Tonight marks the last full moon of 2022 — here’s what you need to know about the Cold Moon

While the shorter days and longer stretches of nightfall may make early mornings that little bit tougher, each dark winter’s night allows for sensational celestial spectacles to play out before our eyes.

If you consider yourself something of a moon worshipper, you’ll already be aware that Wednesday, 7 December brings with it the final full moon of the year — The Cold Moon.

Commonly referred to as the Moon Before Yule, or the Long Night’s Moon, December’s full moon draws its name from the darkness of this period. As we approach the winter solstice on Wednesday, 21 December, the chill in the air cuts that little bit deeper, and good old Jack Frost tightens his grip.

It doesn’t take a keen understanding of astrology to know that this month’s nights are exceedingly lengthy, but the Long Night’s Moon is a doubly appropriate title, given that the midwinter full moon has a high trajectory across the sky, causing it to sit above the horizon for a longer period of time.

Since celestial events are often linked to deeper spiritual meaning, the Cold Moon is said to offer a long awaited opportunity to leave what no longer serves us in the past, and prepare to transition into the New Year with warmth, and connection.

Creating a cosmic tension, full moons tend to catalyse energy release and increase emotional depth. Since the Cold Moon is rising in Gemini, the astrological calendar suggests that this is a time for grounding yourself, feeling present in the moment, and prioritising genuine connection.

Coinciding with Mars retrograde, this lunar alignment has the potential to trigger underlying aggressions, or bring some frustrations to the surface you may not have even realised you had suppressed. However, since Gemini is an open-minded and social air sign, being candid with your emotions, communicating clearly with those around you, and remaining optimistic come highly recommended.

So, whether you already feel spiritually linked to the moon, or you’re making a New Year’s resolution to keep up with its movements, here’s a full moon calendar for 2023…

January 6 — Wolf Moon

February 5 — Snow Moon

March 7 — Worm Moon

April 6 — Pink Moon

May 5 — Flower Moon

June 3 — Strawberry Moon

July 3 — Buck Moon

August 1 — Sturgeon Moon

August 30 — Blue Moon

September 29 — Harvest Moon

October 28 — Hunter’s Moon

November 27 — Beaver Moon

December 26 — Cold Moon