December Full Moon Rituals: Creative and Somatic Practices for Release
The last full moon of the year, otherwise called the Cold Moon, falls on December 4th and invites us into moments of reflection, release and slowing down - a perfect opportunity to tap into the energy as the year closes. The end of the year can bring a swirl of emotions: nostalgia, pressure, hope, grief, excitement, overwhelm and so much more. This is why the December full moon can be a powerful moment to pause, regulate, and reconnect with yourself through gentle creative and somatic practices.
Below are supportive, trauma-informed ways to work with this moon—no pressure, no perfection, just presence.
What the December Full Moon Represent?
Completion: an opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge this past year - what has or has not happened for you.
Illumination: clarity of relationships, emotions and patterns.
Release: time to let go of what no longer serves or supports you.
Rest: inviting the body to begin the process of slowing down.
This energy pairs beautifully with art therapy and somatic grounding because both modalities help move emotions from the body onto the page in a safe, contained way.
What I'm Releasing, What I'm Calling in
This creative practice allows for you to tap into both the energy of the full moon through release while also reflecting on the past year and what’s to come. Grab some paper or a journal, drawing materials (markers, crayons, pens, etc) and a safe space.
Steps:
Start by drawing a large circle to represent the full moon. You can freehand it or use a circular object to trace.
Inside, divide it into two halves—like a mandala.
On one side, use colors, shapes, or words to represent what you’re ready to release: stress, self-criticism, a habit, tension, expectations, or emotional heaviness.
On the other side, fill the space with what you want to carry into the new year: strengths, boundaries, values, supportive relationships, or hopes.
Notice what shifts in your breath or body as you complete it.
Place the drawing somewhere visible for a few days as a gentle reminder.
Somatic Breath to Release and Ground
This breathing practice involves your whole body and is a way to support its process of release. You can do this in addition to the creative practice above or on its own.
Find a safe and comfortable space where you can lay on your back. You can add candles, dim the lights, find blankets or use anything else you need to make the space most comfortable for you.
Start by closing your eyes as you take some moments in stillness to take inventory of the quality of your breath. Without judging but rather simply observing.
Then, take an inhale through your nose to fill up and expand the belly. Next, take a breath as you inhale into your chest.
Exhale deeply out through the mouth.
Repeat this breathing pattern 5 times through and then allow your body to settle. Noticing any shifts or emotions that may have come up.
Take as much time as you need before coming back to stand.
Finding tools to support our body in the experience of reflection and release can be a beautiful and gentle way to help us feel more connected to our body through the seasonal shifts.
If you are in Miami, FL and want to explore any of these practices further, join me this week on Thursday at 7:45 PM at Daily Flows Movement Studio for my Somatic Healing class where we will explore this process of release under the full moon. You can also join me on Friday, December 5 at 6:30 PM at the Winter Solstice Women’s Circle - you can check out more information for it here.
