On August 1, 2023, at 2:31 PM E.D.T., a full moon will trailblaze the skies at 9 degrees in the unconventional, innovative, and humanitarian sign of Aquarius. This lunar event occurs nine days after Leo season kicks off and after Venus retrograded into the same sign. Chiron is also doing a backward dance in fiery Aries, and Mercury moved into Virgo just four days prior.
This will be the first of two full moons for the month of August. The other one will emerge at the end of the month in the sign of Pisces.
Both Full Moons call for us to follow our dreams and pursue our goals, passions, and creative endeavors. Aquarius and Pisces are humanitarian signs, and there may be an emphasis on topics about altruism, compassion, idealism, and a focus on the greater good. This is a great time to volunteer or donate to a charitable cause, connect with others who share the same mindset, and embrace flexibility.
There’s an abundance of Earth energy surrounding this Full Moon. Mercury and Mars are currently stationed in Virgo, Jupiter and Uranus are both in Taurus, and Pluto is retrograde in Capricorn.
During this lunar event, the Full Moon is currently in an air sign, and all of this Earth sign energy adds a touch of practicality, stability, and groundedness to Aquarius’ visionary and innovative qualities. Also, discipline, structure, attention to detail, and sustainable growth are other elements that Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn contribute to this lunation. Table of Contents
What is a full moon?
A full moon occurs when the Moon and Sun are exactly across from each other, on opposite sides of the Earth.
During this lunation, the sun casts its light on the moon entirely since they are positioned directly opposite each other. This is why the moon appears to be completely full.
A full moon represents endings, culmination, reflection, and release. This lunar phase brings highly emotionally charged energy, and things can get quite intense.
Whenever the moon enters a sign, it stays there for about two and a half days before moving on to the next one. However, its energy can remain present for up two weeks during a full moon.
Full Moons are sequels of some sort to New Moons. There was a New Moon in Aquarius back in January. This is a great time for introspection and reflecting on what was going on then. What intentions did you set? Did you get into a new relationship, start new projects, or gain any new perspectives? Where are you up to so far, and how have things transpired? Use this lunation to follow up on the seeds that you planted.
Aquarius Energy And Attributes
Aquarius is a fixed air sign traditionally ruled by Saturn and co-ruled by Uranus in modern astrology. Traits associated with Aquarian energy include:
- Innovative
- Eccentric
- Idealistic
- Independent
- Intelligent
- Non-Conformity
- Humanitarian
- Progressive
- Visionary
Aquarius has an innate drive to challenge the status quo, break away from societal restraints, and support causes that benefit the collective. During the Aquarius Full Moon, these qualities are amplified, encouraging us to embrace our inner visionaries and become a driving force for change and progress.
What To Expect During the August 2023 Aquarius Full Moon
The Moon symbolizes our emotions, instincts, and subconscious. While stationed in Aquarius, she takes on an innovative and visionary energy that affects how we feel and our emotional reactions during this lunation.
Here is what to expect when there’s a Full Moon In Aquarius:
An intellectual and analytical thought process:
There’s a huge emphasis on intellect and critical thinking with an Aquarius Moon. You may process feelings through a more logical and rational lens and take an objective approach to emotions.
Emotional Detachment
Although considered an honorary water sign (represented by the water bearer), Aquarius is less emotionally intense than the natural water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). In fact, when the Moon is in Aquarius, she becomes emotionally detached.
Aquarius is known for its emotional distance and ability to have an unbiased point of view. While the moon is in Aquarius, We may be less emotionally reactive and more likely to view our emotions from the outside looking in as opposed to being consumed by them.
Desire for Independence
The Full Moon in Aquarius creates a desire for autonomy and an eagerness to reject social norms.
Unconventionality
We may feel more comfortable with embracing our authentic selves and unapologetic self-expression.
Social Awareness
Aquarius is a humanitarian sign, and the Full Moon in Aquarius increases social consciousness. People may feel compelled to participate in activities that contribute to social justice, equality, and constructive change for the collective.
