Full Moon in Scorpio: Meaning, Rituals, and Shadow Work

The Full Moon in Scorpio doesn’t show up to play nice. It usually arrives in late April or May with either the Pink Moon or Flower Moon, depending on the year. And, while those are both all about blooming into your next chapter, Scorpio is here to say, “Cool, but what has to die first?”

Don’t panic. Or, try not to. Scorpio isn’t about destruction for destruction’s sake. (Usually.) It’s about making space for your next evolution. Though it might come through truth, release, and a primal scream.

Whether you’re doing a cord cutting or sinking into a ritual bath, this Full Moon invites you to get honest, get witchy, and let go. Let’s take a look at its meaning, some journal prompts for this Moon phase, and some Full Moon in Scorpio rituals you can do to work with its energy.

What Does the Full Moon in Scorpio Mean?

When the Moon is full in Scorpio, emotions run deep. Remember, Scorpio loves to hold a grudge. Scorpio is the sign of secrets, transformation, death, and all the things we’re taught to fear: power, desire, intensity, endings.

But, remember, Scorpio also has three evolutions (it’s like an astrological Pokemon). It starts out as the scorpion, then becomes the eagle, before transforming into the phoenix. With each death, there is also rebirth.

Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, ruler of the 8th House, the house of sex, death, shared resources, and the occult. (He’s also the ruler of the underworld, and known as Hades to the Greeks.)

This Full Moon opens a portal to those hidden places. It’s the perfect time to work with Full Moon rituals that support emotional release, boundary-setting, and letting go of what no longer aligns. Even if that’s your grudges. Scorpio. Put it down.

Themes for the Full Moon in Scorpio

• Shadow work
• Confronting fears
• Transformation through release
• Letting go of emotional baggage
• Heightened intuition
• Setting boundaries with clarity and strength

Journal Prompts for the Scorpio Full Moon

If you want to journal and reflect during this Full Moon, here are some prompts to guide you.

• What am I afraid to release because it once protected me?
• What truth have I been avoiding, and why?
• What version of me is trying to emerge through this discomfort?
• How can I create more emotional safety for myself?
• What does my next evolution look like?
• What aspects of myself am I afraid to look at?

Scorpio Correspondences

If you’re working with magic around Scorpio during this Full Moon or in general, here are some correspondences to consider.

• Element: Water (but, fixed, still, deep)
• Colors: Black, purple, dark red
• Gods and Goddesses: Hecate, Persephone, Kali, Pluto, Hades
• Plants: Mugwort, yarrow, basil, rue, wormwood, myrrh, blackthorn
• Crystals and Stones: Obsidian, black tourmaline, garnet, bloodstone, smoky quartz
• Tarot Cards: Death, Knight of Cups, 5 of Cups, 6 of Cups, 7 of Cups

Scorpio Full Moon Ritual Ideas

Cord Cutting

Scorpio’s energy is tailor-made for severing ties that drain your spirit. Stand in front of your altar, or in a space that calls to you. Imagine light coming down from above and surrounding your entire form. Now, focus and really visualize the cord between you and this person. Imagine you are holding a giant pair of scissors and cut through that energy. Put down the scissors and pull the cords out of you. If there are a lot of cords, this may take a while.

You can also do this work between you and someone you love if the energy has gotten really sticky. Just only cut the cords that look unhealthy, not those that give off positive energy.

Mirror Work

Scorpio invites us to meet yourself with truth so you can transform. Sit before a mirror in candlelight. Breathe deeply and gaze into your own eyes. When you’re ready, name one feeling or truth you’ve been carrying quietly. Speak it aloud. Not to judge yourself (none of us are perfect), but to let that truth be seen and held.

When you’re done, offer yourself tenderness: a cup of tea, a cozy blanket, your favorite song. Let the ritual end not with intensity, but with care. Also, if you’re too creeped out to do this in candlelight, you can do it with the lights on.

Ritual Bath

Draw a ritual bath with Scorpio-ruled herbs such as myrrh or Yarrow. (If you’re pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor first.) Add Epsom salt to ground the energy and soak under the moonlight if you can. Set the intention to release stagnant energy and emerge renewed. Scorpio is a water sign, after all.

Tarot Ritual

Pull tarot cards that correspond with Scorpio. These are Death, the Knight of Cups, 5 of Cups, 6 of Cups, and 7 of Cups. While gazing at them, ask yourself the journal questions above. See what comes through. The Moon, Judgement, The Tower, and the 8 of Cups also have Scorpio energy if you want to work with those.

Shadow Work Spell

Write down a recurring fear or limiting belief your inner critic really wants to hold on to. Fold it, place a piece of obsidian or black tourmaline on top and command it to release the energy it’s been holding over you. Safely burn or bury the paper afterward to complete the spell.

However you choose to work with this moon, let it be an act of power. Scorpio isn’t here to tear you down. It’s here to help you rise.

Want more moon magic? Check out our Full Moon Ritual Guide or grab our Astrology Cheat Sheet to learn more about the stars.