Full Moon in Aquarius – Changes Are Best Handled by Focusing on Completion of Projects and Calming Our Energy (August 11, 2022)

In the Pacific Time Zone, the Moon will be full at 6:35 p.m. on Thursday, August 11.  With this Full Moon, the Sun in Leo will be in opposition (180°) to the Moon in Aquarius.  To further clarify how this Full Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 19°21’ of Leo and 19°21’ of Aquarius in your birth/natal chart.  The issues associated with those two houses are going to be most impacted by this Full Moon’s presence.

All Full Moons involve finding a better balance between the qualities of the 2 signs involved.  This time, those signs are Leo and Aquarius:

• The best qualities of Leo include being self-confident, big hearted, loving, romantic, and loyal. The lower expression can involve being overly dramatic, too self-centered, and exhibiting attention seeking behavior.
• The higher expression of Aquarius includes being independent, inventive, humanistic, social, tolerant, and intuitive. The lower expression could mean being rebellious, eccentric, stubborn, and feeling overly responsible for everyone and everything.

Both signs have a leadership quality to them.  At its best, Leo wants to lead with its heart to bring people together for a creative endeavor.  Aquarius, on the other hand, is more representative of individualists.  They want to be “in the lead” when it comes to how they live their own lives.  However, they often find themselves drawn to helping others.  But where Leo leads with its heart, Aquarius leads with its mind and is often more objective.  Both are important, but as we’ll see, that Aquarian objectivity may serve us well at the time of this Full Moon.

Two weeks ago, I explained that the ongoing square (90°) between Saturn and the Moon’s Nodes will be strengthened by conjunctions (0°) between the North Node and both Mars and Uranus.  Last time, Mercury joined the mix by being in an opposition (180°) to Saturn and squaring (90°) all other planets and the Nodes.  I explained that the inclusion of Mercury meant that the ongoing t-square now became a configuration referred to as a grand cross (i.e., a big square with planets or Nodes in all 4 corners).  I do not want to bore anyone, so I will refer my readers to the last Moon Update for more detailed information about what a grand cross is and how it demands a tricky combination of both change and balance.

In this Moon Update, I am again mentioning this grand cross configuration because we are under the influence of another one during this Aquarius Full Moon.  However, this time it’s even more powerful than it was two weeks ago, because this time it involves the Sun and the Moon.  Rather than Mercury forming the 4^th corner of the square, this time it’s the Sun.  To summarize, the 4 corners of this grand cross include:

1. The Mars-Uranus-North Node conjunction (0°) in Taurus.
2. The Sun in Leo.
3. The South Node in Scorpio.
4. The Moon and Saturn in Aquarius. And yes, the Moon and Saturn are in a conjunction (0°).

The grand cross means that Corners #1 and #3 and Corners #2 and #4 are in oppositions to each other (180°) and all 4 corners are squaring (90°) each other.  Given so many planets and the Nodes are involving in this grand cross, a list of all the conjunctions, squares, and oppositions would be a lengthy list!  Trying to analyze all of this would be prohibitive for me and overwhelming for almost all of my readers.  Therefore, I’ll do my best to focus on the most important information.

First, just a quick review of what we discussed in the last Moon Update.  Grand crosses are more challenging than t-squares because there are twice as many squares (90°) and an additional opposition (180°).  Grand crosses tell us that change (square) is definitely needed and that successfully navigating those changes will require that we balance (opposition) the needs of all 4 corners of the square.  We need to pay attention to all of the 4 corners; if we ignore one of them, then everything can be thrown out-of-whack.

Now, let me try to explain how this specific grand cross might be expressed in our lives in the days before and after the actual Aquarius Full Moon:

