On December 15th at 1:01 AM PST, the Cold Moon will reach its peak at 23° and 53 minutes of Gemini, illuminating a time of curiosity, communication, and deep integration. This icy Full Moon invites us to explore the dualities within ourselves, embrace flexibility, and weave together the many facets of our identity as we reflect on the past year in preparation for the one ahead.

Dive into our latest forecast, where we share insights and practices to help you align with this introspective yet dynamic energy of this Cold Moon in Gemini. 

Why is it Called the Cold Moon? 

The Full Moon of December is known as the "Cold Moon," marking the time when winter’s chill fully settles in, signaling the stillness and reflection that come with the year’s end.

The Cold Moon invites a moment of thoughtful introspection and preparation, encouraging you to embrace the quieter, slower rhythms of the season.

As the natural world returns to rest beneath the frost, this Full Moon asks you to reflect on your inner foundations: to recognize what you have cultivated throughout the year, what you may still need to release, and where you can find strength in simplicity and stillness. It’s a time to pause, honor your journey, and align with the deep, restorative energy of winter’s embrace. This is the great cosmic wind-down of 2024.

Cold Moon Moon Themes

Under the chilling glow of the Cold Moon feel free to contemplate the following themes as we welcome this latest lunation: 

❅ Slow Down & Reflect with Kindness

The end of the year often brings a quiet and somber tone, as many of us reflect on the challenges, pressures, and unmet goals of the past twelve months. This Cold Moon invites you to reflect on your year—not through a lens of harsh self-criticism, but with self-empathy and understanding.

It’s a time to slow down and approach your reflections in a way that nurtures growth and honors your humanity. Consider the highs and lows of your year as teachable moments, markers of your resilience, and evidence of your personal evolution.

This is also a reminder to rest and resist the fast-paced demands of everyday life that we’ve come to normalize. Allow yourself the gift of stillness and thoughtful reflection this holiday season. By taking the time to pause and go inward, you prepare yourself to step into the new year feeling restored, uplifted, and ready to embrace the blessings and answered prayers that await you.

Use this moment to retreat into your inner chamber of reflection, where you can see yourself in all your wholeness and totality, fully recognizing the strength and growth you’ve carried through the year.

❅ Prepare for the New Year 

As the Cold Moon rises, we find ourselves standing at the precious threshold between the current year and the one to come. This liminal space invites preparation and reflection, offering a moment to organize your thoughts and envision the actionable steps needed to align with your goals.

The stillness of the Cold Moon provides an opportunity to gain clarity on who you want to become in the year ahead. In a world that often teaches us to reject stillness, reflection, and even the cold, this Moon encourages us to embrace these energies. This all goes to say we need the cold just as much as the hot to maintain equilibrium.

In herbalism, cooling and moistening plants are known to help ease stress and tension, soothing inflamed tissues and inviting balance. Similarly, the cooling, nourishing energy of yin in Chinese Medicine helps us to slow down with intention, creating the momentum needed to move forward.

Many of us operate from a hot, tense, and fast-moving pace, rarely allowing ourselves the space to think, contemplate, and prepare. Yet, it’s in this slower, cooler, reflective phase that we find the clarity to nurture our dreams and aspirations.

Use this Cold Moon as a soft landing—a moment to dream thoughtfully, envision your next steps, and water the seeds of your intentions. By embracing this pause, you set the foundation for the blessings and opportunities awaiting you in the year ahead.

Enter Gemini the Celestial Twins 

✦ Dates: May 21st-June 21st

✦ Planetary Ruler: Mercury ☿

✦ Modality: Mutable 

✦ Element: Air 🜁

Represented by the mythological twins Castor and Pollux, Gemini symbolizes the dynamic exchange between logic and reason. The air sign/curious social butterfly highlights the necessity of clear and concise communication, illuminating the pathways of the conscious mind and the exchange of ideas from a cerebral perspective.

I often describe Gemini not only as the sign of dualistic twins—deeply intertwined and seeking synthesis to achieve unity and balance—but also as the zodiac sign that best embodies humanity’s communication patterns.

One of my favorite descriptions of Gemini comes from Isabel M. Hickey’s Astrology: A Cosmic Science, which highlights the importance of this sign for our human perspective:

“From the standpoint of universal laws, Gemini is one of the most important of the twelve signs for our Earth. Everyone on Earth comes under the influence of Gemini. It represents the dual forces—the opposition of the human and the divine in all of us” (p. 16).

