🌙 A Ritual for Releasing Old Habits and Welcoming Renewal

The changing of seasons and the waning of the moon remind us that letting go is a natural part of growth. Just as trees shed their leaves, we too can shed the habits and patterns that no longer serve us. If you’ve been feeling the weight of an old habit, ritual magic can help you consciously release it and step into renewal.

This ritual works best during the waning moon, when energies naturally support banishing, releasing, and clearing. It combines all five elements—Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit—to help you cut ties with the past and call in new beginnings.

✦ What You’ll Need ✦

• Black candle (banishing)

• White candle (renewal)

• Small mirror (to reflect your new self)

• Bowl of water with a pinch of salt (cleansing)

• Fireproof bowl or cauldron

• Small slip of paper & pen

• Herb bundle or incense (sage, cedar, mug-wort, or rosemary)

• A piece of cord, string, or ribbon (to bind & release)

• Optional: crystals like obsidian (banishing), amethyst (clarity), or clear quartz (renewal)

✦ The Ritual ✦

1. Prepare Your Space

Cleanse your space with incense or herbs. Walk in a circle clockwise, saying:“By smoke and air, I cleanse this place.No unwanted ties shall remain in this space.”

Set your tools on your altar: black candle on the left, white candle on the right, bowl of salted water in front, fireproof bowl in the center.

2. Cast Your Circle

Stand facing east and slowly turn clockwise, tracing a circle in the air with your hand or wand. Say:“I cast this circle, strong and bright,To work my will this sacred night.Air, Fire, Water, Earth—Protect this space, grant rebirth.”

3. Ground & Center

Take four deep breaths—one for each element—visualizing clarity (Air), determination (Fire), calm (Water), and strength (Earth).

4. Bind the Habit

Write down the habit you want to release. Fold the paper, wrap the cord around it, and knot it three times, saying:“This habit has bound me, but no longer.I tie it up, so it loses its power over me.”

5. Banishing Fire

Light the black candle. Hold the bound paper above the flame (carefully). Say:“Old pattern, I release you.By flame and ash, your hold is undone.”Drop the paper into the fireproof bowl and let it burn. Visualize the habit dissolving with the smoke.

6. Water of Cleansing

Dip your fingers into the salted water and touch your forehead, heart, and hands. Say:“I cleanse my mind,I cleanse my heart,I cleanse my actions.I am free.”

7. Welcome Renewal

Light the white candle. Hold the mirror, look into your eyes, and envision yourself free of the habit—strong, balanced, and renewed. Say:“I welcome the new path before me.By will and spirit, I choose renewal.This is my truth, this is my becoming.”

8. Close the Circle

Thank the elements in reverse order—Earth, Water, Fire, Air—and say:“The work is done, the circle fades,My will is cast, the change is made.”

Snuff out your candles (don’t blow them out).

9. Release the Remains

Scatter the cooled ashes and cord outside, returning them to the earth. Pour the salted water onto the ground.

✦ After the Ritual ✦

For seven nights after the ritual, light the white candle and repeat:“I walk the path of freedom.I choose renewal.”

This daily act keeps the energy flowing and strengthens your will, helping your new path take root.

✨ This ritual is both symbolic and practical. By burning, cleansing, and affirming, you’re aligning your spirit with your actions. Each time you catch yourself slipping into the old habit, remind yourself: “I have released you.” Then take a small, conscious step in the direction of your new self.