In my mind’s eye, I see a tiger emerging through jungle leaves. Kaleidoscopic shapes in orange, yellow, then blue. The moon’s glow over water, the sea coming in and washing over my feet and then retreating. I realise that quiet and peacefulness can be powerful, too, that flames can be blue rather than punchy red and orange.

I haven’t taken psychedelics of any kind. Instead, these vivid visions are a result of drifting into that liminal space between wakefulness and sleep, prompted by a healing sound bath.

But this is not just any old gong-banging session. This is a moon circle to celebrate the full moon in Aries, and thus the meditative effects of listening to crystal bowls that, believers say, are ramped up by the moon’s energies. More specifically, the twice-yearly moon in Aries, which means there’s an “assertive and action-oriented” vibe, explains Steph Reynolds, events curator for She’s Lost Control. “The full moon is often associated with culmination and release,” Reynolds tells me. “During the full moon in Aries, it may be a key moment for taking action on goals, completing projects or addressing personal matters with determination and courage. The energy of the full moon can illuminate what needs attention in our lives and provide a burst of motivation to make necessary changes.”

She’s Lost Control offers monthly ticketed moon circles, building on what seems to be a growing trend of women embracing the powers of lunar looking. Kate Moss, for example, not only charges her crystals in the moon, but also loves to regularly moonbathe. Jennifer Aniston reportedly attends full moon meditation sessions, while Holly Willoughby has launched a lifestyle brand, Wylde Moon, where the moon is so influential that it’s listed on the staff page (where it’s credited with a “guidance and intuition” role). On TikTok, the #MoonCircle tag has more than 5 million views, and is loaded with videos of women sharing their own candlelit ceremonies and advice on moon-themed manifestations.

“I went to a moon circle and had psychedelic visions – here’s what I learned”