The month of August starts out on a dramatic note with a full moon in Aquarius on August 1 at 2:30 p.m. EDT. Given that Aquarius is the sign of the collective, this lunation could turn our focus to themes like belonging, community, and our role within certain groups. We may become consciously aware of which relationships leave us feeling fulfilled and which leave us depleted—and in which groups we feel safe enough to be our authentic selves.

Relatedly, the full moon in Aquarius may also remind us to reflect on the broader motives behind some of our personal goals and ambitions, urging us to consider how we might positively impact the world when we shine bright, share our gifts, and act with intention.

What is a full moon, and what does it mean in astrology?

A full moon occurs when the sun and the moon align directly across from each other with the Earth between them, such that, from our perspective on Earth, the moon is fully illuminated. In turn, full moons are often associated with moments of illumination: The moon’s light is at its height, and what was once in the dark or unknown is revealed. To that end, full moons can coincide with the arrival of critical information, or the release of something old in favor of something new.

The moon’s light is at its height, and what was once in the dark or unknown is revealed.

Full moons typically happen once a month, marking the halfway point of the lunar cycle. Many set intentions under the new moon (the beginning of the cycle), and by the full moon, we may see signs of progress, learn key information regarding our desires, or reach a turning point.

It is also possible to manifest, perform rituals, and set intentions under full moons. To understand what energy a full moon might carry involves considering what aspects it forms with other planets in the sky and the meaning of those planets. For example, if the full moon forms a potent aspect with Mars, Saturn, or Uranus, it can embody more disruptive or challenging energy. Whereas, if it connects with Venus or Jupiter, it may portend more auspicious energy for manifestation work.

Full moons also create an opposition in the sky, as the moon sits in one zodiac sign and the sun sits in that sign’s opposite or sister sign. This can trigger a push-pull effect between two areas of our life, as we’re tasked with finding the middle ground and learning how to integrate both of the opposing energies. As a result, these lunations can be dynamic and energetically draining. Tend to your nervous system, drink extra water, and carve out time for reflection and rest.

What can we expect from the full moon in Aquarius in 2023?

This year’s full moon in Aquarius dials up the theatrics and drama typical of Leo season. While the moon moving through the cool and collected air sign typically makes it easier for us to adopt a detached perspective, its position across from the sun in Leo during this particular lunation will make it harder for us to keep our feelings to ourselves.

To add to the high-key energy, the sun and moon will be forming a tense angle with Jupiter, the planet of expansion and exaggeration. We could find ourselves feeling especially optimistic under the influence of Jupiter… perhaps overly so. It’ll be easy to overpromise and overcommit, so try to take others’ bold offerings and declarations with a grain of salt. They could still be genuine—but any opportunities discussed today will likely require some time to unfold.

It’ll be easy to overpromise and overcommit, so try to take others’ bold offerings and declarations with a grain of salt.

Given the full moon’s location in Aquarius, it’s also important to consider the role of Saturn, Aquarius’s planetary ruler. At the time of this lunation, Saturn in Pisces will oppose Mercury in Virgo, bringing a somber, serious tinge to the day. Perhaps we are given an opportunity (cue: Jupiter’s influence), but also become aware of the responsibility and dedication it will require. The good news: The presence of Mercury and Saturn in opposition will create an environment that allows us to focus on our responsibilities, have serious conversations, and set boundaries.

To get a better picture of how this eye-opening energy will affect you, read on for your sun, moon, and rising signs. Then, pick up a unique self-care practice to help you move through this lunation with a little more ease.

What the full moon in Aquarius means for your zodiac sign

Aries

A celebration may be in order, Aries! The full moon in Aquarius illuminates your 11th astrological house of community, support, and hopes and dreams for the future. It’s possible that a goal you’ve been working toward receives some backing today or is finally realized—or perhaps you’re attending a fun social event. Important turning points may also unfold in your friendship circle; you could network with someone of influence or address some drama with a friend.

Your full moon self-care practice: Spend time with a community that makes you feel like you belong. Today, connecting and collaborating with others can strengthen your own self-worth and lead to inspiring ideas or developments.

Taurus

The trajectory of your professional life is shifting before your eyes, Taurus, as the full moon moves through your 10th house of career, public reputation, and major accomplishments. Perhaps you’ve accepted a promotion or achieved a lifelong personal milestone. It’s also possible that you’re gaining long-overdue recognition and admiration.

Your full moon self-care practice: Write a letter to a past version of yourself, maybe a high school version of you. Let them know how far you’ve come and what gives you the most pride. It’s important to recognize your life milestones and embody gratitude for your path thus far.

Gemini

A conversation has the potential to leave a lasting impression on you, Gemini. The full moon in Aquarius activates your ninth house of expansion, knowledge, and perspective, perhaps opening your eyes to new information that informs your plans for action. This new insight may arrive through travel or by trying something new. You’re in a more daring mood and know that if you want something you don’t have, you have to try something you’ve never done before.

Your full moon self-care practice: Time to switch up your surroundings. Try a new restaurant for dinner, explore a different hiking trail, or go grocery shopping at a different location. Opening yourself up to new experiences can stir inspiration from within.

