August 1 2:32 PM EST
This is a complex and future-oriented full moon that asks us to both embrace our individuality, and to connect to others in an elevated way. We are deep in the thrust of a powerful Venus retrograde in Leo cycle. One of the core hallmarks of this retrograde (as discussed in greater detail in the above linked post) is its multiple squares to radical Uranus in Taurus. And Uranus is the co-ruler of Aquarius, and hence a co-ruler of this lunation. Aquarius’ other ruler is pragmatic Saturn who is also very pronounced at the time of the full moon, as I will discuss in more detail shortly.
But perhaps the most salient feature of this full moon, at 9 degrees of Aquarius, is that it highlights Venus Rx, at 26 degrees Leo, in close trine with the north node at 28 degrees of Aries. The new moon solar eclipse in Aries on April 20th of this year marked an important shift and beginning of a new cycle of eclipses in Aries/Libra that will take us into 2025. And the resounding themes of these eclipses are, of course, clustered around the core Aries/Libra themes of independence/authenticity (Aries) and relationship/reciprocity (Libra). So it is all too fitting that now, immediately after the nodes officially shifted signs into Aries/Libra (on July 17th), we have a Venus retrograde to ‘clear the debris’ that is ready to be shed from this area of our lives. In order to get the most out of the Aries/Libra eclipse cycle it is wise to lean into this Venus Rx as a way to get back into alignment with what our true hearts desires (Leo) are NOW, so we can use the retrograde energy to shed the past and provide a clean slate for our future selves to shine brightly on their right path (Aries) with the best suited relationships (Libra).
This full moon is in service to that goal. Aquarius is Leo’s natural counterpoint, and opposite sign, and holds medicine that Leo needs to integrate and harmonize in order to thrive. Over-reliance on Leo can make us proud and self-centered. It is important to balance this lower vibrational extreme with the big picture inclusivity of Aquarius, and their detached interest in progress and the health of the whole. It is through the Leo/Aquarius polarity that we find both our desire to shine our light and connect from the heart (Leo) as well as our willingness to share these gifts for the greater good of all by finding our best place within the whole and participating in community (Aquarius). If we remain too closely connected to Aquarian energy without embracing our inner Leo, we can get ‘lost in the crowd’ going along with whatever ‘our group’ believes or decides. During this full moon we have a chance for some radical self-honesty about how to create better balance between these parts of ourselves and our lives.
As mentioned, Uranus at 22 degrees of Taurus plays an important role during this Venus Rx, and this full moon. We simply cannot always make adjustments in our lives without disrupting the apple cart. We can consider this Venus Rx in Leo as a beautiful haute couture garment that needs to be re-sized. It is gorgeous but it does not fit properly anymore. It needs to but cut in order to be sewn back together. We can see this as an act of violence but it need not be. It simply is. There is discomfort but it is not wonton or ill-intended. It is a necessary part of the process. And we have to be willing now to say or do things that may make us (temporarily) uncomfortable in order to stand more truly and firmly in our own freedom and authenticity. Again, discomfort need to be harsh or aggressive, it may simply be meeting a ‘triggering’ or high emotion situation from a different, higher consciousness, place.
We tend to repeat the same patterns when we encounter the same stimulation, but when we decide to hold ourselves and our power (Leo) differently, the collective energy (Aquarius) around us shifts. THIS is what can feel uncomfortable, often simply because it feels unfamiliar to our energy body and nervous system. But that does not mean that something is wrong (as much as our ego or imprint might want to convince us of that to have us continue to behave in the ‘same old way’!). In fact, this is how changes are neurologically and somatically re-wired in our bodies, and it’s important to accept the invitation to do some “re-wiring” (Uranus) during this Venus Rx and full moon. It is quite simply the IDEAL time to make adjustments in our relational and financial lives that had heretofore seemed impossible to shift, or we did not even realize we wanted to.
For example, perhaps we are someone who leans more to the Aquarius side of the polarity and habitually downplays our talents, instead talking up our friends, or remaining on the sidelines. Now is the time to be more bold in claiming what we want and desire even if it feels risky to differentiate ourselves from our peers. As long as it is coming from the heart (Leo), we are very supported in doing this now. Jupiter at 13 degrees of Taurus is also conjunct Uranus, and squared up to the full moon, emphasizing the importance of these lessons and helping us lean into imagining and co-creating the best possible vision for ourselves and our future if/WHEN we are able to expand and grow in this healthy new way. Jupiter gives us faith that taking a leap can turn out for the best, both for ourselves and ultimately also for all involved.
Saturn is the other ruler of Aquarius, and likewise has interesting messages to share during this full moon. Saturn is at 5 degrees of Pisces forming an EXACT opposition to Mercury at 5 degrees of Virgo. This is a strong, and clear, aspect. There is no mincing words or hedging with this aspect, no dancing around things or sugar coating. Again, radical self-honesty and high personal integrity are very important here, especially with any and all kinds of communication.
If we say we are going to do something and then drop the ball, we are compromising our own integrity and corroding other peoples ability to trust us and our word. This is a pervasive and poisonous form of self-sabotage. Even if we cannot meet a deadline or be on time, it is always possible to send a message or follow up and clarify the situation. When we don’t do this and instead allow confusion (Pisces) to fester then we are consciously or unconsciously creating drama in our lives. It is no secret that “our world” and Hollywood movies thrive on drama. But if we truly desire peace and a higher consciousness experience in our own lives, then remaining in integrity and avoiding drama is a non-negotiable.
And this involves taking accountability for all of our choices, as well as all of our communication, both verbal and non-verbal. We need to understand what ‘messages we are putting out there’ and again, adjust accordingly and make sure they are in alignment with the new relationship patterns we are constructing (Venus Rx). This involves both accountability and healthy boundaries (Virgo). Mars at 13 degrees of Virgo is also opposing Saturn reinforcing this message, and helping us to actively (Mars) create these boundaries and facilitate these changes. On the flip side, Mars opposite Saturn can also show us the consequences of when we don’t follow through or act in integrity in a potentially more direct (Mars) or harsh (Saturn) way.
Finally, we also have Pluto retrograde at 28 degrees of Capricorn. After a 3 month stint in Aquarius, Pluto is back in Capricorn, a sign where it has been ‘holding court’ since 2008. At 28 degrees of Capricorn it is also exactly square to the nodes of the moon at 28 Aries/Libra. Since the lunar nodes have to do with our destiny and Pluto is related to transformation and the deepest levels of soul growth, we can see yet again that this is not a ‘lightweight’ lunation, but one of great importance that can propel us forward on our highest path. Again this requires our conscious attention to all of the issues presented along this path of growth in terms of making Venus Rx adjustments, and getting into clearer balance along the Leo/Aquarius and Virgo/Pisces axes of our own lives. Even if/when it feels challenging, we CAN encounter and navigate situations differently in our lives now, and it is well worth it for us to push through any old baggage or discomfort to do so. All in the name of stepping into our true hearts desires while also feeling at home within the group! Well worth it indeed.
*art by @sanjamarusic
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