Receptiveness and Innovation:
The Full Moon in Aquarius encourages an original and open-minded approach to problem-solving. We may feel more receptive to fresh ideas and forward-thinking viewpoints.
Desire for Community and Friendship:
Air signs are very social, and friendship and a sense of community mean a lot to Aquarius. We may desire to connect with like-minded people during this time and find solace in social events that support common causes and values.
Unpredictable Emotional Reactions
Although the Moon in Aquarius is usually emotionally aloof, it can sometimes cause unforeseen emotional outbursts. Due to Uranus’ influence, the Moon can take on an erratic and unusual nature, and emotions may occasionally take unexpected turns.
Rebellious Spirit
When the Moon is in Aquarius, people may feel more inclined to challenge authority, question societal norms and traditional ideologies, and choose progressive routes.
What Watch Out For During The Aquarius Full Moon
While the Full Moon in Aquarius brings forth creative and progressive energies to this lunation, there are a few things to be mindful of. Here are a few things to watch out for during the Aquarius Full Moon:
Suppressing emotions
Aquarius is known for being emotionally detached, and the Full Moon may magnify this quality. While this trait may be fine for objective and rational thinking, at the same time, it’s important that you don’t completely ignore or repress your feelings, as this could result in emotional roadblocks or trouble with processing emotions.
Impulsivity and restlessness
Aquarius is an innovative and futuristic sign which can occasionally result in impulsive behavior and restlessness during the Full Moon in Aquarius. Be aware of making rash decisions without carefully considering the repercussions.
Overanalyzing emotions
Due to Aquarius’ analytical nature, there’s a chance that emotions will be overanalyzed during this time. It’s important to strike a balance between acknowledging your feelings and giving yourself permission to truly feel them.
Feeling Alienated
The Moon in Aquarius can occasionally cause feelings of emotional distance or alienation. Be on the lookout for inclinations to distance yourself from others or avoid emotional ties.
The Moon in Aquarius can sometimes give rise to a sense of emotional detachment or feeling like an outsider. Watch out for tendencies to isolate yourself from others or resist emotional connections.
Aquarius is known for having an individualistic, unconventional, and eccentric nature, and this sign may struggle with making connections due to refusal to conform. This may occasionally cause feelings of emotional distance or alienation, and The Full Moon in Aquarius may amplify these traits. Be on the lookout for the desire to isolate yourself from others or avoid emotional connections.
Avoiding Conflict
In order to keep disputes on a more intellectual level, Aquarius may avoid emotional conflict. However, resolving underlying emotional issues is key to healthy relationships and personal growth.
Ignoring intuition
Aquarius is known for putting an emphasis on logic and reason, which may cause you to ignore your intuition. Following your gut feelings during this period your gut feelings can provide valuable guidance and be quite helpful.
Information overload
While Aquarius is associated with being tech-savvy, it’s important to avoid excessive use of technology and social media or disconnecting yourself from the physical world.
By being mindful of these possible challenges, you can navigate the Aquarius Full Moon with self-awareness, emotional balance, and a deeper connection to your social consciousness. Embrace Aquarius’ innovative and visionary qualities while nurturing your emotional needs and interpersonal relationships.
Aquarius Full Moon Themes and Energies
There are many themes surrounding the 2023 Full Moon in Aquarius. They include:
Embracing Uniqueness and Individuality
The Aquarius Full Moon encourages us to embrace our unique qualities without holding back and allows us to shine as the one-of-a-kind individuals that we truly are. We are encouraged to release self-doubt and proudly embrace our quirks.
This lunation challenges us to cut off the restrictive, suffocating cords of conformity and express ourselves authentically. We are called to voice our inner truths freely and share our gifts with the collective, much like the water-bearer who hauls the invaluable waters of transformation unapologetically.
The Full Moon In Aquarius inspires us to discover our interests, passions, hobbies, and skills that make us stand out from the crowd. By embracing our individuality, we can make a contribution to the societal tapestry by adding beautiful colors to the mosaic of humankind in our own unique way.
