With the Moon culminating in the intellectually-oriented sign of Aquarius for a second time this year, we are drawn to explore our feelings on issues of ideology, again, which can contrast with more childlike hopes for a fun and lighthearted reality. Meanwhile, the Sun finishing up its stay in the opposite, energetic sign of Leo, creates tension by holding our collective focus on social leadership with an emphasis on mastering positive interactions. We may want to have everyone just happily getting along together, but we also need some real thought leadership now, including radical and innovative new ideas, in order to truly develop our most noble purpose as we move into our future together.

As with all full moons, the contrast between the Sun and Moon positions can have us feeling more sensitive and even caught off guard now, particularly by provocation or sudden change, causing us irritation, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. We can best navigate this time in honor of air sign Aquarius by being more curious, flexible, detached, yet open to dialogue, as well as remembering to keep our wits about us and our sense of humor close at hand!

As always, these energies apply to groups of all sizes as much as they apply to individuals. So, be aware of navigating balance between your thoughts about noble responsibilities and any feelings about wanting to be free from limitation or duty. The best advice is not about watering down either approach but rather it is about fully honoring all true perspectives, and finding good ways to meaningfully incorporate higher-minded ideals with proactive strategies to actualize your goals for the good of all involved.

“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”
                   George Bernard Shaw

The current pull between the Sun and Moon placement can instigate emotional intensity, impatience, and irritability. Should any touchy feelings come up, stop to consider other perspectives and find the common ground in awareness of the higher values of SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS, INNOVATION, and HIGHER-MINDEDNESS. The polarity between the Leo Sun and Aquarius Moon requires negotiating where we focus our energy and attention; we must now hold space for considering new approaches, while we also figure out how to manage and best utilize the creative practices we are already accustomed to.

Stay centered and consider new ways to leverage fresh insights and diverse ways of being . . this is a time to rethink old ideas about what you actually want and need, while realizing you actually have more access to your desires when you take into account the needs of your community, neighbors, and co-workers.

It continues to be important to reassess outdated ideologies. These pivotal times are deliberately shaking up any misguided or faulty views and are meant to stimulate our collective growth. Humanity is moving forward and ultimately that means an upgrade; so contemplate what matters, and also celebrate all you have accomplished and learned recently, as well as anything you have done to stretch beyond your comfort zone.

This Full Moon brings illumination and that often appears through any of Aquarius’ preferred subject areas, which include: GROUPS, networks, design, TECHNOLOGY, innovation, INVENTION, friends, ALLIES, neighbors, social affiliations, SOCIAL MEDIA, seeing the future, FORECASTING, astrology, numerology, INDEPENDENCE, freedom, liberation, FANTASY, shocks and SURPRISES, and in the body Aquarius rules the circulatory system and lower legs: shins, calves and the ankles.

This time around, the Aquarius full moon will be much easier for most of us to take in, since the corresponding aspects are all beautifully favorable now. There are four remarkable configurations of note, as well as a major sign change for the Sun and another retrograde beginning. Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn all smile on the world during this period. Let’s dive into the details.

First, active Mars in precise and dutiful Virgo coordinates with changemaker Uranus in masterful and dedicated Taurus. This trine aspect is ideal for meaningful work and transformative changes, which are meant to endure. And with Uranus–which is also considered the planet that rules our spiritual awakenings–beginning its lengthy retrograde this week, it is also an excellent time for personal healing work that goes deep, including looking at past trauma to glean new perspective, understanding, and practical resolution.

Then, the emotional moon links up in a supportive and beneficial conjunction with lucky Jupiter also in Aquarius. The connection of the two astral bodies bodes well for happy surprises! You can boost your good fortune by keeping a high energetic vibe, which naturally attracts opportunities to you.

The lovely planet of Venus brings additional blessings in the beautiful sign of Libra, which is inspiring karmic Saturn to be benevolent to humankind. Venus in airy Libra loves harmony, peace, and gentleness, and Saturn continuing in fellow air sign Aquarius is enamored of her. So, though Saturn usually represents hard work and discipline, because of this current trine connection with Venus, Saturn softens and may be inclined to dole out some rewards and surprises to those who have proven worthy.

Mental Mercury in detail-loving Virgo forms the third amazing trine and like Mars, this one is also with surprising Uranus in Taurus. So, precision work, especially writing and communication matters are starred. And with the Uranus retrograde (joining retrograde Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto), you may find reflecting and nostalgia come up more frequently now. Perhaps you will start a personal journal, or publish your memoir. You can also find some great inspiration during this time by reading or listening to other people’s stories. 

The last significant astrological change to report is the Sun’s transition out of Leo into Virgo. The last of Leo this year closes out our annual playful, celebratory, laid back, social season and we move into a more work-oriented time instead. Virgo is dutiful, task driven, and conscientious, so think about getting ready for that next phase. In two weeks, the new moon in Virgo will arrive, and we will delve into all that implies and provides.

As always, full moons tend to bring hidden or difficult emotions to light. While we do our best now to make sure we are all charitable and kind, we may find provocative or shocking outbursts can test our resolve and incite hurt, stress, irritation and angst. Try to not take other people’s behavior personally, while also staying aware of other people’s feelings and views.

While the full moon does have a collective effect on all of us, each person may respond somewhat differently to this same planetary aspect. The intensity will be greater or lesser depending on how well aligned you have your current thoughts and feelings. When you are living in your highest truth, things that happen around you are not as overwhelming.

Try to appreciate that whatever is happening is occurring as part of your life journey. Sometimes the details are pleasing and other times the lessons are difficult . .either way, there is always something to be learned. And being prepared is the secret to more easily navigating all of it, on the way to living your best life!