In November, the earth begins to wither and decay to prepare for the cold dark winter ahead. We prepared for winter, getting our affairs in order, and we also slowed down to save our reserves for the upcoming holidays. Then in December we feel the rush of the Holiday season kick in. It feels like there is so much to do but so little time! We are called to celebrate and share with others, but we also need time to rest and repair. The last two months have been a whirlwind of energy giving, but now is the time to slow down again. Winter is here and there is a significant shift in energy throughout December.
The December Full Moon is the last Full Moon of the year, and it also represents the last seasonal change. With the temperatures dropping and the occurrence of the Winter Solstice, this Full Moon is tied with the Winter season. The December moon is known as the “Cold Moon,” to reflect the colder temperature changes that occur in December. Another name it is known for is the “Long Night Moon” as the Winter Solstice falls near this Full Moon. The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year, and the nights near this time are the longest of December. When the December Full Moon falls right before Yule, it is called the “Moon before Yule.” Yule is the pagan predecessor of the Christmas season. It is a festival towards the end of December that celebrates the Winter Solstice and the New Year. Other names of this moon include the Frost Moon, Snow Moon, Winter Moon, Oak Moon, and Wolf Moon. This Full Moon is deeply tied to winter and the long wintry nights that we endure hoping we will see brighter days ahead.
In December our intuition is heightened. You will gain more clarity about current situations.You might realize that there are things you need to release before the new year begins. It is important to stay open throughout the month and into the new year. This will allow you to attract new opportunities when heading into the new year. This Full Moon will be in the sign of cancer, which will provide us with the mothering energy we might need during these dark days. The Moon rules over the sign of cancer, so when the moon is in the sign of Cancer we are more in tuned with our emotions and self-care. During this full moon ground yourself and reflect on the past year. How much have we transformed? What can we do to take care of ourselves before the new year begins? We are so busy with the Holiday season that we often forget to pause and reflect on the past year. The December Cold Moon is a reminder to slow down, pause and reflect and embrace the changes we will experience as the year ends.
In December, we felt the rush of the Holiday season ending. The days feel darker and as a result we feel like turning inward. As the year draws closer to an end, don’t worry so much about running out of time but remember that a new cycle awaits with more opportunities.
Full Moon in Cancer
As the year draws to a close, the gentle and nurturing energy of the Cancer Full Moon in December 2023 beckons us to embark on an introspective journey into the watters of our emotions. Cancer, a water sign ruled by the moon, is renowned for its emotional depth, intuition, and a profound connection to the concept of home and family. This Full Moon bathes the world in a soothing light, encouraging reflection, emotional release, and a celebration of the bonds that provide comfort and support.
Embracing Emotional Depth
The Cancer Full Moon invites us to dive into the depths of our emotions, urging an exploration of our inner world. Cancer, being a sign ruled by the moon, is intimately tied to our emotional landscape. This full moon prompts us to embrace our feelings with openness and vulnerability. It’s a time to acknowledge and honor our emotions, allowing them to surface and flow like a gentle tide. By embracing this emotional depth, we gain a clearer understanding of our needs and desires, fostering a sense of self-compassion and empathy for others.
Focusing on Home and Family
Cancer is closely associated with the home, family, and the sense of security that these elements provide. During the Full Moon, there’s a natural inclination to turn our attention towards our homes and loved ones. It’s an opportune time for reflection on our connections, expressing gratitude for the support systems that nurture us, and perhaps mending any emotional bridges that may need attention. The Cancer Full Moon encourages us to create a sanctuary within, fostering a sense of emotional security that radiates into our external environments.
Cultivating Intuition and Self-Care
With Cancer’s intuitive nature, this Full Moon encourages us to trust our instincts and tap into our inner wisdom. It’s a period where self-care takes center stage. Whether through quiet moments of reflection, nurturing activities, or spending quality time with loved ones, the Cancer Full Moon invites us to prioritize our emotional well-being. By cultivating a harmonious relationship with our inner selves, we can navigate the external world with greater clarity and emotional resilience.
Releasing and Renewal
Full Moons are traditionally seen as a time of release, and the Cancer Full Moon is no exception. It’s an opportunity to let go of emotional baggage, past grievances, or anything that hinders our emotional well-being. This act of release allows space for renewal, enabling us to start the new year with emotional clarity and a sense of lightness.
The Cancer Full Moon for December 2023 is a celestial embrace of nurturing energy, inviting us to delve into our emotions, celebrate the warmth of home and family, and prioritize self-care. As the moon bathes us in its gentle glow, it encourages us to release what no longer serves us and renew our emotional landscapes, creating a foundation of compassion and love as we step into a new year.
December Cold Moon Activities
- Finish any last projects before the new year.
- Create a comfortable environment at home that allows you to rest and relax.
- Dress warm and go outside to spend some time reflecting with the moon.
- Write out your experiences and feelings about the past year. What challenged you? What did you learn? What have you accomplished?
- Set intentions for the New Year.
Crystal: Red Jasper
Red Jasper is connected to the root chakra, which is the foundation of our energy system. As a result, it is a great grounding stone that helps keep you balanced. It is also a very protecting and nurturing stone that can help bring you comfort. It can also help reignite health and emotional well-being. Red Jasper is also known as the “Stone of Endurance” as it can help us through stressful and tiring times. When we are going through a period of rebirth and transformation, this stone can help us with our focus, courage and strength. Meditate with a red jasper to help ease stressful situations, help you become more productive or to help balance your energy.
Need help to set goals or create an action plan?
Use the Moon Cycle to Plan for the Year
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