༄ Mercurial Influence

Under Mercury’s influence, Gemini possesses a distinct, ever-changing quality that enhances its remarkable mental agility and connection to the logical mind. Mercury, both as a planetary intelligence and a god, serves as the messenger of the cosmos—a vital link between heaven and earth, as well as between the soul and the personality.

This Mercurial influence imbues Gemini with an inherent desire to connect and weave ideas together, facilitating an energetic exchange through communication and the pathways of the mind. It is through Gemini that Mercury is able to act as a bridge between realms of thought and understanding.

༄ Gemini’s Quest to Synthesize Opposites

Symbolically, Gemini represents the quest to understand ourselves through knowing our opposites and is connected to the third house in astrology which governs communication and the sharing of ideas. Gemini teaches us that in order to understand love, we must know hate; to appreciate joy, we must experience sadness; and to value kindness, we must confront cruelty.

These dualities exist within all of us, and Gemini evidently demonstrates that we cannot know one without fully understanding the other. In this way, Gemini embodies what it means to be human, exploring the many dualistic facets of our own nature.

Full Moon in Gemini Lesson

 With the Full Moon in Gemini you are invited to embrace the following lesson: 

❅ Finding Unity Through Integration 

While Libra seeks harmony by maintaining perfect balance through avoiding opposition, Gemini approaches balance through exploration, striving to synthesize seemingly opposing elements to create something entirely new. Gemini finds unity not by avoiding conflict, but by embracing duality and weaving it into a cohesive whole.

The Full Moon in Gemini invites us to reflect on the dualities within ourselves in order to create that greater sense of wholeness. It challenges us to integrate the aspects of our identity that may feel disjointed or out of place, reminding us that even the most contrasting parts of who we are can come together to form something dazzling and new.

Gemini thrives on puzzles, and perhaps the greatest puzzle of all is the human psyche—(no wonder the sign is so intrigued by communication and ideas) the strange and complex aspects of ourselves that resist easy categorization but hold incredible potential for transformation. As we approach the close of 2024, this Full Moon encourages us to consider the areas of our lives where we’ve neglected to see the value of our contradictions or questioned where our unique qualities belong.

Allow this Gemini Full Moon to guide you in piecing together the puzzle of yourself. Reflect on whether you’ve been trying to force the wrong piece to fit, or whether you’ve been searching for a perfect match that already exists within you. This lunation is an opportunity to embrace the beauty of your multifaceted nature and bring together all the pieces in a way that is uniquely and authentically “you”.

Astrology Musings for the Full Moon in Gemini 

The Cold Moon in Gemini brings some pretty powerful celestial alignments, inviting us into another period of intense reflection followed by clarity. With Mercury retrograde having it's final hurrah in Sagittarius and Mars entering a rare retrograde there's a lot of interesting dynamics to cover with this lunation. Here's what you need to know:

Mercury Retrograde Ends in Sagittarius (06°)

Themes: Reflection, Overwhelm, Inner Awareness

On the day of the Cold Moon, Mercury stations direct at 6° Sagittarius, beginning its two-week post-retrograde shadow period. During this time, retrograde effects may still linger, urging us to move slowly and stay mindful as Mercury, the planet of communication and logic, regains momentum.

Mercury’s placement in Sagittarius—a sign focused on the big picture—creates a natural tension. Mercury, typically detail-oriented, feels overwhelmed in Sagittarius’s expansive, Jupiterian energy, making it harder to focus on specifics. During this retrograde, you may have experienced:

✦ Overwhelm and mental disorganization
✦ Difficulty concentrating or processing details
✦ A sense of misalignment between intuition and rational thought

Opportunity for Growth:

The post-retrograde phase encourages thoughtful reflection on the challenges that arose. Use this period to:

✦ Identify blind spots or unresolved issues revealed during the retrograde.
✦ Slow down and integrate the lessons of introspection before moving forward.
✦ Cultivate clarity and self-awareness to approach the new year with confidence.