Cultivating Social Consciousness
When there’s a Full Moon In Aquarius, we become more conscious of the needs of the community and the world as well as our own. This is the perfect time to practice acts of kindness, volunteer time for charitable causes, and support campaigns that advocate for justice and equality. The energy of this Full Moon grants us the power and opportunity to positively influence others and spark a chain reaction of change and evolution.
Embracing Innovation and Change
As the sign of innovation, Aquarius inspires us to welcome change with enthusiasm. This Full Moon presents the perfect opportunity to let go of old habits, patterns, ideas, and belief systems that stunt our growth. It’s time to open our minds to new concepts, mindsets, viewpoints, and attitudes toward life. By being open to change, we broaden our horizons and expose ourselves to a world of possibilities and growth.
Balancing Emotions With Rational Thinking
As an Air sign, Aquarius curbs the emotional intensity of this Full Moon, encouraging clear and rational thinking and viewing situations as if we’re on the outside looking in. This cosmic union calls for our emotions and intelligence to be in alignment. We’re advised to find healthy outlets for our emotions and be cool, calm, collected, and objective when addressing issues or making decisions.
Engaging in Humanitarian Endeavors
Aquarius is associated with humanitarianism. Allow your heart to be receptive to the needs of the community during the Full Moon and look for ways to have a positive effect. Offering a hand to help someone in need, volunteering, or donating to a charity can be very fulfilling,
Balancing Independence and Interdependence
During this Full Moon, we’re reminded that there’s a fine line between individualism and harmony within the collective. Aquarius is a stickler for autonomy, and that may cause a conflict between asserting your individuality and collaborating with others. Strive to find ways to strike a balance between building genuine connections with the community while expressing your uniqueness and remaining independent.
Important Aspects To The Full Moon In Aquarius
Aquarius is a sign that’s intelligent, social, eccentric, and always lends a helping hand to those in need. Other planets return the favor during this lunation and contribute to The Full Moon In Aquarius’ celestial cause.
Full Moon in Aquarius in Opposition to Sun in Leo
During this lunation, The Full Moon in Aquarius will form an opposition to the Sun in Leo. With this aspect, we may struggle between wanting to serve the greater good and having the desire to receive praise and adoration from others. It can serve as a reminder of the necessity to strike a balance between one’s personal interests and being concerned about the welfare of the collective. Finding a happy medium between being true to who we are and teaming up with others becomes essential during this time.
Full Moon in Aquarius Square Jupiter in Taurus
The Full Moon will square Jupiter, and the Great Benefic currently sits in Taurus. During this transit, there may be a conflict between the need to expand community development and the desire for material stability and security. It calls for us to avoid taking idealism to the extreme and to come up with practical methods to bring new ideas to fruition. At this time, finding a balance between the need for expansion and the patience necessary for steady progress becomes essential.
Other Important Planetary Positions
Sun in Leo Square Jupiter in Taurus
The Sun is in square to Jupiter, and this aspect may cause impulsiveness or cockiness in the pursuit of personal goals, particularly when it comes to money, There could be an inclination to ignore rational deliberations or take unnecessary risks. During this transit, striking a balance between self-confidence and sensible decision-making is crucial.
Venus in Leo Trine North Node in Aries
Venus is making a harmonious trine to the North Node. The planet of love, harmony, and beauty is currently in retrograde in Leo, while the North Node transited into Aries about two weeks ago. This aspect supports creative and passionate endeavors that coincide with your true self and purpose in life. It encourages fulfilling relationships that help you to achieve your goals and evolve. This is a time when being authentic and going after what the heart desires may present opportunities and promote personal growth.
Mars in Virgo Trine Jupiter in Taurus
Mars is making an exact trine to Jupiter during the Aquarius Moon.The planet of action and passion is currently in Virgo. This aspect gives us a boost of inspiration and enthusiasm to work toward our goals, particularly those pertaining to our careers, finances, or personal growth. It enhances our capacity for quick decisions and thoughtful planning. This transit may provide us a sense of confidence and optimism when facing challenges, and our efforts are likely to produce satisfying results and rewards.
