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On Thursday, August 11, the full moon in Aquarius, colloquially known as the Sturgeon Supermoon (more on that below), will appear in the sky, making it the last so-called supermoon of 2022. As a reminder, new moons are when we plant and plan, while full moons are when we harvest, energy culminates, and we learn new and unexpected things. When the moon is full, it is halfway through its lunar cycle and the brightest it will ever be for that cycle. But where can you see the full moon tonight — and what does this particular moon mean (astrologically)? How will it impact you?
In the English language, we often talk about light as bringing new information and insight. The moon is one of two lights in the sky (the other being the sun) and, when it is at its brightest, it often makes us aware of things we hadn’t realized before. It literally allows us to see more at night; the mystery of night is illuminated and we can see through the darkness. When we see that darkness, the parts of ourselves we don’t want to see, we can release it. Perhaps that is why we talk about full moons as being a time of releasing, letting go, and saying goodbye.
Archetypically, an Aquarius full moon is not an easy time. Here's why: Aquarius looks at the big picture from a thousand feet in the air and can see the patterns and understand how everything fits together. Aquariuses are known for their vision, idealism, and individuality. The moon, on the other hand, rules Cancer and is very emotional, changeable, concerned with her inner world, and easily picks up the energies of other planetary bodies.
When the moon is in Aquarius, we can feel somewhat detached from emotions and have a desire to retreat from them. Therefore, a full moon in Aquarius is a time when we might be confronted with our desire to figure everything out with logic. We can feel frustrated with an Aquarius full moon, wanting answers and not being able to fully release our frustration.
According to Space.com, this month's full moon — the last supermoon of the year — arrives on Thursday, August 11, 2022, and will be visible around 9:36 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, also known as Eastern Standard Time). On the west coast, for those living in a zone on Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), it will be visible at 6:36 p.m.
As I covered before in my last Supermoon article, the words "super" and "sturgeon" (and similar phrases) are not astrological terms. "Super" is closer to an astronomical prefix and pertains to the size of the full moon in the sky. The "Sturgeon Supermoon," on the other hand, was historically the time of year when "giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this part of summer," according to Farmer’s Almanac, which goes on to list alternate names this moon has historically been known by in some indigenous communities, such as the Algonquin term "Corn Moon" and the Cree term "Flying Up Moon."
We are in the middle of the lunar cycle that started with the Leo new moon, because Aquarius is opposite Leo. At the focal point of the T-square, we have the North Node (a celestial point relating to our soul’s purpose), Uranus (planet of inspiration and rebellion), and Mars (the planet of will and action). Uranus and Mars are both in Taurus, asking us to take inspired, slow action around our need for security and stability, and even more concretely, our finances. They are being squared by the moon, our emotional inner life, and conjunct to Saturn, planet of discipline and responsibility. When Saturn is conjunct to the moon, we can feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. This aspect might spur you into action but i think it’s more likely to be an overwhelming full moon. Whatever situation, you’re dealing with, it won’t be fixed by cold Aquarian logic or Taurean common sense. And with the Sun still in Leo opposite Moon and Saturn, watch out for not wanting to admit when you’re wrong — or other people doing it.
If you look at a chart, there are often several glimmers of hope. Right now, the one that most stands out to me is that Mercury is going direct (yes, Mercury is not always retrograde) in its home sign of Virgo, thereby making a nice trine (120° angle) to the Mars, Uranus, and North Node cluster. What's this mean? Well, it's simple: Whatever situation you're in that's causing you confusion or uncertainty, just know that you are not crazy or making things up — you are thinking clearly about it, and should speak your mind as such.
Additionally, Venus is in Leo, and in a very loose sextile (60° angle) to the cluster. Venus in Cancer was about being loving and nurturing but now we want to have fun, play, and find joy in the summer season. In short: enjoy it, and enjoy yourself. Sometimes (or more often than that, even), you just need to tell yourself that it is OK to let loose.
You know what’s great about the moon? It takes her less than a month to get through all 12 signs of the zodiac so we always get a new start. The next new moon is in Virgo on Saturday, August 27, which means it is time to start thinking about what new Virgoan things you would like in your life. Perhaps that's your relationship with planet Earth — eating, planting, harvesting — or maybe it means you should start making goals for organizing and decluttering your space. It may be a good time to start that volunteer gig in your community (if you aren't already doing so) or to evaluate your relationship to animals and other life. See you next month!
