Weather 
The last full moon of the year is here.
On December 4, 2025, at 6:14 pm EST, the full cold moon rises at 13°03 Gemini.
This supermoon is both the last of the year and the last before the winter solstice, AKA the longest night of the year and the initiator of stillness, quiet and contemplation.
“The Cold Moon is the brightest moment before the descent into winter. It carries a celebratory energy, a kind of communal exhale, and nature’s reminder to gather, connect, and enjoy warmth and brightness before the deep chill arrives,” Nidhi Pandya, Certified Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner and author of “Your Body Already Knows,” told The Post.
According to Pandya, the energy of the full moon can echo through the physical and metaphysical body.
“Full moons create a distinct gravitational pull on Earth. Just as they move the tides, they subtly influence the movement of fluids in all living beings. In Vedic thought, the moon governs rasa, which refers to our emotional and physiological fluids. This is why full moons tend to heighten emotion, sensitivity, and creativity,” Pandya said.
Full Moon December 2025
In biological terms, lunar shifts are thought to influence the pituitary gland, which regulates hormonal rhythms.
“When the moon is full, the pituitary can become more responsive. This affects mood, intuition, appetite, and even sleep patterns. Many people feel more energized, social, and expressive during a full moon because it activates both physiology and psychology,” said Pandya.
Pandya shared that the Cold Moon heralds a time to stop and celebrate.
“Carve out a little free time, gather with people who matter, and mark the moment in a way that feels joyful and complete. It can be a simple dinner, a small ritual, or even a quiet reflection on everything the year brought you.”
She recommends treating this moon as the last revelry before winter sets in.
“Feel its brightness, share it with others, and use it as a moment to savor warmth, nourishment, and connection,” Pandya said.
Cold Moon Rituals
Pandya shared that rituals that offer warmth of the literal or metaphorical variety are an ideal way to honor this lunation.
Massage
A warm oil massage is one of the simplest, most satisfying ways to revere the body and our march through the dark half of the year.
“It soothes the nervous system, grounds any heightened lunar sensitivity, and keeps the body warm as winter begins to settle in.”
Moon walk
Equally powerful? A short, brisk walk under the light of the ever-loving moon.
“Moonlight has a quiet clarity to it, and spending even a few minutes outdoors helps you feel spacious, steady, and connected to something bigger.”
Make your home an altar
“Creating an atmosphere at home can deepen the experience,” said Pandya.
“Many people choose to sit for a moment of reflection, writing down the things they are grateful for and then setting an intention for the coming year. This full moon marks the final chapter before winter, making it a perfect time to acknowledge what the year brought and decide what you want to welcome next.”
Congregate
As this full moon falls in Gemini, the sign of communication and communion, gathering with those you love can amplify the positive effects of this lunation.
“Sitting in a circle, sharing stories, or simply being together brings out the celebratory quality of the full moon. Soft classical music in the background completes the moment, creating harmony and ease on a night meant for lightness, gratitude, and connection.”
Things to avoid during the Cold Moon
“During the Cold Moon, emotions and physical sensitivity tend to run higher, so it helps to avoid anything that throws the mind or body off balance,” said Pandya.
She advises postponing difficult conversations until the moon is waning, as reactions can be stronger than usual.
“If something feels urgent, it is wiser to sleep on it rather than make a rash decision that you may regret once the energy settles.”
In addition to confrontation, copulation should be eyed with extreme caution.
“This is not the time for risky behavior. Avoid unsafe sex because fertility can naturally spike around full moons, and stay away from excessive drinking or anything that lowers judgment. Reckless decisions of any kind can have amplified consequences during this period.”
Pandya imparts that while we should also avoid solitude, alcohol, excess caffeine, disturbing content, and anything or anywhere that could overstimulate the nervous system.
“Overworking yourself drains the warmth and stability needed at this time, and spending too much time alone can intensify overthinking or emotional spirals. Avoid disturbing content, especially late at night, because the mind is more impressionable under a full moon. Choose calm environments and soothing activities instead of anything harsh, loud, or mentally cluttering.”
She assures that the more you consciously protect your energy, the more you’ll be able to reap the revelatory rewards of this full moon.
What should we be releasing during the full moon?
Ritual release is also on the table under this supermoon.
“This is an ideal moment to let go. This can include patterns that drained your energy, relationships that created confusion, commitments that pulled you off-center, or habits that kept you from feeling your best,” said Pandya.
The spirit of letting go also extends to grudges, quarrels, and ill will.
“This is a powerful time for forgiveness. Allow yourself to release resentment, disappointment, and old stories you may still be carrying. Forgive, forget, and move on, not for anyone else but for your own emotional freedom.”
She notes that full moons symbolize completion, so once and for all, close the goddamn book.
“At the same time, take a moment to acknowledge and carry forward everything that did work for you in 2025. The routines that supported you, the people who uplifted you, the opportunities that helped you grow. Release the rest and step into the coming months with clarity, gratitude, and a clean emotional slate.”
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
