These Full Cold Moon rituals will set your intention for the year ahead

On Saturday, December 22nd, the Full Cold Moon will reach its peak fullness at 12:49 p.m. EST, and yes, if you’re versed in your cosmic events then you’ve probably noticed there’s a lot going on all at once. The Winter Solstice arrives the day before on December 21st, ringing in the longest night of the year. And Christmas occurs days later on the 25th, so many of us will be surrounded by family and friends throughout the weekend.

Rather than blame the full moon for your franticness (as we are often wont to do), use its light and energy to center your thoughts and emotions and stay peaceful during the most chaotic time of the year.

It’s never a good idea to end the year frustrated and exhausted—which is exactly what “quality family time” can do to us. We love them, but we also realize how much we value our alone time when the family reunites for the holidays. Use the following rituals to bring yourself down, regain focus, and set yourself up for a successful 2019.

The Full Cold Moon is the support system you need during this hectic time of year. Check out these rituals to get the most out of this month’s moon.

Take the day to tune out your technology.

We love staying up-to-date with our friends and family via social media, but sometimes the constant feed of people doing great things can make us feel less than. The full moon promotes positivity and truth, and therefore invites us to love ourselves and stay true to our own paths. For the entire day of the Full Cold Moon, leave your phone, computer, tablet—everything with a screen—stowed away.

Encourage yourself to communicate with others face-to-face, or take the day to recharge your own positive thoughts. Read a book rather than scroll. Remind yourself of your greatest features in the mirror rather than post a selfie. We guarantee you’ll feel more at home in your own body by the end of your tech-free day than you thought was possible.

Look to The Chariot for guidance and inspiration.

The Full Cold Moon appears in Cancer, a sign that stimulates our emotions, inspires us to grow and change and connect with others on an emotional level. The Chariot tarot card is associated with Cancer and represents a fresh start, a new development, and a drive to do the things you want in life.

On the day of the full moon, pull The Chariot out of your deck (or print off a photo of The Chariot card from the internet), and use it during a meditation session focused on your most prominent goal, a New Year’s resolution, or a wrong you want to right. Sit comfortably in a darkened space, play your favorite music, and disconnect from tech. Light candles and surround yourself with positive, clarifying items like quartz crystals, sage smoke, or incense.

Visualize yourself achieving whatever it is you want to achieve and ask the universe, spirits, or God to guide you toward that achievement. Keep The Chariot in your hand or directly in front of you and, like the person on the card, picture yourself riding toward the thing you want most.

If you come to any epiphanies while you’re meditating, make note of them in a journal so you can remind yourself of them later. Make a to-do list, of sorts, to get you going and then take 2019 by storm.

Take part in a family holiday tradition.

‘Tis the season to spend time with those you love, and with the full moon appearing in Cancer, your desire to connect, reminisce, and engage in some good holiday fun will be at its peak. Come the full moon, decorate your Christmas tree or get the gang together to bake cookies or cook a holiday dinner.

Rituals don’t always have to involve crystals, tarot, and magical tools. As long as intent, energy, and positive action are at play, you’re making magic happen.

Make a list of New Year’s resolutions.

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As stated earlier, the full moon shines a spotlight on truth and positivity, and inspires new beginnings. With Full Cold Moon being the last full moon of the year, now is the time to write down your New Year’s resolutions and do so with intent. I will feed myself better foods in 2019. I will be better about reaching out to old friends in the New Year. I will not limit myself and let my fear of change prohibit me from doing x, y, and z.

If you want to go the extra mile, make two copies of your resolutions—one to keep and one to ritualistically burn and send into the universe. Alternatively, you can make one list of resolutions and another list of things you’re cleansing yourself of come the end of 2018. I’m saying toodles to…toxic friendships, negative nancies, and dairy, because I’m lactose intolerant and need to stop ruining my digestive system.

The full moon is what you make it, and with the Full Cold Moon ushering out the year, let’s use its power to drive our ambition, reconnect with loved ones, and set us up for an amazing 2019.

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