Mars, Uranus, & Jupiter Retrogrades

Themes: Chaos, Aggression, Innovation

Mars in Leo (5°), Uranus in Taurus (24°), and Jupiter in Gemini (15°) are all in retrograde motion, continuing to stir up dynamic and conflicting energies. Mars retrogrades less frequently than Uranus or Jupiter, making its influence particularly potent. This retrograde wave, combined with recent retrogrades of Mercury and Neptune, has heightened feelings of confusion, disorientation, and tension within the collective.

✦ Mars retrograde (December to January) may amplify frustration, misdirected anger, or stagnation, especially in fiery Leo.

✦ Uranus retrograde fosters unexpected shifts and disruptions in Taurus’s steady energy.

✦ Jupiter retrograde in Gemini magnifies overthinking and mental overwhelm.

Opportunity for Growth:

Retrogrades are opportunities to reassess and redirect. To work with this energy:

✦ Channel Mars’s retrograde intensity into constructive outlets for creativity and progress.

✦ Embrace Uranus’s unpredictability as an opportunity to innovate and adapt.

✦ Use Jupiter retrograde to reflect on expansive goals and avoid mental overextension.

Approach this phase with patience, allowing new knowledge to emerge through the challenges.

Moon in Gemini Opposes Sun in Sagittarius (23°)

Themes: Duality, Self-Expression, Balancing Logic and Intuition

This Full Moon features an intense opposition between the Moon in Gemini and the Sun in Sagittarius both at 23°. The 23rd degree, associated with Aquarius and Uranus, highlights themes of innovation, rebellion, and self-expression.

The opposition between Gemini and Sagittarius represents a tension between logic (Gemini) and intuition (Sagittarius). This is compounded by their planetary rulers, Mercury and Jupiter, both being in their detriment in the contrasting signs, creating:

✦ Challenges balancing analytical thinking with spiritual insight
✦ Difficulty processing information or trusting intuition
✦ A heightened sense of mental and emotional disarray

Opportunity for Growth:

This lunation urges us to harmonize the Sun’s outward expression with the Moon’s inner reflection. To navigate this energy:

✦ Reflect on areas where logic and intuition feel out of balance.
✦ Embrace the innovative energy of the 23rd degree to explore new modes of self-expression to create radical shifts within the realm of your mental + intuitive processes.
✦ Use this moment to integrate opposing aspects of yourself

Cold Moon Energy Summary & Reflection

Themes: Integration, Clarity, Balance

The Cold Moon brings a culmination of powerful energies as we navigate the end of the year. With the Moon in Gemini opposing the Sun in Sagittarius at the transformative 23rd degree, and Mercury ending its retrograde in Sagittarius, this lunation emphasizes:

✦ Balancing logic and intuition through reflection and integration

✦ Navigating mental overload and finding clarity amidst chaotic energies

✦ Embracing the duality within ourselves to foster growth and self-expression

The current retrogrades of Mars, Uranus, and Jupiter amplify this reflective energy, encouraging us to slow down, reassess, and refine our path forward. Together, these transits urge us to find balance between our inner world and outward actions, preparing us for a fresh start in the year ahead.

Cold Moon Reflection Prompts:

Use these prompts to align with the Cold Moon’s energy and integrate its lessons:

༄ What aspects of myself feel disjointed or in need of integration?

 ​​༄ How can I balance intuition and logic when making decisions?

༄ What lessons from Mercury retrograde can I carry into the new year?

༄ Where have I been forcing progress instead of allowing natural alignment?

༄ What creative outlets can help me channel frustration or stagnant energy productively?

༄ How can I honor stillness and reflection as I prepare for the year ahead?

This Full Moon is a powerful reminder to embrace the dualities within, reflect on our growth, and step into 2025 with clarity and purpose.

Body Parts for Physical Workings 

As the Full Moon arrives, our focus shifts to the communicative, versatile, and adaptable energy of Gemini and the parts of the body it influences: the peripheral nervous system, capillaries, and trachea, among others. These areas are vital for embracing Gemini’s themes of adaptability, connection, and the flow of information and ideas.

Here’s a guide to understanding their importance and enhancing their health during this Full Moon:

❅ Peripheral Nervous System

• Importance: The peripheral nervous system reflects Gemini’s affinity for communication and quick thinking. It facilitates the connection between the brain and the body, ensuring messages travel swiftly and efficiently, much like Gemini’s ability to process and share information.

