Full Moon December, 2023: Meaning, Dates and Ritual

As the year draws to a close, nature gifts us with a celestial spectacle—the Cold Full Moon in Cancer on December 26, a poetic conclusion to the lunar narratives of 2023. Known also as the Full Long Nights Moon, this astronomical phenomenon resonates deeply with diverse cultures, weaving a cosmic tale that transcends time.

Let’s delve into the significant details and embrace the magic of this lunar farewell.

December 2023 Full Moon Will Be in Cancer

The Cold Full Moon graces the zodiac sign of Cancer, infusing this lunar event with the emotive and nurturing energies characteristic of this water sign. Cancer, ruled by the Moon, is known as the nurturer of the zodiac. Governed by emotions and intuition, this sign invites us to explore the realms of our feelings and connections with others.

As the Cold Full Moon bathes in the lunar energies of Cancer, we are called to embrace our emotional landscape, acknowledging the ebb and flow of sentiments that reside within us.

Cancer’s intuitive nature also prompts us to turn inward. Use this time to engage in self-care rituals, fostering a sense of emotional well-being. Introspection becomes a valuable tool for understanding your innermost desires and needs.

Much like the ebb and flow of the tides, Cancer encourages us to release emotional baggage that may hinder our personal growth. The Cold Moon becomes a gentle guide, helping us let go of what no longer serves us.

Finally, the Cold Full Moon invites you to infuse your surroundings with warmth and comfort. Since Cancer is closely tied to the concept of home and family, use this time to consider how you can create a nurturing sanctuary in your living space.

When to Witness the December 2023 Full Moon

Mark your calendars for December 26, soon after Christmas, when the Cold Moon graces the night sky. A full moon graces the night sky approximately every 30 days, basking in the sun’s illumination on its near side in its entirety. But this lunar event is not just a full moon; it comes with an extra touch of magic—a partial lunar eclipse. As it passes through Earth’s shadow, the moon may take on a mesmerizing reddish hue, casting a spellbinding display across the cosmic stage. This celestial ballet invites us to partake in this visual poetry, elevating our connection to the vastness of the universe.

Origins of the “Cold Moon” Name

The Cold Moon, a name rooted in North American tribes and Celtic culture, reflects the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Occurring in December, this full moon aligns with the Winter Solstice, an astronomical event that marks the tipping point in the dance between light and darkness. On the eve of December 21, at the precise hour of 10:27 p.m., the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky, heralding the arrival of the winter season. It is at this juncture that the Cold Moon ascends to prominence, casting its silvery glow across the winter landscape.

As the sun gracefully yields to the elongated night, the Cold Moon becomes a poetic manifestation of nature’s cadence. It not only marks the transition into winter but also serves as a celestial harbinger, announcing the onset of longer nights and colder days.

Traditions and Symbolism

A Time for Cleansing and Rest

In the Northern Hemisphere, the December full moon wears the title of the Full Long Nights Moon, drawing its essence from the longest night of the year, coinciding with the Winter Solstice. This celestial luminary charts a majestic course through wintry skies, standing in direct opposition to the low-hanging sun. According to Pagan tradition, when the Full Moon graces the heavens before the Winter Solstice, it becomes the Mourning Moon—a time for cleansing, a ritual of halting detrimental habits to fortify oneself for the impending cold winter.

For those seeking solitude, the Full Long Nights Moon offers an exquisite retreat into the warmth of home. Imagine indulging in restful naps beneath fluffy comforters or luxuriating in bed during the mornings, foregoing the immediate rush to work. In harmony with this, the Native American Zuni tribe romantically names December’s full moon the “Moon Where the Sun Comes Home to Rest”, urging a well-deserved break and rejuvenation, setting the stage for a brighter reemergence.

Embracing Endings and New Beginnings

As the last full moon of the year, the Full Long Nights Moon invites introspection and closure. Seize the energy of this lunar phase to bring an end to lingering tasks, creating mental space for new beginnings. Various cultures, from the some Indian tribes to the Celts, associate December’s full moon with renewal and growth, making it an opportune time for resolutions and setting goals for the upcoming year.

