The Spiritual Meaning Behind December's Cold Moon & How To Take Advantage Of It

The last full moon of 2023 is almost here, and it's set to be an extra special one. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, December's full moon — known as the Cold Moon — will start to make an appearance on December 25 (we love a festive Christmas full moon), peaking on December 26 at 7:33 p.m. EST. The moon's nickname comes from the Mohawk people's way of, fittingly, reflecting winter's freezing temperatures in North America.

However, the Cold Moon symbolizes more than just chilly winter air. In the world of spirituality and astrology, some experts believe the lunar event can spark a lot of changes — and some big feelings — in our personal lives. "People will be especially sensitive during this time," Erin River Sunday, lead astrologer at Birthdate Co., shared with PopSugar. Sunday added that the timing of this year's Cold Moon, coming just after the winter solstice and right at the end of the year, marks a perfect chance for introspection and processing. "Whatever unfolded this year, this lunation wants us to appreciate the big picture and feel the joy that is surrounding us in the present moment," the astrologer explained.

The upcoming Cold Moon will land in Cancer, a sign known for its nurturing and safeguarding nature. As a result, Tarot.com says that Cancer Moons generally stir up feelings of vulnerability and a need to shield oneself against threats or uncomfortable emotions. We may also feel compelled to safeguard loved ones during full moons in Cancer, taking on a parental role for those we hold near and dear.

However, because the 2023 Cold Moon arrives while the sun is in Capricorn, that Cancer energy is balanced by a greater sense of confidence and courage. When the full moon appears in the December sky, you might feel motivated to bring what you once fiercely protected to the forefront. You could finally share your new significant other with your family, reveal a goal you've been keeping secret, or disclose a personal truth you've been bottling up for months.

Astrology.com echoes this, noting that Neptune and Mercury retrograde will also play a dramatic role during this time. As such, think twice before spilling the tea — gossip and vengeful confessions might be tempting, but they won't serve you going into the new year.

Every month offers a chance to harness the power of the moon with full moon rituals, and December is no different. While it might be too cold for an outdoor moon party or moon bath under the stars, reflecting from a quiet and cozy spot indoors is a good enough way to celebrate this year's Cold Moon. "We're asked to sit in silence and stillness, ideally contemplating the last 12 months of our lives and allow gratitude to inform our thinking process," Noura Bourni, astrologer and astrological guide for the "Saturn Returns Podcast," told Glamour. "This, is also one of the best times to start slowing down and creating space for the next resolutions we intend to make by the next New Moon." If you need a little guidance, try using a gratitude journal with built-in prompts or get grounded with a guided meditation to help you soothe any lingering anxieties.

This is also a good time to pinpoint life lessons, whether in a late-December therapy session, a journal entry, or an intimate chat with friends. Not sure what lessons the Cold Moon is trying to impart? Erin River Sunday told PopSugar that you'll likely find hints by looking back to what was going on during the last moon in Cancer on July 17, 2023. "Be on the lookout for similar themes from the summer and a progression of the storyline into a new fullness," Sunday explained. With that in mind, there's no reason you can't conquer the Cold Moon.