Pluto in Capricorn Sextile Neptune in Pisces
During this lunation, Pluto in Capricorn will form a sextile to Neptune in Pisces. The combination of these planets promotes deep spiritual awareness and emotional healing. It creates a deeper connection with your unconscious mind and spiritual enlightenment. You may discover that you’re drawn to mystical practices or artistic endeavors that allow you to tap into your inner feelings and experiences. This transit supports personal progress through self-discovery and a deeper awareness of the hidden elements of life.
Pluto Square North Node in Aries
Pluto will also form a square to the North Node, which may bring challenges or power struggles that may warrant you to face your fears and make substantial changes in your life. This is a time of personal transformation, and you may sense a strong inner drive to let go of old patterns or structures that no longer aligns with your growth. By embracing this aspect, you may develop a sense of self-empowerment and a clearer path toward your life’s true purpose. Now it may require courage and tenacity to navigate through the changes, but the benefits could be significant growth and self-realization.
Mercury in Virgo Trine North Node in Aries
Mercury in Virgo will form a trine to the North Node in Aries. This aspect encourages effective problem-solving, clear and assertive communication. It ensures that your thoughts and actions coincide with your authentic self. Also, this combination inspires us to be proactive in the interest of one’s personal growth. Mercury in Virgo trine the North Node in Aries promotes the merging of independence and practicality. This transit emphasizes taking a determined and courageous stance toward realizing one’s life purpose and creating new paths that are in alignment with the North Node’s trajectory.
Ruling Planets of the Full Moon in Aquarius
Whenever there is a major lunar event (New Moon, Full Moon, Solar, and Lunar Eclipses), it’s important to acknowledge the ruling planet as it will significantly impact the Moon’s energy.
When the moon is in Aquarius, Saturn, the planet of order, restriction, and limitation, is the cosmic guardian of this lunation. At this time, the sits in Pisces at 5 degrees.
While stationed in Pisces, Saturn expresses himself through spiritual discipline and intuition, setting healthy emotional boundaries, confronting illusions, and facing reality without delving into escapism.
Saturn will oppose Mercury in Virgo, and this aspect compels us o strike a balance in our communication and decision-making between reason and emotions. It may be necessary for us to balance the need for feasible solutions with the ability to trust our instincts and dig deeper into our emotional awareness. During this time, aiming for clear and open communication while valuing logic and emotions is crucial.
Saturn in Pisces influences the Aquarius Full Moon by bringing emotional depth, empathy, and spiritual development to the collective. He challenges us to strike a balance between our visionary ideals, goals, and aspirations and to take sensible action required to bring about constructive change in the world. These energies can help us navigate this Full Moon with a heightened feeling of emotional awareness and social responsibility by embracing these energies.
Uranus as Co-Ruler
Uranus, the planet of technology, innovation, and disruption, is the modern ruler of this full moon and is currently in Taurus.
When Uranus is in the sign of the Bull, it brings unpredictable and innovative energy to Taurus, who finds comfort in the familiar and prefers the status quo. However, this combination may disrupt traditional norms, trigger financial revolutions, and spark innovative and radical ideas for beauty, aesthetics, and the arts. Also, we may feel compelled to reevaluate our personal values.
Uranus will make a square to Venus, creating tension between individuality, relationships, freedom, and emotional connections. A conflict could arise between the desire for attention, validation, and adoration and the need for personal freedom and the expression of one’s individuality. We’re urged to strike a balance between exerting your personality and nurturing your relationships with others. Avoiding impulsive or abrupt behavior that could sabotage healthy relationships is crucial.
Uranus will also trine Pluto in Capricorn, encouraging a period of constructive and significant structural changes within society as well as personally. It inspires us to adopt innovative concepts that can result in transformation and development for the long haul. It encourages getting rid of old customs and embracing a deeper appreciation of personal power and the progression of the collective.
Full Moon In Aquarius and Relationships
The Aquarius Full Moon has a major impact on the dynamics surrounding interpersonal relationships. Not only does this lunar event illuminate the sky, but it also shines a light on the connections we have with others, calling for us to nurture our friendships and social ties. With the Sun and Moon in opposing signs, which represents a divisive force that may cause tension and expose the conflicting aspects of our personalities.
