full moon circle and connecting with myself. As someone juggling the pressures of daily deadlines and motherhood, it felt necessary, but also indulgent, to disconnect from everything for two solid hours.
Our full moon circle was cathartic and transformative and I felt energised, yet also exhausted after — “that’s the yin and the yang,” Lino offered.
If you decide to embark on a full moon circle or similar ritual, prepare to share your experiences and feelings with the group and consider what your affirmations and intentions might be. “Set your intentions boldly, like the lion, and let Leo’s fire and energy guide you towards self love, confidence and creative passion,” Camilla concluded.
The Coach House Spa’s next Full Moon Circles (£175) takes place on 14 March and 14 April, 2025. Each one includes access to The Coach House Spa facilities before the ceremony and dinner as a group at the Pizzeria at the Coach House after.
The Coach House Spa, Beaverbrook, Reigate Road, Leatherhead, Surrey. To book, click here.