Cancer

Money is on your mind, Cancer. The full moon lands in your eighth house of shared resources, debt, projections, and your psyche. Practically speaking, you could make an important investment, experience a shift in your finances, or choose to tackle some debt. Emotionally, you might need to consider which feelings you’re experiencing are truly yours to hold, and which you’re absorbing from others. This could be a cathartic moment for healing, release, or forgiveness.

Your full moon self-care practice: Ask for help. It’s easy to feel like you don’t want to be a burden on anyone, but trust that your network of safe and loving confidants is eager to show up for you when you need it most. Choosing to be vulnerable and leaning on your loved ones for support and reassurance can be incredibly soothing at this time.

Leo

You’re focused on your interpersonal relationships, Leo, and exciting developments are underway. The full moon moves through your seventh house of one-one-one connections, collaborations, and contracts.

If you’re partnered, you may decide to make a decision about your future, and if you’re single, you could meet someone with lasting potential—just take a beat before making any formal commitments in love, given Venus is still retrograde. It’s also possible that some intriguing opportunities will arrive in your professional life. You may be teaming up with someone who has the potential to help you reach your goals or ambitions quicker than you ever thought possible.

Your full moon self-care practice: Take a look at the five people with whom you spend the most time. Do those connections leave you feeling excited and inspired, or drained and exhausted? Your inner world is influenced by the company you keep. Invest in meaningful relationships, and set boundaries with those who bring you down.

Virgo

Virgo, it’s time to get real about your energetic limitations. The full moon lands in your sixth house of daily routines and health, and it could put you even more in tune with both than you typically are. If there’s a certain habit you’d like to change or replace, this moon creates motivation. And if you’ve been working on a big project at work or managing a time- or energy-consuming situation in your personal life, this lunation could also signal a turning point.

Your full moon self-care practice: Try incorporating something totally novel into your daily routine for the next 30 days. If you haven’t read a book in years, read five pages before bed every night. If you live near a body of water, consider a weekly plunge. New habits and experiences can help you realize what is worth spending your time on and what isn’t.

Libra

You are living in the present moment and feeling grateful for it, Libra. The full moon illuminates your fifth house of gratitude, pleasure, creativity, romance, and fertility. In turn, you could uncover an innovative solution to a problem that’s been holding you back or finally complete a long-running project. Now is the time to engage in activities that bring you joy and spend more time doing them. This could also mark a dramatic turning point in your dating life… Are you ready to make things official and deactivate your dating apps?

Your full moon self-care practice: Try out a gratitude journal for the next 30 days, jotting down five things you’re grateful for from the previous day each morning.

Scorpio

One thing’s for certain, Scorpio: Your life is anything but boring right now! The full moon moves through your fourth house of home, family, and the past, such that you could experience major changes to your living environment. Maybe a roommate is moving out, you’re tackling some exciting DIY projects, or you’re redefining what comfort looks like in your personal space. It’s also possible that important developments with your family or career are unfolding—maybe even simultaneously. You may feel like each facet of your life requires much of your attention.

Your full moon self-care practice: Write a list of things from the past that bring up feelings of guilt, shame, fear, or grief. This full moon allows you to separate your current consciousness from the past, and to create space for new opportunities in your future.

Sagittarius

You’re ready to shift your mindset, Sagittarius. The full moon activates your third house of communication, expression, contracts, and learning. You may be ending a work contract and feel as if you’ve learned a great deal from the experience. Or, if you’ve been working on picking up a new skill or studying something new, you may feel like you’ve reached a new level of understanding and proficiency. In any case, your mind is on (intellectual) fire.

Your full moon self-care practice: For the next 30 days, try speaking your desires into existence. Write down a sentence summing up each of your desires for your future: your work life, love life, family life, spiritual life, and so on. Recite your sentences out loud each morning before you get up and each night before you go to bed.

Capricorn

You’re ready to name your worth, Capricorn. The full moon lands in your second house of income, resources, comfort, and self-esteem. Practically speaking, this moon may bring a shift in your finances through a raise or new work opportunity. And as a result, you might treat yourself or purchase something that you’ve had your eye on for some time. Emotionally, you could feel more aware of your unique gifts, talents, and value.

Your full moon self-care practice: This is a great time to reacquaint yourself with your budget and set new financial goals. Having a target in mind will help you stay on track.

Aquarius

This is your yearly reset, Aquarius. The full moon moves through your first house of self, identity, and personal ambitions, putting the focus on your authenticity. Are you living a life that aligns with who you are on the inside? Now is the time to stand up for your needs and desires, and to chase dreams that are meaningful to you—regardless of what anyone else thinks. You can begin again whenever you choose to, but today is a powerful day to do so.

Your full moon self-care practice: Write out a list of personal goals you’ve set for yourself over the past five to 10 years. Acknowledge which ones you’ve achieved, and re-evaluate whatever remains to be done, adjusting or crossing things out as you see fit.

Pisces

You’re closing out a major cycle, Pisces. The full moon lands in your 12th house of healing, solitude, reflection, and intuition. Important messages may arrive in your dreams or through spiritual practices. You’re better able to understand and acknowledge what limiting beliefs take up residence in your subconscious—and how you might release them. This isn’t a time for escapism; a fresh start is around the corner, but at the moment, it’s necessary to face and process the past, forgive, and recuperate first.

Your full moon self-care practice: Hold your hands on your heart, and focus on the space between your palms and your body. Imagine the energetic field between them, and send love and forgiveness to yourself and any old version of you that you’re ready to release.