The Long Nights Moon: Rituals and Reflections for the Final Full Moon of 2024

Moon Magick
Written By Dani Keating

Long Nights Moon by Dani

The Long Nights Moon, also known as the Cold Moon, graces the skies on December 15, 2024, at 4:02 AM Eastern Time. As the final full moon of the year, it carries profound significance, urging us to reflect on the year past and prepare for the rebirth of intentions in the new year. Named for the extended darkness of winter nights, this moon illuminates both the outer world and the inner realms of our psyche, calling us to pause, release, and renew.

This particular Long Nights Moon holds even more potent energy due to key astrological alignments. Mercury stations direct in Sagittarius on December 15, a shift that brings clarity and forward momentum to our thoughts and communications. Meanwhile, the glittering winter constellations in the northern hemisphere—Orion, Taurus, and the Pleiades—offer celestial wisdom and guidance. The moon’s light shines alongside these stars, encouraging us to tap into their timeless energies.

Astrological Insights

  • Mercury Direct in Sagittarius: After weeks of retrograde reflection, Mercury’s direct motion propels us into alignment with truth and expanded perspectives. This energy supports honest communication, bold planning, and integration of the lessons learned during its retrograde.

  • Venus in Scorpio: Venus’ placement intensifies our emotional depth and encourages transformative connections, both with others and within ourselves.

  • Winter Constellations: The Pleiades, often called the Seven Sisters, symbolize renewal and guidance, while Orion represents strength and courage. These constellations offer celestial encouragement to navigate this introspective season.

Practices and Rituals for the Long Nights Moon Cycle

Between this full moon and the new moon on December 30, 2024, take time to embrace rituals that encourage release, gratitude, and preparation for the year ahead. I invite you to listen to my Full Moon guided meditation to tune into the Long Nights moon. You may also embrace one or all of these three potent practices to honor this moon’s energy.

1. Release Ritual with Crystals and Incantations

Grimoire by FreeFunArt

This ritual helps shed anything from 2024 that no longer serves you—old habits, lingering regrets, or stagnant energies.

  • Materials:

    1. Black tourmaline (for grounding and protection)

    2. Smoky quartz (for transmutation of negative energy)

    3. A small fire-safe bowl

    4. A piece of paper and pen

    5. Frankincense incense

  • Steps:

    1. Light the frankincense incense to purify your space.

    2. Write down everything you wish to release on the piece of paper.

    3. Hold the black tourmaline in your left hand and the smoky quartz in your right, visualizing their energies supporting your intention.

    4. Speak this incantation aloud:
      "Under the light of the Long Nights Moon, I release what no longer serves. I welcome the stillness of winter to cleanse and renew my spirit. So it is."

    5. Burn the paper in the fire-safe bowl, watching as the smoke carries your burdens away.

2. Meditation for Gratitude and Renewal

This meditation connects you to the wisdom of the moon and the stars, fostering gratitude for the lessons of 2024 and setting the stage for renewal.

  • Materials:

    1. A comfortable seat where moonlight or starlight is visible (or a candle if indoors)

    2. Labradorite (for intuition and transformation)

    3. A warm cup of chamomile and peppermint tea

  • Steps:

    1. Sit comfortably with the labradorite placed near your heart.

    2. Close your eyes and take a sip of the tea, feeling its warmth spread through your body.

    3. Visualize the moonlight washing over you, illuminating the highlights of your year. Offer gratitude for each moment, even the challenges.

    4. Allow the light to guide you into envisioning a blank slate, ready to be filled with the dreams and intentions for the coming year.

3. Creating a New Year’s Intention Bundle

This creative ritual blends the symbolic release of the past with intention-setting for 2025.

  • Materials:

    1. A small bundle of dried herbs (rosemary for clarity, sage for cleansing, and cinnamon for prosperity)

    2. Red and white ribbon

    3. A clear quartz point

    4. A journal

  • Steps:

    1. Reflect on your intentions for 2025 and write them down in your journal.

    2. Assemble the herbs and tie them together with the ribbons, knotting your intentions into the bundle with each loop.

    3. Place the clear quartz point atop the bundle to amplify your focus.

    4. Keep this bundle on your altar or in a sacred space until the new moon, meditating on it each day.

Honoring the Transition

Image by Mythology Art

As the Long Nights Moon wanes toward the new moon, take advantage of the quiet, introspective energy of this season. Journal, rest, and engage in small acts of self-care. The wisdom of the stars and the guidance of Mercury direct will support you in closing this chapter with grace and entering the new year with clarity and purpose.

Let this final full moon of 2024 be your beacon in the long winter nights, illuminating the path toward your highest self and brightest future.


I acknowledge the use of Chat GPT to assist with research for this blog.

Dani Keating
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