• All 4 corners of this grand cross are located in fixed signs (i.e., Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). Fixed signs can be stubborn, and the lower expression of this energy can including becoming inflexible, unwilling to adjust, and entrenched in a specific belief or behavior pattern.  However, if we can tap into the higher expression of fixed signs, they can be incredibly helpful and productive.  All fixed signs are willing to work extremely hard to complete a project.  In fact, there can be a sense of urgency to reach completion that is hard to ignore.  For this reason, now is a good time to work on any practical project or goal that needs a determined, focused energy.  It’s unlikely that we will give up when obstacles are encountered.  Instead, we will seek a solution and then implement it.  Given Mars is involved in the grand cross, we definitely need to find healthy outlets for our energy, and working toward the completion of something practical would be an excellent way to channel our need for determined (fixed) action (Mars).
• Full Moons can be emotional times and having the Moon squaring (90°) Mars could lead to emotional volatility. However, help will likely be provided by (a) the Moon being located in objective Aquarius and (b) the conjunct (0°) between the Moon and Saturn in Aquarius.  could help counter this tendency.  When the Moon is in the air sign Aquarius, we often are able to maintain a certain degree of emotional detachment.  Additionally, Saturn is a very serious planet, so when it is conjunct (0°) the Moon, this often means that our emotional approach will be serious, and we may even maintain a certain stoic distance in our relationships.
• Saturn also asks us to take a serious look at our responsibilities and to make sure we are setting healthy boundaries with others. It’s all about realism with the ringed-planet, so we may have to face some hard truths during this time.  Luckily, having both Saturn and the Moon in Aquarius means we may be able to do this objectively rather than emotionally.
• Saturn also rules time. Especially if we are feeling overwhelmed or overburdened, this would be a good time to review our “to do lists” and make assessments regarding whether our current goals are realistic.  Or if a new opportunity comes along during the time of the Full Moon, this will be a good time to make sure we aren’t taking on too much.  In order to take on something new, we may have to let go of something else in order to maintain our balance.  Remember, a grand cross requires balance, so moderation is required.  Also, remember that sometimes saying “no” is the most loving thing we can do for ourselves, and Saturn supports us in setting these types of healthy boundaries.
• However, as we discussed in the last Moon Update, having Mars (the warrior planet) conjunct (0°) Uranus (the planet of change) means that that there is the potential for unexpected actions or events. Uranus is also referred to as “The Great Awakener,” and its goal is to release whatever energy has become stagnant in our lives.  Having Uranus conjunct (0°) the North Node (future) means our future plans could be upended or at least altered in some way by something unexpected happening.  Luckily, Mars can provide us with an extra dose of courage, strength, and energy to deal with whatever comes up.  However, Mars (especially because it’s squaring [90°] the Moon) could result in a combustible energy if not handled in a healthy way.

So, how do we deal with all this?  Here are some suggestions:

• This would be a good time to add some physical activities and outlets to our schedules, especially if we are feeling restless or having trouble sleeping. And as mentioned above, working toward completion on a project would be a great way to focus our energy in productive ways.
• It will also help if we can reframe any unexpected event or change in plans as an “adventure” or an “opportunity” that has the potential for positive growth. (NOTE:  The potential for unexpected events will continue through the first 20 days of August.  In fact, it will be present for the remainder of 2022, but to a slightly lesser extent.)
• As we discussed two weeks ago, this is a time when we may have to do some deep psychological excavation (South Node in Scorpio) in order to determine what in our past (South Node) is interfering with progress toward our future (North Node). However, I believe that the real lesson or opportunity at this time is to develop or deepen our ability to use the Taurean energy (Mars, Uranus, North Node) to develop new skills that help us get and stay grounded.  Taurus prefers routine, predictability, and familiarity.  It resists change because changes often undermine its sense of security and comfort.  Unfortunately, the bullet points above explain why change is almost inevitable right now.  Taurus, though, gives us clues about how to best cope with things being rather unpredictable.  Society’s recent emphasis on mindfulness practices is perfectly suited to Taurus.  We need to be present in the moment.  Think of the bull in its beautiful field of grass and pretty flowers.  That bull is not lamenting the past or worrying about the future.  It’s enjoying “the now.”  It’s feeling the sun on its back, smelling the flowers, enjoying the taste of the grass, and preferring to be still.  Although it prefers to “stay home,” it is willing to calmly move through its field to reach something that looks appealing. During these times of change, we need to emulate the bull.  Yes, we may need to move, but relaxation, mindfulness, and seeking peace will help us cope.

Quite a few other aspects are influencing this Aquarius Full Moon and the fixed grand cross configuration.  Again, I don’t want to overwhelm my readers, so I’m going to strive to keep this as brief as possible.  Luckily, we will see that several themes repeat themselves:

