The end of July brings us the Buck Moon, the Full Moon in Aquarius of July 29 that potently illuminates the so-called Barbault’s Basket configuration of Jupiter-Uranus-Neptune-Pluto. Though we may feel more like spectators to history external to us, each individual together with their networks forms a heightened source of power as we move through the next few decades.
Loving Venus’ square to Mars’ willfulness ties into this Full Moon, and we may be bumping into the idea that the power of love hinges on much more than just affinity and similarity. Jupiter’s opposition to Pluto highlights our sources of meaning and power, and we may explore what brings us satiety, or satisfaction, and what it means to have or to be enough.
All of these considerations form a part of the spiritual renewal and cultural revolution described in the cosmic grail formed by Jupiter-Uranus-Neptune-Pluto, which could be quietly occurring within us and around us as we incubate the Good Dream of the Earth.
Jupiter Trine Neptune, Opposite Pluto Sextile Uranus
On July 29, the Aquarius Full Moon blossoms brightest at 7:35 am US/Pacific, opposing the Leo Sun, and together they energize majestic Jupiter, who crowns the tight configuration of the outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. The cycles of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto span centuries, and sometimes offer foreshadowing of their significance at moments of potency such as these, but the outer planets tend to display their powers through time in series of synchronistically interconnected events.
By contrast, the Sun and Moon are the most personal and intimate planets, and this Full Moon provides an auspicious window into possible meanings of these larger historical cycles emerging through our own lives and loves. Aquarius is ever attuned to what lies just beyond sight of today’s reality, and understands how much our beliefs and imaginings sculpt reality, so we just might glimpse new ways of thinking under this Full Moon.
This lunation lines up on the opposition between Jupiter and Pluto (July 20), a combination eager to transform the way we see the world, changing the gods and goddesses who govern our emotional and mental reality. Of course, the inertia of old ways of thinking and being will always rear up and even vigorously fight against extinction. Yet the harmonies between the spheres of Uranus’ liberation, Neptune’s spiritual reality and Pluto’s transformation carry great power, suggesting that time is running out for maladaptive and destructive ways of being in the world and with each other. Jupiter in the creative, individualizing sign of Leo crowns this cosmic womb of Uranus-Neptune-Pluto, granting blessings and potential success.
Venus Square Mars
Individually, we will meet our own resistances to evolving, adapting, and responding to an environment in rapid transition. Part of this struggle is described by the Aquarius Full Moon sitting at the midpoint of the exact Venus square Mars (July 29), drawing Venus-Mars potently into the lunation. Venus emphasizes what we do together with others, while Mars champions what we do under our own power, and the stressful square between them reminds us of the challenging parts of loving. Over the next two weeks, we may have the opportunity to listen in order to understand rather than to control, trying to allow differences to exist with a sense of curiosity instead of immediate alienation. Venus’ love can become quite shallow in the pursuit of comfort, and Mars’ square insists on the inclusion of discomfort, or at least makes known that difficulty will not be absent from the act of loving, or actively loving.
Jupiter Opposite Pluto
If the power of love is to overcome the love of power, we may have to reconsider what creates a good life, which is a core meaning of Jupiter. But Jupiter can easily tip into excesses such as greed, and greed is a form of self-sabotage that results in very poor decision-making, often heedless of actual consequences. We may find ourselves reflecting on the role of greed or greedy behavior in our lives, whether that is for material, spiritual, emotional, or any other kind of attainment or experience. No one outside of us can truly answer the question of what is enough for us, and this query alone could form the basis of a spiritual path.
Mercury Retrograde
Mercury sextile Venus ✵ Venus opposite Neptune, trine Pluto, trine Uranus, and sextile Jupiter ✵ Mercury trine Neptune, opposite Pluto, sextile Uranus, and conjunct Jupiter
Our thought process, symbolized by Mercury in retrograde motion, is helpful for this topic, allowing us to retrace old emotional territory through sentimental Cancer until August 7. Mercury then swiftly moves to join harmonizing Venus in activating the cosmic chalice of Uranus-Neptune-Pluto from August 6 through August 21. Mercury-Venus’s interactions suggest moments of diplomacy, beautiful speech, and uplifting vision, and serve as a triggering mechanism for the potential within the larger outer planetary cycles. We shouldn’t necessarily expect a melodramatic Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood style of overt or obvious events. Maybe it’s true that the revolution will not be televised.
Any of us could be involved in something truly evolutionary, but would not know until some later date when it has crossed through the materializing gates of Saturn: the passage of time. According to the current state of the cosmic clock, spiritual renewal and cultural revolution are happening… but where? Many prime movers in evolutionary unfoldment may act more like a mycelial network of mushrooms, or it’s simply occurring away from the hype, out of mainstream view, or in a novel form whose potency we cannot yet recognize.
