Are You Using the Moon Wrong? Here’s the Truth About Rituals

Clarity Snapshot:

Many people feel confused about whether the full moon is for releasing, manifesting, or resetting. The truth is, tools like the moon or rituals are neutral. The real power comes from the intention you bring.

Growing Up With Rules

I grew up surrounded by rules. In the church, I was told exactly what I could and could not do. Later in the military, life was governed by orders. Those experiences taught me how to follow structure, but they also made me ask the question.

What if the rules do not serve me? Am I supposed to still follow them?

That question never left. Over time, I realized I only want to follow rules that actually help me live a better life.

Rules That Do Not Serve You

I am also about to complete 75 Hard, a challenge that comes with its own strict set of rules. And I have followed every single one exactly as written. However, 75 Hard was never intended to be a fitness program. Its purpose is to build self-discipline, mental toughness, and consistency.

For me, that sometimes meant doing things that were not fully in alignment with my personal fitness goals of losing weight and building muscle.

I kept going because I wanted to finish, but it reminded me of an important lesson.

You can follow the rules perfectly and still realize they are not designed for the outcome you are working toward. That is why the real question always comes back to does this truly serve me?

The Real Goal of Life

For me, life comes down to two things:

1. Creating a life that makes me genuinely happy.
2. Making the world a better place while I do it.

The two are connected. The more joyful and balanced I am, the more positive energy I can spread.

People who hurt others are often carrying deep unhappiness. So my ultimate goal is to create a life that feels good on the inside, so it naturally spills out into the world around me.

Why “Spiritual Rules” Can Confuse Us

That is why I struggle when people say things like, “The full moon is only for release” or “You should never start something new during this time.” Because what happens if you are not in a releasing season? What if you feel strong and inspired instead? Are you supposed to hold back your intention just because the calendar says otherwise?

When you look around, you will always find competing opinions. In religion, in astrology, even in wellness advice. The same verse or event can mean completely different things to different people.

So why let someone else’s interpretation override your own inner sense of what you need and what you are designing for your life?

Start With Intention, Not Rules

The truth is, tools and timings are neutral. They only gain meaning when you give them intention.

• If I feel exhausted on a full moon, my intention might be: I choose to rest.
• If I feel ready to let go, my intention might be: I choose to release what no longer belongs.
• If I feel inspired to start, my intention might be: I choose to be bold today.

Each option is valid. The energy of the moon simply acts as a reminder and a nudge. The real decision is mine.

A Better Way to Decide

So instead of asking, “Am I doing this right?” start with a different question: What am I actually trying to do?

• If you are trying to manifest, set an intention that aligns with that.
• If you need to release, let the full moon remind you of what to release.
• If you are unsure, let the confusion itself be the message. Maybe you need to pause, reflect, or just sit still today.

Your body, your heart, and your vision are the only guides that truly know what is right for you.

Try This

Write down one sentence starting with “I choose…” that reflects how you want to move through today.

Keep it visible and let it guide your actions.

The Takeaway

Do not let spiritual rules create spiritual confusion. Whether it is the moon, a ritual, or any other practice, remember that these are just tools. They do not hold the power. You do.

Start with your intention, then choose how to work with the energy in front of you.

That way, every moment becomes an opportunity to design a life that feels true to you.