Astrology
December Full Moon – Friendships v Loneliness
The full moon is on Sunday 15th December 2024 and it is called the Cold Moon. The name comes from the wintery conditions in the Northern Hemisphere.
It is also called the ‘Long Night Moon’ as it is the full moon closest to the Winter Solstice (the longest night of the year)
Astrologically, the sun is in the fire sign of Sagittarius (the Archer) while the Moon is in the air sign of Gemini (the Twins).
Sagittarius energy is passionate and adventurous, while the Gemini twins are focused on communication and connecting with others in a deeper way.
Sagittarius
The Archer
Gemini
The Twins
What does this Full Moon ask us to consider?
During the December New Moon, we were encouraged to search for inner freedom, by changing ourselves.
Now, the Gemini Twins, who symbolise mental energy and ideas, encourage us to understand our life experiences in a deeper way and be brave enough to share them with those whom we trust. This means connecting with other people and nurturing friendships,
Friendship
What is true friendship?
According to Psychology Today, “the relationship must be long-lasting, it must be positive, and it must involve co-operation”.
When we discover people who share similar values to us, we instinctively want to invest time into nurturing the relationship. We encourage and support them in their work and hobbies, and we are there for them when they go through difficult times.
This flow of energy is also reciprocated by them – they invest time in us, encourage us in our work and hobbies, and when we need them, they are there for us, with a casserole dinner or a shoulder to cry on.
Research has shown that on average, we only have about five people who we count as true friends.
Introverts may only have two – three people they trust, whereas extroverts may have a couple more.
Having a friend can help us to:
- Age better
- Combat depression and loneliness
- Reduce stress
- Create a sense of connection and purpose
- Accept ourselves
- Achieve goals we set for ourselves by encouraging us, when we need it
- Validate our feelings
- Build our confidence
Furthermore, research suggests that we start to lose friends from around the age of 25, as people disperse for work and become focused on their immediate and growing families.
This means that as we navigate adulthood, the feelings of loneliness and isolation begin to rise.
Loneliness is linked to feeling that we can’t be authentic in our relationships. This is partly due to past hurt, rejection or feeling judged.
Studies show that we are now more socially detached than 20 years ago (New York Times). One in two adults experience loneliness which has now become an epidemic.
Journal Questions:
- How can I be a good friend to someone?
- Do I have any toxic friendships and how can I release myself from them in a gentle, non-confrontational way?
- How can I find true friendship?
- Is there someone I know who will be alone at this festive time? What can I do to support them?
- Am I lonely? What can I do to connect to those I trust?
During this holiday season, let’s reach out to those who may be feeling lonely or isolated. Let’s also appreciate our friends and not take them for granted.
Lee-Anne x 
“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you.”
– Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