Venus, which is currently retrograde in Leo, also opposes the Full Moon. Retrogrades are a time of introspection, so this is a great time to reevaluate your relationships. Also, there is the possibility of old flames returning, and you may enjoy the attention that you’re receiving to the point where you may want to consider getting back with your ex. If that’s what you truly desire, you may want to reconsider or proceed with caution.
Rituals For The Aquarius Full Moon
To tap into the energies of The Full Moon in Aquarius, consider engaging in rituals. Some of them include:
- Journaling: Get a pen and a sheet of paper or notebook and jot down your dreams, hopes, aspirations, and creative ideas. Think about the ways you can make the world a better place and be the change you want to see.
- Meditation: To connect with your inner visionary, try meditation. Envision a world where there is peace, love, harmony, and unity, and think about the ways in which you can how you can help make this dream a reality.
- Practice gratitude: Express gratitude for your uniqueness and the traits that make you who you are. Also, be grateful for how interconnected all living beings are. Related: 52 Reasons Why I Am Thankful
- Light candles: (Blue and green candles to spark creativity and clear thought. Use a blue candle to enhance communication.)
- Becoming active in your community: Join local or online groups to connect with like-minded people whose interests and values align with yours. Get involved in activities that create a sense of camaraderie, such as contributing to a local project or going to social events. Participate in discussions that bring about constructive change.
- Practice the art of letting go: Light a candle and release the things that no longer serve you. (This includes toxic relationships, limiting beliefs, negative thoughts, and emotions). Letting go helps you to create space for growth and new opportunities.
Who Will Be Affected The Most
The August 2023 Full Moon In Aquarius will impact us all, especially in the area where Aquarius rules your chart, but some will feel its effects more than others.
Those with placements or planets around 6-12 degrees of Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius), especially the Big 3 (Sun, Moon, and Rising), will be affected the most. This is because the eclipse will produce aspects (conjunction, square, opposition, and sextile) to certain points and highlight those energies. If you have an Aquarius Moon as your natal placement, its energy will be intensified.
Saturn is the ruler of this lunar eclipse, and during this lunation, he sits in Pisces at 5 degrees. Since the planet of duty and restriction also rules Capricorn, those with planets or placements around 2-8 degrees in the sign of the Goat, especially the Big 3, will be heavily impacted. Those will planets or placements around 2-8 degrees of Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) will also be affected.
Uranus, the co-ruler of The Full Moon in Aquarius, is currently in retrograde at 22 degrees Taurus and will impact those with planets or placements of around 19-25 degrees of Fixed signs.
If you have planets or placements in Cancer, you will also be affected by this New Moon since the moon is the ruler of the sign of the Crab.
Final Thoughts
The August 2023 Full Moon in Aquarius invites us to embrace our uniqueness, tap into our inner visionaries, and connect with collective awareness. It encourages us to be catalysts for innovation, growth, and change, promoting a world where compassion, equality, and progression are valued over everything else. While we revel in the wondrous glow of this amazing lunar event, let’s keep in mind that we are powerful beings with the capacity to bring forth profound transformational changes, not only for ourselves but for the entire world. Open your heart and be receptive to the energy of The Full Moon and strive to be the change you want to see in the world.
Please Note:
It’s important to note that Astrology isn’t one size fits all. The impact of the August 2023 Full Moon in Aquarius can vary based on other aspects of a person’s natal chart as well as other astrological influences at the time. To see how The Aquarius Full Moon will impact you the most, refer to your natal chart to see which house Aquarius rules.
Astrology does not dictate personalities or control free will. The information given here is my opinion and is based on patterns and should never be a substitute for professional, financial, psychological, or medical advice.
Sources
(n.d.). Astro-Seek.com. https://www.astro-seek.com
Full moon on August 1, 2023. (2022, August 6). Cafe Astrology: Signs, Horoscopes, Love. https://cafeastrology.com/events/full-moon-on-august-1-2023/
What is a full moon? (2022, October 28). EarthSky | Updates on your cosmos and world. https://earthsky.org/moon-phases/full-moon/
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