December’s Full Moon in Cancer Is a Landslide of Emotions
Full Moon Cancer December 2023
On Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 7:33 pm ET, the full moon in Cancer will unleash a landslide of emotions for you to unpack ahead of the new year.
Full moons are moments of pause. They allow us to sit in the fullness of the moment and recognize just how far we've come. In astrology, the full moon represents the height of the lunar cycle and provides space for gratitude and self-love. However, because the full moon also represents the hidden nature of life, these lunations can bring shocking secrets and revelations depending on what's going on in the stars. This month, the last full moon of the year will sweep through the sky, bringing an intense and inspiring energy to the air just in time for the holidays. The astrology of December will have you falling into the arms of the truth as three heavenly bodies end their retrograde cycles alongside the full moon in Cancer. The world has been telling you how to feel, but only the Universe truly knows your heart. As the year draws to a close and the world slows down, this lunar phase presents a unique opportunity to find peace embracing your inner darkness.
When Is the December Full Moon in Cancer?
On December 26, 2023, at 7:33 pm ET, the full moon in Cancer will be fully illuminated in the sky. This month's full moon is known as the Cold Moon, which symbolizes the frost that covers the landscape in the days leading up to and after the Winter Solstice. Every year, the Winter Solstice signals the beginning of Capricorn season and marks the shortest and darkest day on the calendar. This year, the solstice will take place on Thursday, December 21, 2023, and will set the emotional tone for the final full moon of 2023.
The Spiritual Meaning of the Full Moon in Astrology
Full moon cycles mark a moment of emotional alignment that can lead to revelations and realizations about your life. It occurs when the sun, representing your ego and heart's desire, sits opposite the moon, representing your emotions and intuition. This opposition can feel like a crossroads moment. Full moons are the brightest and most visible phase in the 28-day lunar cycle, which is why the energy of the collective is the most electric and explosive. When the full moon appears each month, it's an opportunity to check in with yourself, unpack the feelings and frustrations you've accumulated during the month, and refresh your energy. Think of it as a spiritual cleansing bath to wash away your worries.
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What to Expect From December's Full Moon in Cancer
The final full moon of 2023 will occur this month in the sign of Cancer, placing it in a position of power and strength. Your thoughts and feelings will surface more easily during this time as you begin aligning your life with a new path of self-expression. If you feel like you are experiencing déjà vu, it's because the year began with a full moon in Cancer. The situations and feelings you are experiencing might not be new, but your reaction to them and how they impact you emotionally has evolved. Instead of letting the wave of sorrow pull you under, take pride in the fact that you are stronger than you were the first time.
The good news is that the upcoming full moon will form a harmonious sextile to Jupiter in Taurus, just ahead of this planet of luck ending its months-long retrograde on December 30, 2023. This final interaction between the moon and Jupiter retrograde will help you open up to an alternative path. If you once felt pessimistic or doubtful about the next step, now a sense of curiosity and idealism is taking place. The universe is sending you a sign that triumph and victory are on your horizon, even if you've had to fight to get there. This full moon will also be supported by Saturn, giving you the endurance to finish strong.
Of course, Mercury retrograde is still spinning during this full moon, which could spell drama for the holidays. With Saturn tangled up with the moon, you might notice an increase in arguments with your parents or even with your spouse due to the stress of the season. Conflicts about your beliefs and values could cause tension over the dinner table this Christmas. It's important to let go of the need to convince others of your point of view and instead focus on sharing your perspective without judgment. Since there is a lack of air energy in the sky during this full moon, intellectual debates may not be productive, as most people are likely to be driven by their emotions. If you need to have a serious conversation, put it on hold until Mercury retrograde ends on January 1, 2024.
And finally, the retrograde motion of Chiron in Aries will end on the same day as a full moon in Cancer. This presents an opportunity to heal any lingering emotional pain, particularly when it comes to female or motherly figures in your life. Over the past few months, you have been re-evaluating your closest relationships to determine which ones can continue to thrive. This full moon in Cancer is an ideal time to delve into ancestral works and release yourself from karmic wounds or emotional baggage. Only you can decide what to do to leave the past behind. Whether you redefine your relationships with the women in your life in 2024 or focus on building connections with your found family, who support and nurture you, nothing will ever be the same as it was before.
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What Does the Cancer Full Moon Mean for Each Zodiac Sign?
Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) will feel the influence of this full moon the most directly. You've been existing in an altered state for the past few months. However, with the full moon in Cancer, you will be snapped back to reality. Chiron stationing direct in Aries will give you the confidence you need to pick yourself up and try again. Life is all about learning from your failures. Sometimes, you don't need to change your approach, you just need to keep putting in the effort until things work out in your favor.
Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) are taking it back to where it all began this month. December's full moon in Cancer is filling your memories up with smoke, trying to cloud your emotional sorrows and protect you from being hurt. However, there's more to be learned by walking through the haze and toward the source of your pain and frustrations. By understanding the things that cause you the most fear, you can make peace with how they show up in your life so they don't disrupt the natural flow of things.
Finally, mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) have a chance to make some positive changes to how you view yourself and your dreams. Alongside this full moon, Mercury retrograde is shifting the winds of fate in your favor, and by the end of this month, the forward energy of the planets will push you toward rapid life changes. Things might not be shaping up exactly as you planned, but sometimes, the stars know better. Keep your third eye open during this full moon in Cancer to catch a glimpse of your future.
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