This week, on Wednesday, December 7th, at 11:08pm ET, there will be a full moon in Gemini at 16 degrees. Full moons occur when the sun is exactly opposite the moon. In astrology, an opposition is thought to mark the culmination or climax of a cycle. Thus, full moons are generally a time for emotional releasing and letting go.  

Because this full moon is in Gemini, it is ruled by Mercury, which will have just ingressed into Capricorn. So it’s a transit that will be about communication, but Mercury in Capricorn is direct and no-nonsense, no beating around the bush. And to top it off, this full moon will be conjunct Mars, which is still retrograde and which will also be at 16 degrees Gemini. It could illuminate the themes that have marked the Mars retrograde period, which began back in late October. Given its placement in Gemini, it’s a good time for the release of emotions through words, but because of the Mars of it all, they may be fraught. It may not be pleasant. So while Gemini is the chattiest of signs, journaling or thinking purposefully about the stuff you want to let go of may be the best course of action for this full moon. Conversations could be helpful, but care must be taken not to pop off, get too angry, or say things that you can’t take back and may regret later. 

What are we releasing, related to Mars? Below are the themes that this full moon may pull focus to, depending on your sun and rising signs: 

For Gemini & Gemini rising: This will occur in the first house for you, the part of the chart most identified with the self (your personality, identity, physical body, and appearance). What part of yourself is dragging you down? This full moon, think about what is serving you and what isn’t. It could be an excellent time for cleaning out your closet, or on a deeper level, meditating on what you want to let go of to prepare for the new year. 

For Cancer & Cancer rising: The full moon is taking place in the part of the chart related to shadows, mental health, things going on behind the scenes, sleep, and dreams. Have you been having trouble sleeping these past couple months? This is a time to try to relax and get some rest. If there are things in your life that are making you particularly anxious or causing unrest, this is a good time to work through these issues through meditation, journaling, or therapy.

For Leo & Leo rising: This could be a cathartic full moon for thinking about the friendships and the groups of which you are a part that are sucking up more energy from you than they are giving you. It’s OK to release the feeling of obligation to others in order to give yourself some space or some time back. 

For Virgo & Virgo rising: The full moon will be lighting up your tenth house of career and legacy. This is a time to consider what you have been giving to your career. Are you doing what you want to do? How does what you put into it affect you? If there are parts of what you are doing as a career that are emotionally draining or unfulfilling for you, think about how you can potentially shed those. 

For Libra & Libra rising: Given that this full moon in Gemini is occurring in your house associated with philosophy, learning, and publishing, and it’s a Mercury-ruled full moon, think about what you have been writing, researching, and revising. It could be a good time to let go and put it out into the world. Reflect and submit or post if it feels right.

For Scorpio & Scorpio rising: This full moon offers potential for being shrewd about the money and time you owe or feel you owe to others. What are you getting out of the subscriptions you pay for? If nothing, cancel. It’s also a good time for setting boundaries and letting go of feelings of obligation to others who are demanding too much of your emotional energy. 

For Sagittarius & Sagittarius rising: You may find yourself having tough conversations with your partner or in your closest relationships at this time. If the relationship has run its course, it could be the right time to end things. However, if it is not, to get most out of these discussions emotionally, be measured and be mindful of the Martian energy that may be pushing you to be blunt and forceful in ways you may regret later. 

For Capricorn & Capricorn rising: What’s not working when it comes to the stuff you’re doing every day? That could be work, or your health routine, or how you’re taking care of your pet. Think it through and consider making small adjustments to reduce or eliminate what’s making you unproductive or unenergized in these areas. For example, if you aren’t keeping up with your morning exercise routine because the sun is rising later, try moving your workouts to a different time of day.  

For Aquarius & Aquarius rising: This full moon is occurring in the area of your chart associated with joy, creativity, fun, and children. If you have kids, you might be careful to temper any emotional outbursts at them this week because they may not actually deserve the tongue-lashing you want to give them. And with the moon here, it’s a good time to think about what issues or hang-ups you have that are preventing you from having a good time. This is a time to examine and let go of what’s impeding you from experiencing joy. 

For Pisces & Pisces rising: You may find yourself tempted to engage in some emotionally fraught conversations with family at this time. Tread lightly, but if there are family members that are causing you pain, you are allowed to set boundaries and withdraw, even just temporarily, in a way that protects you. 

For Aries & Aries rising: The full moon is occurring in the part of your chart that is associated with themes similar to those ruled by Gemini: communication, your local neighborhood, the conversations you have regularly, short trips you take, your commute. Is there something that isn’t serving you when it comes to the way you communicate or the ongoing conversations that are part of your regular routine? Or if there’s a trip you make regularly, is it exhausting you? This could be a time for thoughtful adjustments and editing in these areas. 

For Taurus & Taurus rising: This full moon takes place in your second house, which is associated with your values, resources, and money and finances. Think about your income and expenses, and how your budget contributes to or takes away from what you really love. This Mars retrograde has been a time for reconsidering and reflecting on these themes, and if there are things you’re ready to cut out or change, this would be a good opportunity for those realignments. 

For everyone, Wednesday and Thursday may feel volatile. The best advice is try to stay grounded and calm. The astrology gets a little nicer on Friday, December 9th, when Venus and Jupiter form a square, so the two benefic planets are interacting, and things will feel a little lighter.

Disclaimer: of this may ring true and some may not. As my astrology teacher, the brilliant Annabel Gat, has taught me, astrology was created by human beings, so it’s imperfect. The notes above are my interpretation of what the full moon could mean, but please disregard anything that doesn’t resonate.