Honoring the Cycles of Nature

The Full Worm Moon marks a time of transition—earth softening, life stirring, and the first signs of emergence from winter’s dormancy. This ritual invites you to honor renewal, grounding, and new beginnings through a Living Tea practice.

Full Worm Moon Tea Ritual

Preparation:

• Choose a tea that supports grounding and renewal, such as a Puerh like Intuition or a GABA Oolong like Peaceful Slumber.

• Select a quiet space, preferably near an open window or outdoors, where you can connect with the elements.

• Set your space with a simple altar: a candle for illumination, a small bowl of soil to represent the earth’s awakening, a vessel of water for fluidity and change, and a stone or piece of wood to ground the ritual in earth’s stability.

• Gather any journal or materials for reflection.

• Perform this ritual at a time that feels right for you, allowing space for deep presence and connection.

The Ritual

Grounding & Intention

Begin by setting your tea stage (chaxi) with intention, arranging your elements with care. Sit in stillness, placing your hands on the ground or holding the stone or wood from your altar. Close your eyes and take three deep breaths, inhaling renewal, exhaling stagnation. Reflect on what is emerging within you, and silently set an intention for this next cycle.

Tea Preparation with Presence

Heat the water mindfully, listening to its gentle sounds as it comes to temperature. Rinse the leaves, watching them awaken. Notice their aroma and the rising steam. As you pour the first steeping, visualize yourself softening, like the thawing earth, making space for new growth.

Silent Sipping, Deep Listening

Drink three bowls of tea in quiet contemplation. With each sip, allow the warmth to settle within you. Reflect on the theme of emergence—what within you is ready to surface? Between bowls, place a hand on your heart or the earth, deepening your connection to self and nature.

Journaling Reflection

After the third bowl, take a moment to write. What is ready to surface? What old layers are you shedding? Let your thoughts flow freely, honoring this moment of emergence and renewal.

Offering & Release

After the final steeping, pour a small amount of tea into the soil, offering gratitude for the cycles that sustain you. Whisper a word or phrase that embodies your intention. If journaling, write a simple reflection on what you are leaving behind and what you are calling forth.

Closing with Breath & Action

Take a final deep breath, acknowledging your connection to the changing seasons. Blow out the candle or bow in gratitude. Clean up your tea stage with presence, recognizing this as part of the practice. As part of your cleanup, return the soil from your altar to the earth, symbolizing renewal and the continuous cycle of growth and decay. Carry this awareness into the days ahead, moving with the grace of awakening earth.

Moving Forward with Awareness

Carry this sense of reverence into your days ahead. Let this ritual be a reminder: renewal is always possible, and nature’s cycles offer us wisdom if we listen.