More than a hundred women cried, laughed and swam together last week at a beach in a little-known ritual.
The group of 107 women visited Formby Beach, in Southport, on Friday, July 23, to celebrate the full moon.
Moon Goddess Gatherings organised the event for the women to meet on the golden sands just before sunset.
Group member Karlee Matthews, from Runcorn, told the Liverpool Echo: "We met up last month for a Full Moon Ritual. There was 107 women who sat together from all over the north west!
"We laughed, we cried and we went for a dip. Formby is a truly beautiful spot."
Karlee says the women went "to get together, but also for themselves".
She continued: "Everyone left with new friends, and everyone loved it."
The event was billed as a "sacred space for all those with goddess energy to gather and celebrate the fulfilling spirit of the moon".
The women who attended performed a full moon ritual, as well as wild swimming and meditation, and there was also a moon celebration and moon tea.
One of the women who along went on the night said she "loved every minute" and that "empowering would be an understatement".
A second wrote: "Thank you. I met so many wonderful people and I can't wait to do it again."
Some religious groups see the full moon as "a way for people to express heartfelt gratitude and thanks towards their parents and ancestors, for having helped them to be what they are and praying for their peace."
Another event is planned for the full moon on Sunday, August 22.
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