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Already this Sunday will be the last full moon of 2024. In December, it will take place under the air sign of Gemini. It has long been believed that lunar cycles, including the full moon, have a strong influence on various aspects of human life, including mental and physical health. Although the phenomenon lasts for a matter of seconds, its impact can be felt for several days in a row. The current full moon will be surrounded by a number of astronomical events, including the winter solstice on December 21, the last day of Mercury retrograde and more. Read more about the last full Moon of 2024, its impact on people, as well as astrological forecast by zodiac signs - in the material "Izvestia".

Cold Moon on December 15: why so called

About once a month we witness several astronomical events related to the Earth's main satellite. The most popular and noticeable among them are two of the four main phases of the Moon: full moon and new moon. Also of note are the waxing Moon (first quarter) and the waning Moon (last quarter).

This Sunday, December 15, will be a full moon - a phenomenon when the night luminary when observed from Earth looks like a fully illuminated right circle. According to the Moscow Planetarium, it will occur at 12:03 Moscow time. It is important to note that from the point of view of astronomy, the main phases of the Moon, including the full moon, last for seconds, but the naked eye phenomenon can be observed three days: the day before, December 14, on the day itself, as well as the next. In Russian cities, the full Moon will be visible under the condition of clear weather.

полная луна люди смотрят птицы летают
Photo: RIA Novosti/Anton Denisov

In December, the Moon will rise at sunset and will be above the horizon all night. Since the daylight hours are still waning and the night is increasing, this astronomical phenomenon can be observed longer than usual.

The December full moon will be in the sign of Gemini, and about a week before the winter solstice (December 21; the shortest day of the year). Thus, the December phenomenon will be the last full moon of the astronomical fall, which begins on the day of the fall equinox and lasts about 90 days.

In addition to the full moon, on days close to it, in the firmament it will be possible to observe other phenomena and space objects:

- December 13 (21:00 Moscow time). In southern Russia you can see the coverage of the Pleiades star cluster by the Moon;

Izvestia Reference

Pleiades (or Seven Sisters) - one of the closest to Earth and the brightest clusters of stars. They are located in the constellation of Taurus. You can see them in the night sky even with the naked eye (including over the city). The cluster itself and its brightest stars Pleiades.

- December 16 will be the beginning of Mercury's morning visibility;

- On December 17, from evening until the next morning, Pollux (the brightest star in the constellation Gemini) will be visible near the Moon;

- December 18 (12:00 p.m. Moscow time). The Moon and Mars will approach each other. The phenomenon can be observed in northern Russia and the eastern part of the country, as well as in Alaska, Canada and Greenland.

Back in ancient times people observed all the changes, natural and astronomical, on the basis of which full moons each month received special names. Thus, the December full moon is called the Cold Moon. The name came from the Indian tribes, because it was during this period that the real winter frosts came there.

горы снег луна звезды пейзаж зимний
Photo: TASS/imago stock&people

But there were other names that take their origins from different peoples. For example, because of the proximity of the winter solstice, the December full moon was also called the Moon of Long Night, and because of the holiday of Yule (the middle of winter in the historical Germanic peoples) - the Moon before Yule. It is also important to note that these names are specific to the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern, where it is summer in December, the full moon is called the Strawberry or Honey Moon.

The influence of the full moon in December on the psyche and human health

The question of the influence of the moon and its phases on a person has been discussed for a long time, but there is still no exact proof of its existence. However, there is an opinion that during the full moon a person may have mental problems, exacerbation of chronic diseases, sleep is disturbed, pains appear. There is also an increase in childbirth and deterioration of blood clotting.

Although there is no exact data whether the influence of the satellite is a myth or reality, still at this time it is not advised to carry out operations. Medical procedures should also be postponed or scheduled for an earlier day. There is also an opinion that during the full moon people are more inclined to drink more alcohol and smoke.

девушка смотрит в окно
Photo: Getty Images/Westend61

To confirm or deny the influence of the phases of the moon on the human condition, many studies have been conducted. But all of them could not unequivocally refute or prove the impact of the satellite. Some experts are also inclined to the version that people can be so confident in the influence of the moon, even if there is none, that they provoke self-fulfilling prophecies.

