The full Moon December 2024 arrives when the chill of winter settles over the land, casting a brilliant light over the frozen landscape and emphasizing the quiet stillness of the season. This particular full Moon is commonly referred to as the “Cold Moon” due to its association with low temperatures, however, its significance extends far beyond low temperatures. Ahead, learn more about this special Moon and how it may affect you according to your zodiac sign.

Jump To The Cold Moon Horoscopes!

Full Moon December 2024: Sunday, December 15
Peak Illumination: 4:02 a.m. Eastern Time

Full Moon Calendar — See All Dates And Times

Why Is The December Full Moon The Cold Moon?

The name “Cold Moon” is a descriptive label for the December full Moon, used by various native North American tribes and Celtic culture. In the Northern Hemisphere, December often marks the coldest day of the year, although temperatures can significantly vary, and record lows can happen at any point during the winter months. Since December signifies the official start of winter, it is often associated with the coldest temperatures, as the season settles and intensifies. This is also reflected in the Chinese name for this month’s Moon, “Bitter Moon,” which likely alludes to the bitter cold that arrives in December.

RELATED: Winter Solstice — First Day Of Winter

More Seasonal December Full Moon Names

Another reason for the name “Cold Moon” is because of the long winter nights, when the cold lasts the longest before the Sun rises again to warm the Earth. This is why December’s Full Moon is also called “Full Long Nights Moon” or “Long Night Moon” by the Mahican, Oneida tribes, and neo-pagan cultures. The full Moon appears exceptionally long in December when nights are at their longest, allowing the Moon’s light to shine for a longer duration than any other time of the year. In contrast, the Sun’s presence is much shorter during December, leading to the Zuni tribe referring to it as the “Sun Has Traveled Home to Rest” Moon in the southwest.

Because of the emphasis of winter in this month, the simple name “Winter Moon” is often used, especially by the Shoshone tribe of the Great Basin. “Dead of Winter Moon” is a slightly more descriptive name used by the Alaskan Inupiat peoples, reflecting the greater severity of the season so far north. “Snow Moon” is another relatively common term with the Cherokee and Haida tribes, highlighting that the first snow generally falls in December in many areas.

In further relating to quirks of the beginning of winter, “Popping Trees Moon” is a name used by the Arapaho and Oglala tribes, noting that this is the time of year when sap can freeze and rupture the tree’s bark, causing popping or snapping noises from what seems to be an empty, silent forest.

Harvesting and Hunting—Even in December

Many other full Moons during the year are aptly named after available foods and harvesting, such as the “Strawberry Moon” of June or the “Sturgeon Moon” of August. December is no exception, despite the fact that most harvesting is long since finished by the end of the year. This Moon is occasionally called the “Oak Moon” which is thought to originate with medieval English or Druid customs related to harvesting mistletoe from oak trees when the white berries are their fullest.

Another plant-based name for the December full Moon is the “Evergreen Moon,” used by the Comanche tribe of the southern plains and referring to trees that are the highlight of the month as they do not lose their greenery.

Different Moons throughout the year also highlight animals, such as the “Buck Moon” of July or the “Beaver Moon” of November. In December, the Dakota, Lakota, and Sioux tribes call the Moon “When Deer Shed Their Antlers” to note that maturity and the time to gather the antlers for use.

Spiritual December Moon Names

Because the month can be drab and desolate, some cultures have names for December’s full Moon that instead look inside oneself rather than looking to exterior seasons. The Ojibwe and Chippewa tribes of The Great Lakes region call this the “Little Spirit Moon” as a more reflective option, while the Hopi of the southwest use the term “Moon of Respect” to note spiritual respect. The Catawba of South Carolina use the term “Storytelling Moon” to note this as the time of year when tales and legends are told and retold, fostering respect for their culture and sharing it with new generations.

Even American Colonial traditions recognize the December full Moon as a spiritual time by calling this the “Christmas Moon” or “Moon Before Yule” to show its place in the religious cycle as well as the natural cycle.

Full December Moon in the Southern Hemisphere

While December may be the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, those same full Moon names would make no sense in the Southern Hemisphere, which is enjoying spring and summer during December. To that end, the full Moon names south of the Equator reflect that difference in seasons, and the December full Moon is often called the “Strawberry Moon,” “Rose Moon,” or “Honey Moon” in different regions. In South Africa, it is the “Fruit Moon” to connect to the rich and sweet harvest that month.

No matter what you may celebrate in December or what the season is like in your region, the full Moon can shed stunning light on your night and illuminate all that is beautiful in the changing of the season and nature’s enduring cycle.

Full Moon December 2023 Horoscopes

2023 is inching to a close, encouraging us to reflect on everything that has occurred. This time of the year is particularly nostalgic as we experience the hustle and bustle of the holidays as we reignite the magical holiday spirit within our hearts. As frost covers the ground, snow dances in our mind—regardless if it’s in our weather forecast! As you unite with friends, family, and loved ones this year, consider what this final full Moon of 2023 may bring for you according to your zodiac sign. (See details of each sign below.)

A General Note About Full Moons and Astrology

Full Moons enchant our hearts, as they always seem to catch our eyes as we look out into the night. There’s something so captivating about walking out in the frigid air to see the Moon in all of her glory peering down upon us. Astrologically, full Moons are important because they are the pinnacle point of the lunar cycle, often bringing heightened emotions, memorable events, and a more passionate energy in our daily lives.

The Astrology of the December 2023 Cold Moon

This year’s Cold Moon arrives at Cancer (4 degrees) and occurs on December 26, 2023. This means that as the holidays get ramped up, we’ll feel the Cold Moon already trickling in, too, and its power will even echo until the turn of the New Year.