• Maintaining Health: Support your nervous system by incorporating practices like mindfulness meditation, which helps calm overstimulation, and yoga or gentle stretching to promote nervous system resilience. Foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds, can nourish nerve function. Herbal allies, more specifically nervines (herbs that act on both the limbic + nervous systems to reduce fight or flight/overactive stress responses) like lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) can help support calm and balanced nerve activity.

❅ Capillaries

• Importance: Capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body, embody Gemini’s role in facilitating exchange and flow. These vessels connect arteries and veins, facilitating the vital exchange of blood and nutrients throughout the body. Gemini governs structures like tubes, tunnels, ducts, and canals—those parts of the body that serve as links, bridging different systems and enabling seamless connection, which mirror Gemini’s role as a bridge between ideas and people. 

• Maintaining Health: Enhance capillary health by consuming foods high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens, which help protect the delicate vessels. Exercise, such as walking or light cardio, improves circulation and supports capillary function. Herbal remedies like hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) can further nourish vascular health.

❅ Trachea

• Importance: The trachea, part of the respiratory system, represents Gemini’s connection to breath, voice, and expression. It is vital for clear communication, reflecting Gemini’s role as the zodiac’s messenger.

• Maintaining Health: Care for your trachea and respiratory system by staying hydrated and incorporating respiratory-supportive herbs such as mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris). 

🍵 Author’s Note: When using herbal or dietary recommendations, remember they are meant to support overall wellness and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consider potential contraindications, herb-drug interactions, dosages, and individual health conditions—especially during pregnancy—and consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

By nurturing these areas, you can align with Gemini’s adaptable energy, encouraging connection and the physical vitality needed to explore new ideas, foster communication, and embrace growth.

Cold Moon Activities 

For the Cold Moon in Gemini feel free to embrace the following activities in your observation of this lunar phase:

༄ Cold Moon Reflection Session

Themes: Reflection, Release, Renewal

Most Full Moons mark the culmination of energy that has been building for weeks, and this Cold Moon, the final one of 2024, carries a deeply reflective and contemplative tone. With multiple retrogrades in motion and Mercury in its two-week post-retrograde shadow period, this lunation urges us to slow down, cool off, and thoughtfully review the past year while setting our trajectory for the year ahead.

This is a Full Moon for honest introspection. Retreat into your inner sanctuary, free from the noise of the outer world, and reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go. Writing by hand can be especially illuminating during this process. Use this time to release the emotional baggage you’ve carried and leave it in the designated "retrograde drop-off zone." Step into 2025 feeling lighter, brighter, and ready to embrace new opportunities.

༄ Go to Bed Earlier & Rest

Themes: Restoration, Energy Renewal, Spiritual Alignment

Sleep hygiene is crucial for your health and well-being. We cannot give our best to ourselves or the world if we’re running on empty. Deep, restorative rest replenishes your energy reserves and supports brain function, cardiovascular health, and immunity. Lack of sleep can deplete your mood, increase anxiety, and heighten depression—especially in the darker, colder days of winter.

Consider this Full Moon an invitation to develop healthful sleep habits before the new year. Quality rest is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for physical, mental, and emotional balance. Spiritually, speaking, sleep is where we often receive the most downloads, divine messages, prophetic dreams, and inspiration from our higher self and spiritual guides, it’s where we are the most open and connected to source, and often times when we plug into that sacred place of rest we can unlock greater levels of our being not usually accessed in the waking world. 

Gift yourself the rest you need this holiday season in order to step into 2025 with vitality and the strength needed to greet the blessings that await you.

Pro Tip: Pray for good health first and foremost before even asking for anything money, love, or career related in your workings. When we pray and pour into our health first and foremost it gives us the strength—the breath of life we need to inevitably move forward to greet the good things in life. 

Full Moon Wishes & Till Next Time

As the Cold Moon illuminates the night sky, I’m wishing you a peaceful, reflective, and inspiring Full Moon experience. May this be a time for release and the much-needed rest that will help you welcome 2025 and beyond with open arms.

Thank you for joining me for this forecast and sharing this precious moment in time. I’m currently working on the 2025 astrological year-ahead deep dive—an incredibly detailed guide—and the first entry of my open-source materia medica. Both are coming soon and are designed to be valuable tools for the year ahead and beyond. But this is a wrap on this latest forecast. 

Until next time, a mythical one!