Today’s full moon is the last one of 2025 and known historically as the ‘Cold Moon’ by Native American tribes because of the freezing temperatures at this time of year. It is also known as the ‘Long Night Moon’, a name which I think is more fitting as this moon rises during when the nights in the Northern Hemisphere are at their longest as we approach the winter solstice.
Whilst astrology may not resonate with everyone, it has been a long-term interest for me. Over the years as a been a counsellor, I’ve noticed that some clients’ moods shift around the full moon. As one client recently said, “It makes sense we’re affected, we’re mainly water,” reflecting how, like the tides, we too can be influenced by lunar cycles.
Seasonal pressures and mental wellbeing
In astrology, the Long Night Moon symbolises a time of hibernation, of creating a space for reflection and rest. However, this moon also rises over a busy time of year when the pressures of work, festive preparations, and social obligations collide. Unlike our ancestors, we don’t have the time and space to fully hibernate. Instead, it’s more often the case we have less time than usual to ourselves in the rush to get everything done before Christmas.
This time of year can be particularly difficult for those who are experiencing low mood, suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or impacted by anxiety. There’s less daylight, the weather makes it harder to spend time outdoors and we are more reliant on artificial lighting. It’s easy to spend no time outdoors during daylight. All of which can impact our circadian rhythms and our mood.
Practices to support you during winter
Whilst it’s not possible to hibernate right now, I’ve been thinking about how we can support ourselves during this time. Bringing some small practices into our lives which can be helpful and restorative during these darker days of the year.
Get exposure to daylight when you can – Even a 10 minute walk around the block can be helpful to give some fresh air and daylight. Failing that spending time near a window can be helpful for regulating your circadian rhythm .
Be realistic about how much you’re doing – When things are busy, it can feel necessary to just keep striving on. But rushing around or feeling obliged to keep up with a busy calendar, can fuel anxiety, people pleasing and stress at the expense of self-care. Sometimes, replacing an engagement with a quiet evening at home can be the best thing for yourself.
Taking a moment to pause and reflect – This suggestion is often met with initial resistance from clients but taking a few moments to pause can be so beneficial. Perhaps get yourself a hot drink and just gaze out of the window or write a few notes to reflect on how you’re coping right now.
Create small rituals that support rest – Simple grounding rituals can help signal to your body that rest is allowed, even during busy periods. This might be lighting a candle at the end of the workday, playing soft music as you cook, or taking a few slow breaths before bed. These small pauses can help regulate your nervous system.
Reduce sensory load where you can – December can be full of noise, bright lights and stimulation. Giving yourself small pockets of low-sensory time e.g. dimmer lighting, quiet moments without screens or simply closing your eyes for a minute can help bring your mind and body back into balance.
Connect with someone you trust – Reaching out to someone supportive can be grounding. A message, a short call, or a catch-up chat can help offset the isolation that sometimes comes with darker days.
Aligning yourself to the darker days
As we move through these longest nights of the year, it can be helpful to remember this season naturally asks us to slow down, even if the world around us feels frenetic. Allowing yourself small moments of pause, reflection and resoration can make this time feel a little calmer. Whether you feel drawn to the symbolism of the full moon or simply notice your own need for rest, I hope you can find pockets of stillness and kindess for yourself in the weeks ahead.