Still, there is one aspect of a person's life that can be influenced by the nocturnal luminary - sleep. During the full moon, the natural satellite of the Earth is fully illuminated and becomes very bright in the night sky, because of this it can interfere with falling asleep, and also increases the likelihood of night rises. But also this impact in the modern world is practically excluded. This is due to the fact that now most people live in cities, where streetlights and light from cars illuminate the streets constantly. The moon in this case will not make adjustments to the illumination of the area. Sleep may only worsen in people who live in remote areas and do not have dense curtains.

Despite the lack of data, there are a number of prohibitions on the day of the full moon:

- not to bother with physical activity;

- don't start any new endeavors;

- do not start cleaning (it will be chaotic, and the results unpredictable. Because of this, conflicts and disputes are possible);

- you should not transplant plants (it is better to do it during the waxing Moon).

дипрессия
Photo: IZVESTIYA/Andrei Ershtrem

Astrologer Tatiana Ermolina in conversation with "Izvestia" noted that any full moon is the time when feelings and reason are the least solidary with each other.

- Between our thoughts and desires, rational arguments and passionate emotions there are many contradictions at this time, but it is precisely because we need to reach the golden mean within ourselves, there is an effect of clarity of what is happening not only with us, but also in the world around us, - says the astrologer.

She also added that in case a person is in an unnaturally excited or depressed state, the full moon can intensify this effect by sharpening the painfulness of the experience.

During the full moon there are many prohibitions, one of them is related to quarrels. You should not quarrel with people, it is necessary, on the contrary, to establish relations with those with whom they are not built or spoiled. During the full moon it is also important to spend time with loved ones, you can arrange a romantic dinner, thereby further strengthening feelings and affection.

массаж
Photo: RIA Novosti/Maxim Bogodvid

Many at the same time believe that there are things that should be done exactly during the full moon. This is a haircut, experiments with hairstyles, hair care with the help of nourishing masks and conditioners. However, the interlocutor of "Izvestia" does not agree with this.

- The day of the full moon itself is not the best time for everything that concerns care and manual procedures. Full Moon in Gemini activates our cognitive abilities: it is easier for us to hear and understand the other, we more easily convey our thoughts to others. But this is not the case with activities with the hands: massage, for example, will not have the expected effect. It may be performed with mistakes or simply create discomfort," says Tatiana Yermolina.

The same can be said about care procedures, such as manicures and pedicures, says the expert.

It is also important to note that on the night of the full moon can dream dreams. This happens because the Moon on the 15th day is at the peak of its power, thereby increasing intuitive abilities.

человек держится за голову во время сна
Photo: Getty Images/Tero Vesalainen

- This Full Moon can bring answers to questions, provide guidance or clues. Its conjunction with Neptune and Mercury moving in a different direction on this day may well provide an opportunity to learn something important through dreams. But more likely on this day we will get an "insight" - a short intellectual flash, a sudden thought that will be the answer to our question," explains the astrologer.

The expert reminds that December 15 ends the period of Mercury retrograde, because of which it is also better to postpone all manual procedures with the body.

Horoscope for December 15: astrological forecast

Tatiana Ermolina told "Izvestia" about the sign of Gemini and its influence on the upcoming full moon.

Gemini is a mobile and sociable air sign, giving during the full Moon the opportunity to receive information or news that will put everything in its place.

- In case we are waiting for some clear, precise answer, want to understand the future prospects, the full moon will provide us with such an opportunity. In addition, Gemini leaves room for maneuvering, not sharp, gradual and rather soft changes, - explains the astrologer.

She also reminds us that the benefit of the full moon will be the more, the stronger a person is set to dialog and open to communication with the world. Otherwise, the full Moon may not give the necessary stability and clarity of what is happening.

Tatiana Ermolina also told about what awaits the zodiac signs on the day of the full moon.

знаки зодиака
Photo: IZVESTIYA

- Gemini, Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius. For these signs the full moon will be the most significant. Representatives of these signs need to be careful on December 15, as it carries not only new opportunities, but also the destruction of important agreements. There may be petty quarrels and misunderstandings. It is better not to go somewhere far away on this day.

- Libra, Aries, Lions, Aquarius. For them, the Full Moon will be quite favorable. This is the time when everything falls into place and there is order in life. If there is a desire to talk about something seriously, you should do it boldly. The conversation will be successful.

- Scorpios, Taurus, Capricorns, Cancer. The last full Moon of the year does not promise difficulties to representatives of these signs, but will not give support. This is the time to think over important decisions. There is no need to hurry to voice them out loud, the time for this has not yet come. If possible, it is worth delaying an important conversation.

Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»

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