This period of unhurried repose acts as a fertile ground for introspection. Look inward during this phase, focusing on untied ends and the minutiae left hanging throughout the year.

Serving as the last full moon before the year’s curtain falls, the Full Long Nights Moon becomes a canvas for conclusions. Harness its energy to bring closure to tasks lingering on your to-do list, clearing mental clutter and paving the way for a fresh start.

Yet, as much as the Full Long Nights Moon signifies endings, it heralds beginnings and rebirth. The Sioux Indians christen December’s full moon the “Moon When Deer Shed Their Horns”, a commencement of the deer’s journey toward regrowth. In Celtic tradition, it is the Elder Moon—an embodiment of fragility that quickly recuperates and brims with vitality.

Bask in the radiance of this Full Moon, allowing yourself time to rest and heal from the year’s trials. Focus on new beginnings and areas ripe for growth, making it an opportune moment to outline New Year’s resolutions and set exciting goals for the upcoming year. The Cold Full Moon weaves a tale of traditions and symbolism, inviting us to honor the cyclical dance of endings and beginnings beneath its celestial glow.

Ritual for the December Full Moon

This ritual is designed to facilitate introspection, release, and the welcoming of new beginnings. Find a quiet and comfortable space under the night sky, whether indoors or outdoors, and let the moonlight guide you through this transformative experience.

Materials Needed

Blanket or cushion for comfortable seating
Candle(s)
Pen and paper
A small token or representation of what you wish to leave behind in 2023
A symbol of your aspirations for the coming year

Ritual Steps

Create a Sacred Space:
Begin by setting up a cozy space where you can sit comfortably. Light a candle to symbolize the warmth and illumination you seek in this reflective space.

Center Yourself:
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Allow the stillness of the night and the silvery glow of the Cold Moon to envelop you. Feel a sense of calm washing over you as you connect with the energy of the moon.

Write Your Reflections:
Take your pen and paper, and under the soft moonlight, jot down reflections on the past year. Acknowledge the challenges, celebrate the victories, and express gratitude for the lessons learned.

Release the Old:
Holding the small token or representation of what you wish to leave behind, visualize the moonlight enveloping it. Speak your intentions aloud, releasing these energies with the conviction that the Cold Moon will carry them away, making space for new beginnings.

Set New Intentions:
Now, focus on the symbol representing your aspirations for the coming year. Envision these intentions bathed in the moonlight, charged with the energy of the Cold Moon. Speak your hopes and dreams for the future, embracing the fresh start that awaits.

Express Gratitude:
Take a moment to express gratitude for the moon, the celestial guide that witnessed your reflections and intentions. Acknowledge the interconnectedness of your journey with the cosmic rhythms.

Closing the Ritual:
Blow out the candle, signifying the end of the ritual. Carry the token of your aspirations with you, placing it in a special spot as a reminder of the energies you’ve set in motion.

Conclusion

As we bid adieu to the celestial wonders of 2023, let the Cold Full Moon guide us into a peaceful and reflective conclusion, illuminating the path toward a promising new beginning.

This celestial finale signifies more than just the closing act of the year. It beckons us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of both natural rhythms and cultural legacies. The transition from the longest night, marked by the Winter Solstice, to the ascendancy of the Cold Moon becomes a metaphorical journey—a symbolic bridge between endings and new beginnings.

In the hushed embrace of winter’s chill, the Cold Full Moon invites us to carry the wisdom of the past, the tranquility of the present, and the hope of the future into the upcoming year.

As we conclude our celestial journey through the wonders of 2023, I invite you to stay tuned for the cosmic revelations that 2024 holds in store. Delve into our lunar events calendar for the upcoming year, where each full moon promises to unveil its own unique tale. Join us in exploring the celestial symphony that awaits us in 2024, and together, let’s continue our cosmic journey.

Until we meet again beneath the moonlit canvas, see you in 2024, fellow stargazers! 🌕✨