Honoring the Cold Moon

Photography by Michael Patrick Photography

I taught my “Honoring the Cold Moon” workshop at Yoga on High on Saturday, December 18, 2021 which was the night of the last full moon of the year. The Cold Moon is another name for the month that we call “December.” The full moon names were used specifically by Native American tribes to keep track of the seasons and then were adopted by European settlers. Different tribes have different names for the moons; for example, the Lakota tribe’s full moon name is a description of winter for when the trees snap and pop from the cold. The Cold Moon comes with the Winter Solstice and although nature seems to be dormant, deep beneath the surface are themes of rest. This lunar cycle can be an opportunity to reflect, rest, reawaken, and forgive.

Although this workshop was tailored to this month’s full moon, these practices can be useful at any full moon or even any time you wish to recharge. Doing these rituals with the full moon installs a certain power behind your actions. Follow these steps if you would like to do something similar for yourself at home.

Find a comfortable space with your journal and a pen. Use the journal prompt, “Reflect,” below first and give it your full attention.

Get out your mat and do a 30 minute gentle yoga practice ending in a restorative posture for 15 minutes. Use this Spotify playlist to play along with your practice.

After you practice, have your journal nearby to meditate and contemplate “Forgiveness.” Bring in the cooling white light of the moon to guide you. Use the prompt below if you feel okay to do so and when you are done, set up an altar for yourself using candles, important items, or anything from nature. Use the remainder of your day to rest and be with yourself.

Photography by Michael Patrick Photography