Full Moon in Aquarius
By Araxe Hajian
A full moon rises in the sign of Aquarius on August 11. This lunation is social and urges you to offer personal input to collective situations.
This full moon is square to Uranus on the north node, continuing the tension following our last new moon. Mars is still hovering in Taurus, compounding all of that energy. “The full moon brings things to light more dramatically,” says Miraval Austin Astrologer Lynn Carroll-Rivera.
“Uranus rules Aquarius, and that brings the potential positivity of new ideas and innovation,” Lynn points out. She also reminds us that Aquarius’ other ancient ruler is Saturn, and this full moon is conjunct Saturn, and they both square Uranus. Squares bring tension and challenge to these innovations, and we face a period of invention by necessity instead of choice.
Last year’s significant aspect of Saturn square Uranus gave us a one-step-forward-two-steps-back experiment. “It’s coming back into play now,” notes Lynn, “starting with this full moon and going farther into the fall.”
Saturn seeks what is stable, and Uranus brings challenge, change, and rebellion. When those two are at odds with each other, it’s not easy to transition into new things.
The Mother of Invention
It’s not all bad news, though. Throughout history, necessity has been the mother of invention and ushered in brilliant societal advances. Sometimes when we are pushed because we must do something, we come up with our most magnificent ideas.
This full moon is like a lightning bolt flash, making it impossible to see things as we did before. Its illumination is for awakening, shaking the tree for new ideas and a renewed sense of what’s possible.
“The thing you have to know about humanity,” Lynn says, “is that one of our shining traits is our boundless ability to create, come up with new ideas, experiment, and invent. We are pretty great at that.”
A Pluto-Uranus One-Two-Punch
Think of this new moon energy as a challenge to use our best abilities. It’s uncomfortable, but transitions often are. Our last full moon asked us to get comfortable with discomfort, and it’s now time to settle into that nook and work with it. How can we use this to develop solid plans and new ways to do our stuff?
Uranus is a change agent, just like Pluto is. And don’t forget, we are still in a Pluto return this year. Uranus’ spotlight is on reality, and it is way too big to be looking at the minutiae of our personal lives. This Pluto-Uranus one-two-punch makes us think about how we want to live. How do we create practices and principles we can rely on in a chaotic and uncertain reality?
We need Uranian transits like this to awaken our intuitive insight. Uranus is the high mind of Mercury, the planet of logical thinking, and inspires perception. “Sometimes,” Lynn notes, “we must be shaken out of our comfort zone before we find a way to connect with that high mind. And when we do, we often come up with some brilliant stuff.”
THE TOWER
In tarot, the tower is associated with Mars, but Lynn prefers to think of it as Uranus’ lightning bolt shaking things up. And here we have Mars and Uranus together in Taurus for this full moon. The tower appears when change is thrust upon us. The fabric of the universe weaves itself into something new, and we must shift with it to recreate our own reality through the chaos.
AIR SIGNS
It’s time to connect with people and resources under this super-social full moon. Look for new visions and vistas that offer a view: desert, seaside, mountains, a tall building. Seek new ideas and communicate responsibly. Sensitivities are high, so try not to fan the flames with drama or irresponsible conclusions.
FIRE SIGNS
You are well suited to this lunation because fire is about courage, confidence, and love of experiences. Your remarkable ability to adapt and pivot ensures you won’t let yourself get stuck in something that doesn’t work. If you don’t succeed at first, you’ll just be emboldened to try something new.
WATER SIGNS
Your keen sensitivity has been sensing change and unease. Now is an excellent time to sit with your feelings and realize that your anticipated fears might not be as bad as you imagined. Dread stew is often worse than what’s on the actual menu. Find emotional security in friendships and comforting practices.
EARTH SIGNS
Your practicality and predictability are getting rocked this year. Your tangible dependables keep shifting. Stay grounded by streamlining. Kondo your clutter and settle into simple routines. You don’t need to lead the charge right now (nor should you). Do what makes you feel well and secure, even if it’s just going for a walk every day or making a good meal.
Araxe Hajian is a senior writer who covers wellness stories and specialist offerings at Miraval Resorts & Spas. She was associate editor and writer at Life in Balance Magazine, storyteller at the social platform MindMeet, and author of numerous articles and Miraval Resorts’ coffee-table book Miraval Mindful by Design.
*Source material provided by Miraval Austin Astrologer Lynn Carroll-Rivera