Total Solar Eclipse of the New Moon in Leo
Eclipses often function in a similar way, potentiating events that are realized at a later date, usually within a year. The total solar eclipse in Leo is emblazoned with Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter’s simultaneous activation of Uranus-Neptune-Pluto alignment, occurring on August 12 at 10:36 am US/Pacific.
The eclipse’s path of totality traverses the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland before ending in Spain. This eclipse portrays the artistry of navigating changes or the artistry of creating them. Activities like daily spiritual practice, exercise routine, or digital hygiene may need an adjustment. Perhaps we discover new ways of joining body and mind, tending to the temple of our being in ways that make us more available to our lives.
It could be helpful to reflect on how we direct our efforts, and what areas might benefit from striving less and trusting more, as new forms of leadership and participation in Earth Community seek to evolve through us. Using the imagery of the 15th-century Indian mystic Kabir, this dynamic, eternally unfolding cosmos, including us, is “the secret one slowly growing a body.”
The Moon describes your most profound capacity to connect with others. It also conveys a great deal of information about the shape of your soul. We’ll be using the symbolic system of tropical astrology to see how the current Full Moon in Aquarius energizes your own Moon placement. Full Moons amplify energy and emotions. Here’s what might be in store for you this lunation!
The Moon describes your most profound capacity to connect with others. It also conveys a great deal of information about the shape of your soul. We’ll be using the symbolic system of tropical astrology to see how the current Full Moon in Capricorn energizes your own Moon placement. Full Moons amplify energy and emotions. Here’s what might be in store for you this lunation!
♈ Aries Moon
Relational imbalances may rise to the fore of this lunation, Aries Moon. Meditations on your own aspirations and deeper consideration of how you communicate could help the Full Moon in Aquarius elevate you.
♉ Taurus Moon
The Aquarius Full Moon may have you feeling like a bowstring drawn taut and ready to fire. Let friction and tension ignite the magician within you, Taurus Moon, and you will bridge many worlds, traveling across disparate dimensions.
♊ Gemini Moon
The Full Moon in Aquarius may bring forth painful realizations that could also bring unnecessary suffering to an end. Be thoughtful in your response to this awareness, Gemini Moon, and avoid plunging ahead anyway. Take warning signs seriously; you may need to reconsider your plans.
♋ Cancer Moon
The right use of power and force may emerge under the influence of the Aquarius Full Moon, whether you are wielding it or are subject to another’s influence. Don’t let busy schedules or big ambitions push you to be transactional — it’s important to stay human and relational with others, Cancer Moon.
♌ Leo Moon
This Full Moon in Aquarius emphasizes your role in noble leadership, Leo Moon. You may be reminded that heavy is the head that wears the crown, as you must consider what is served by your decisions. (Hint: it may be a greater good than your own.)
♍ Virgo Moon
Not all departures are about leaving, Virgo Moon; sometimes they are about setting off on an entirely new journey. Though the Aquarius Full Moon may prove somewhat pensive, it is tinted with potential and promise.
♎ Libra Moon
The Full Moon in Aquarius brings tidings of abundance, joy, the desirable things in life fulfilled for you, Libra Moon. The only challenge may be: is your heart open to receive this reality? Is your focus in the right place? If needed, slightly alter your view to notice all the riches.
♏ Scorpio Moon
Rainer Maria Rilke imagines that the divine asks us to “flare up like a flame/ and make big shadows I can move in,” and this may be the Aquarius Full Moon’s ask of you, Scorpio Moon. Look for the divine in all things, especially among the big shadows cast by enormous feelings.
♐ Sagittarius Moon
This lunation could bring a bit of upset to your plans, Sagittarius Moon! Be ready for the Full Moon in Aquarius to initiate a new adventure, one you seem prepared for when you see through any trickery or deception (perhaps your own).
♑ Capricorn Moon
This lunation may prompt some moves, Capricorn Moon, as you discover the limits of your current self-image, the roles you play, and where those could carry you next. The Aquarius Full Moon could give the push you need to expand, even if feelings of wistful sentimentality may weigh on you a bit.
♒ Aquarius Moon
This is your Full Moon for 2026, Aquarius Moon, and it’s one of the most interesting lunations of the year! (And of course it is!) While your relational field is expanding with blessing, don’t neglect the lamp of wisdom within you. Your inner light can discern your path to stability, security, and right use of authority.
♓ Pisces Moon
The challenge of the Aquarius Full Moon could come in clearing the air and winnowing out unimportant details to get an unambiguous signal with respect to a new opportunity. Take time, Pisces Moon, and take good counsel in order to choose wisely.