• Mars and Uranus will both be in trine (120°) to Pluto. These supportive aspects will provide us with a lot of energy, creativity, and intuitive insight.  However, they may add a sense of urgency to make things happen now.  We could even feel more willing than usual to take risks.
• A sextile (60°) between Mars and Neptune also supports creativity and using our intuition. Additionally, in one or more relationships, we may be ready to move toward forgiveness.
• Mercury is forming trines (120°) to both Uranus and the North Node, which supports amazing mental leaps regarding solutions to any challenges or obstacles, especially those that might be hindering our progress toward future goals. And again, we may find that we are more intuitive than usual, and our creativity could be extra strong.
• Chiron will be in a trine (120°) to the Sun and a sextile (60°) to the Moon and Saturn. For some of us, this could actually bring clarity and confidence regarding our current life mission.  It also supports solving problems that might have left us feeling very vulnerable in the past.  Those solutions may involve being more nurturing and compassionate toward ourselves and others.  Again, our intuition is enhanced, and we may find ways to draw on our natural talents to solve real-world problems.  Luckily, Saturn will support us in being more self-disciplined and self-sufficient.
• Chiron, though, is also in a conjunction (0°) to Jupiter, which means we may feel drawn to increase our understanding, wisdom, and awareness when it comes to healing our personal wounds. This may include seeking out new healing modalities that could impact our personal beliefs and values.  Significant self-healing is possible.
• Although many of the astrological aspects are supportive right now, it is important to understand that Venus is in a challenging opposition (180°) to Pluto. For some of us, this could bring about an intense desire or longing for something or someone that could veer into compulsiveness or obsessiveness.  For those in pre-existing relationships, this aspect may bring to a head any long-standing issues that need to be healed, especially if they involve power struggles.
• Luckily, Venus is also in a trine (120°) to Neptune and a sextile (60°) to Mars. These positive aspects could help ease the tension from the Venus-Pluto opposition that was described in the bullet above.

On Thursday, August 11, Venus moves into Leo where it will stay until September 5.  Venus and Leo are both associated with the heart chakra.  This is a time when we tend to be warm, expressive, and generous.  It is a romantic time within love relationships.  However, there can be a tendency with some people to make love a bit of a game, and we may feel a need for attention and validation from those we love.  We should do our best to avoid the overly dramatic aspects of Leo and not go “over the top” with expressions of love.  This excessiveness could also result in being too financially generous.  Giving to others in any form will feel great in the short-run, but moderation will produce better outcomes in the long-run.

On Saturday, August 20, Mars makes an important move into Gemini.  Normally, Mars will move through a sign in about 2 months.  This time, it will be in Gemini for a full 7 months (until late March 2023) because it will go retrograde within Gemini (beginning on October 30).  Mars only goes retrograde every 2 years, so it is always a big deal with this happens.  Gemini is about thinking, talking, and learning, and Mars is about action.  The lower expression of this combination could be feeling mentally unfocused, scattered, and distractible.  Additionally, we may take actions based on a desire for variety and stimulation.  However, Mars in Gemini usually helps us be more mentally curious, flexible, adaptable, and versatile.  Brilliant ideas are possible, and we are more likely to have delightful, mentally-stimulating conversations with others.  Using the Taurean skills of mindfulness described previously (e.g., breathing, slowing down) will help us tap into the higher expression of Mars in Gemini and avoid any tendency toward making impulsive decisions or going on unnecessary mental tangents.  During the next 7 months, it will be particularly important that we all pause before communicating difficult information.  Even though we may feel our thoughts and tongues have minds of their own, we need to take conscious control in order to make sure we think through what we want to say and how best to say it.

The Sun makes its transition out of Leo and into Virgo on Monday, August 22. This month-long trip through Virgo may help us counteract, to a certain extent, the lower expression of Mars in Gemini (see last paragraph).  Virgo is all about details, especially when we are dealing with practical matters.  Although not nearly as much fun as when the Sun was in Leo, having the Sun in Virgo can be a great time for complete projects that require us to be organized and analytical.  The details of everyday life tend to take center stage.

Overall, this Aquarius Full Moon is complicated, to say the least.  The strong influence of Saturn could provide a steadying hand during what could otherwise be a volatile and tumultuous time.  Having both the Moon and Saturn in objective Aquarius is also helpful.  These supportive influences could be especially useful if someone or something in our lives has recently felt “out of control.”  Saturn’s typical sobering energy could help quiet the situation, and Aquarius always strives to find a fair solution that meets the needs of most, if not all of the parties involved.  Uranus can bring sudden insights that would bode well to finding novel solutions to hard-to-solve problems, which is further enhanced by a large number of supportive aspects that increase our creative and intuitive abilities.  But at least during the time of the Full Moon, the Sun is still in Leo.  Therefore, we would do well to avoid falling into the “all work and no play” trap.  Remember that a grand cross requires balance, and the Taurus energy provides us with the guidance about how best to achieve that.  In sum, healthy ways to channel our energy and cope with any unexpected changes would be to move toward completion of a major project, maintain our objectivity, and improve our self-care by integrating mindfulness techniques.

WRITTEN BY

• Anne Reith, Ph.D.©

THIS FULL MOON

Full Moon at 19°21’ of Aquarius

• Thursday, August 11, 2022, 6:35 p.m. PDT
• Thursday, August 11, 2022, 9:35 p.m. EDT
• Friday, August 12, 2022, 1:35 a.m. GMT

IMPACT OF ANY MOON EVENT

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