The last full moon of 2024, traditionally called the Cold Moon, will occur on 15 December in the curious and chatty sign of Gemini. This lunar event is a powerful time to reflect on the past year, complete unfinished tasks, and release anything holding you back. Its energy encourages you to let go of limiting beliefs and embrace new opportunities. Adding to the momentum, Mercury retrograde ends just a few hours after the full moon peaks, making this an ideal time to reflect, release, and prepare for the new year.
Here in Australia, the full moon peaks on 15 December at 9:57 a.m. AEST, and Mercury retrograde ends the same day at 6:56 p.m. AEST. This alignment creates a unique moment to harness both the clarity and momentum of these celestial events.
Rituals to Try During the Cold Moon
While this full moon is excellent for letting go, it’s also a great time for traditional manifestation practices. With Gemini ruling communication, the focus is on thoughts and words. Here are three rituals to help you make the most of this lunar energy.
Write a Letter to Your Future Self
The December full moon’s connection to communication makes it the perfect time to try a writing-based manifestation practice. Writing a letter to your future self is a meaningful way to channel this energy.
How to do it:
- On the night of the full moon, create a cosy and peaceful setting.
- Write a letter addressed to the version of yourself one year from now.
- In the letter, include:
- The thoughts and habits you’re releasing during this full moon.
- How freeing yourself from these limitations feels.
- The new things you’re making space for in your life.
- The foundation you’re building for the amazing achievements you will have by December 2025.
- Congratulate yourself as though your goals have already been accomplished.
- Seal the letter in an envelope and store it somewhere safe. Plan to open it during the next Gemini full moon on 4 December 2025. Let it serve as a reminder of the commitments you’ve made and motivation to stay aligned with your intentions.
Post-Retrograde Clarity Ritual
Mercury retrograde ends on 15 December at 6:56 p.m. AEST, just hours after the full moon peaks. This is a powerful time to celebrate clarity and release lingering retrograde energy. Incorporating candle magic into this ritual aligns with Gemini’s energy and the retrograde’s conclusion in Sagittarius, a fire sign.
How to do it:
- Perform the ritual in the evening, when the lunar energy is strongest and Mercury retrograde has ended.
- Light a white candle to symbolise clarity. Focus on the flame, meditate, and reflect on the lessons you’ve learned during the retrograde. Write down thoughts or experiences you wish to remember or release.
- Light a blue candle to represent communication and connection. Visualise the flame burning away false narratives or limiting beliefs. Write affirmations that align with your growth and insights gained during the retrograde.
Full Moon Manifesting with Friends
Gemini’s social energy makes this an excellent time to gather with friends for a group manifestation session. Sharing intentions and goals with others can amplify your energy and bring added clarity.
How to do it:
- Invite trusted friends to your home or another cosy space on the evening of 15 December.
- Ask everyone to bring a journal and pen. To add a festive touch, prepare some holiday treats or invite friends to contribute something special.
- Spend time in conversation, sharing your intentions and listening to others. This will raise the energy and keep everyone present.
- Once the mood feels right, have everyone journal. Encourage them to list the beliefs or narratives they want to release and the new stories they’re ready to welcome into their lives.
- End the session by supporting one another’s goals and aspirations, fostering a collective sense of empowerment.
Embrace the Energy of the Cold Moon
The December full moon in Gemini offers the perfect opportunity to release what no longer serves you and make space for fresh opportunities. With Mercury retrograde concluding the same day, the timing couldn’t be better to align your intentions with the cosmos. Use these rituals to reflect, release, and prepare for the amazing possibilities awaiting you in 2025.