This lunation is linked to the New Moon that occurred in Cancer (24 degrees) on July 17, 2023. Look back to the events, situations, and plans that were initiated in the week following that time. You may find similar events popping up on your radar once again. (Let us know if you notice any connections in the comments below!)

With the full Moon appearing in Cancer, the energy of this zodiac sign will radiate through the cosmos and collective. Cancer is the fourth zodiac sign on the wheel and is known as a Cardinal Water sign. Cancer holds deep ties to domesticity, family, tradition, emotions, and our roots. Since this sign is ruled by the Moon, full Moon in Cancer tend to be especially powerful, nostalgic, and emotional.

Cancer exists on the opposite polarity of Capricorn, and together the two signs express the duality between the home versus career. In another matter of speaking, they rule the private life versus the public life, as well as the past and the legacy we seek to build.

When it comes to astrological energy that will color this period in time, we will feel especially lucky and joyous! In fact, this is one of the best full Moons in 2023—almost like a gift from a loving universe.

Jupiter, the planet of luck, links with the full Moon, spilling happiness, blessings, and fortunate breakthroughs upon our lives. Saturn, the planet of strength, joins in on the dance and will bring long-term growth and perseverance to anything that we initiate or agree to now on a personal or professional level.

Mercury, planet of the mind, jazzes it up with Mars, bringing a social atmosphere, but will clash with Neptune, which could bring a little confusion to our lives. Luckily, Venus spins with Neptune, encouraging us to enjoy pleasure, imagination, and magic.

Beware: Mars crosses swords with Neptune, which may make us feel like we’re burning the candle at both ends with all of our holiday festivities. Be mindful of your energy levels and don’t over-do-it!

Cold Moon Horoscopes by Zodiac Sign

♈ ARIES

(March 21 – April 19)

A very special moment is awaiting you, Aries. This full Moon spotlights your home, family, and domestic life. You could be surrounded by many loving relatives and friends—perhaps even hosting a gathering of your own. Some of you could be focused on soon making a change in residence, too, or renovating after the New Year.

♉ TAURUS

(April 20 – May 20)

Your mind is fired up and you’ll be feeling euphoric to spread the good news and all of the ideas you’re generating, Taurus. On one hand, this full Moon could see you bounding around quite a bit with travel, especially to see friends or neighbors. On the other hand, this lunation could have you polishing off an important media, communications, or contractual project near this time.

♊ GEMINI

(May 21 – June 20)

Money is on your mind now, Gemini, and you’re watching that budget! Money is certainly coming and going a great deal now, but with a bit of luck, you may even see a nice bonus, raise, lucrative client, or job offer soon, too.

♋ CANCER

(June 21 – July 22)

All eyes are on you, Cancer! It’s your special moment! You could see that you are exerting more influence near this time and that many people are giving you extra attention. A relationship could also be especially important at this time as you dance with a twin flame.

♌ LEO

(July 23 – August 22)

With all the hustle and bustle taking place, you could be feeling a bit burnt out near this time, Leo. In fact, you will need an extra dose of TLC! Plan a spa day, rest, and recharge. If you push too hard now, you’ll feel like you’re moving through quicksand.

♍ VIRGO

(August 23 – September 22)

Celebrate life now, Virgo. Your holidays are surely to be as magical as ever! You are likely to attend many glorious events that warm your heart. You could find that a big opportunity also pops up in regards to the pursuit of a heartfelt aspiration. Ask for favors now!

♎ LIBRA

(September 23 – October 22)

Professional success—or a turning point—is here for you, Libra. This could be a big win, such as a promotion, award, or new job offer. On the other hand, if you’ve been not pulling your weight, you boss or manager could have some tough love for you.

♏ SCORPIO

(October 23 – November 21)

Now is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone, Scorpio. The universe is encouraging you to swim free and soar to new horizons. You could see a culmination around an intellectual, academics, or spiritual project. Instead, you could be partaking in long-distance travel or planning for some in 2024.

♐ SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 – December 21)

Financial luck could be on your side like you’re hitting the jackpot, Sagittarius! The full Moon spotlights big money matters and could signal the arrival of a big check, bonus, settlement, venture capital, or the approval of a loan.

♑ CAPRICORN

(December 22 – January 19)

Partnership is a top priority for you now, Capricorn. In fact, a turning point is at hand. You may be snuggling in closer, making long-term plans, or even getting engaged, moving in, or being wed. If you’re not on the same page, you could quickly be going separate ways.

♒ AQUARIUS

(January 20 – February 18)

Work, health, and productivity are all on the top of your mind now, Aquarius. It’s time get moving and grooving! You may be taking on a ton of routines and responsibilities or even soon switching from one job to a next. On another note, you could be making a change to medications, diet, or fitness regiments.

♓ PISCES

(February 19 – March 20)

The holiday magic will touch your heart ever so sweetly, Pisces. Let the full Moon fill you with euphoria and rapture! Romance, creativity, passion, sports, hobbies, and fertility are all filled with luck now, so open your heart, and you will be rewarded.

FA Astrology

The Farmers’ Almanac famous Best Days and Gardening By The Moon calendars are based on the astrological placements of the Sun and Moon. Horoscopes are metaphysical interpretations based on similar principles.

We hope these horoscopes bring you joy and inspiration!

Join The Discussion

What is your favorite name for December’s full Moon?

If you could rename the Cold Moon, what would you call it?

Do you see any connections between events in your life from mid-July and now?

Share your experience and thoughts in the comments below!

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