Lunar Living Astrology

This is the Sturgeon Full Moon, which precedes the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is always the full moon that is just before or just after the September Equinox. This year, the Harvest Moon will also be a Lunar Eclipse. Something to look forward to.

This Sturgeon Moon occurs while the moon is in the sign of Aquarius. The full moon is surrounded by a relatively strong aspect pattern, with a series of five sextiles. If there were a series of six sextiles, all connected, around the zodiac, it would be a rare Grand Sextile pattern. But, even with five, there's a strength in this almost Grand Sextile. All the placements are in masculine receptive signs, indicating that we will be encouraged to push ahead on projects or ideas that have our attention. If we get it right, we are likely to be noticed for our accomplishment. This will be especially true for people that have their Sun or Moon located close to one of these placements, in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, and Aquarius. If we have a planet located between 1° to 5° of Sagittarius, our own natal chart will “complete” the Grand Sextile transit, and give us an added advantage during this full moon. We'll get back to that in a moment.

The Sun's opposition to the Moon in Aquarius tends to have us fully aware of the importance of friendships and loyalty. Let's not forget that this is not simply about loyalty, but trust built on respect given and received. This is also a time where we emotionally strive to find balance based on the act of taking a risk. What that risk involves is based upon taking a leap of faith, but recognizing that there is not going to be a guarantee of outcome.

Mercury, in the sign of Leo, is still retrograde and will continue to retrograde until August 11. Some of us are really weary of this retrograde transit, and are full on ready for Mercury to station direct so that we can start to fix all the things that have gone awry. Mercury retrograde is one of the planets involved in the series of sextiles, being sextile to Uranus in Gemini, Mars in Libra, and also forming a trine to Saturn retrograde and Neptune retrograde in Aries, while opposing Pluto retrograde in Aquarius. Mercury is positioned at the peak in one, of the two Kite Patterns, during this full moon. Collectively, we are likely to react in haste. The reaction may, or may not be to our benefit, but we just feel compelled to make a decision and stick with it. The key to working through this is to use common sense and reflect on the decision making process. If necessary and appropriate, apologize for the reaction and move on to something more productive rather than rehashing a mistake that was made on an impulse.

Singularly, the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in Cancer feels less important since it is not, at all, connected to the series of sextiles, unless we have a natal planet placed near this transit. Venus and Jupiter collectively, can bring opportunities to light, and we may discover that we have a few more options during this full moon than we thought, if we can tap into this conjunction.

Mars, in Libra, is basically at one end of the sextile series, but more importantly, is tied into a Grand Trine, as well as a Kite aspect pattern to Pluto retrograde in Aquarius and Uranus in Gemini while opposing Saturn retrograde and Neptune retrograde in Aries. Saturn and Neptune are at the peak of the second Kite pattern. We could find ourselves working our way through any challenges that have recently cropped up, might be the best use of this influence. Finding the right solutions won't come easily, but are necessary if we want to free ourselves of the constraints that seem to be associated to the situation. Unfortunately, this is not going to be one of those “release and let go” types of options. We have some responsibility for the situation, and we need to accept that as being a part of finding the solution.

If, by chance, a person's natal chart has a strong planet placement in the early degrees of Sagittarius, the series of sextiles in transit during this full moon are likely to light up their chart in a way that may feel unique and opportunistic. Finding the best way to use it may involve leaning way in, to take advantage of the events as they are unfolding. This, of course, is not without risks, but the rewards could, potentially, bring totally new awareness in unexpected ways.

All in all, this full moon is filled with assertive energy, and we may feel as though we are short on patience throughout the day. There are eight placements in the masculine receptive signs, meaning that we are feeling energized to get stuff done, while at the same time, not feeling the most practical or consistent in our actions. That's because this full moon chart is totally lacking any Earth Element sign placements. Additionally, we may feel as though we need to fix other peoples' problems, but the reality is that they probably don't need our help (unless they ask us specifically for help). We need to fix our own issues first, and let others work through their own issues without our unsolicited feedback or opinions. This is a great full moon for leaning into the challenges in our lives so that we can better understand our path in life. Avoid other people's drama for the sake of sanity.