Astrological Avengers Assemble: How the August Full Moon Will Shake Things Up

One of the most eventful astrological events of the year is happening on August 19. The end of summer may be approaching in the northern hemisphere, but this year’s Aquarius full moon is sure to turn up the heat. Full moons are notorious for bringing a little drama. In fact, the word lunatic is derived from the Latin word lunaticus, once associated with madness and epilepsy thought to be caused by the moon. But we can’t look at just one astrological placement to speculate possible outcomes for a period of time. As an astrologer, it’s my job to look at multiple factors when analyzing a natal chart or daily transits, to help determine the overall energy of a particular moment in time. And after looking at the planetary placements of the Aquarius full moon, I can almost promise you, the days leading up to and weeks after this full moon are sure to be TV drama level eventful.

Manifesting with the Moon

I recently wrote about the significance of the moon’s cycle but here’s a quick refresher. The moon is connected to our intuition, how we were nurtured, our emotions, our mother, women, fertility, our home, and change amongst other things. The moon spends approximately two and a half days in one zodiac sign, and the sign that it is in on a particular day can be a big indicator of not only how you’ll feel or process emotions during that period, but also everyone else. When the sun opposes or “sits across” from the moon, we experience a full moon, which is associated with things coming to fruition, endings and release. For insight into what may manifest for you around a full moon, you can look back to the corresponding new moon that occurred in the same zodiac sign six months earlier. If you want to be intentional about moon manifesting, you can set goals during each new moon, do some physical work towards the goal(s) in the months following the new moon, and you could see some tangible results when the moon is full in that same zodiac sign. There was a new moon in the sign of Aquarius on February 9, 2024. If you look back to what was happening personally for you around that time and the weeks after, it can be an indication of what may culminate as we approach this Aquarius full moon. Now let’s get into the specifics of this particular full moon, and why it’s one of the most pinnacle points of this entire year. 

Expect the Unexpected

I personally keep referencing August 19 as the “Astrological Avengers” because all of the planets are involved in what feels like a big battle in the cosmos. This may be the beginning of some sort of change of course for us all. There are two planetary aspects called T-squares on this day, which may cause some tension, but also provide a unique opportunity for us to break free of old patterns both personally, and as a society. T-squares involve two or more planets in opposition to each other, with one or more in a square aspect to the planets in opposition. T-squares can cause tension, but can be a motivator to take action. One of the T-squares involves the sun in Leo, sitting next to Mercury (currently retrograde), both opposing the moon in Aquarius. All three planets square Uranus in Taurus. The polar opposite energy of Leo and Aquarius represents a battle between ego and unselfishness, and the square to Uranus in Taurus wants us to break free and transform. This is further emphasized by the point opposite the apex of the T-square, Scorpio. 

I asked esteemed Astrologer, Debra Silvermann what this Aquarius full moon represents: “Permission to be yourself: everyone else is taken. This full moon begs the question, are you ok with your strangement? Because astrology makes weird normal. So does Aquarius.”  

Aquarius is about embracing the unique and different, and also being forward thinking. But a shadow side of Aquarius is dogma, and clinging to beliefs, without allowing room for alternative thinking. Because this T-square involves the fixed signs, there may be a great resistance to change, but this will only create unnecessary suffering. Aquarius is connected to humanity at large, and in order for us to move forward as a society, we must find a common ground, while embracing what makes us unique and different. This is reinforced by the energy of the T-square involving mutable signs, which will require flexibility and adaptability. Venus in Virgo sits opposite Saturn in Pisces, while they both square Jupiter and Mars in Gemini. Jupiter squaring Saturn is the first of two more to come, one in December and another June 2025, so pay attention to the themes in your life around the full moon. This combination and configuration of planets, coupled with the intensity of the full moon, during a Mercury retrograde period, can lead to disagreements and the spread of misinformation. This is a time to think before speaking and responding, and to practice compassion. Knowing how to go with the flow will serve you well around the full moon , as there may be sudden changes that occur with Aquarius’ modern ruler, Uranus involved in the mix. 

Adama Sesay, Professional Astrologer and Author of Black Moon Lilith Rising and the Black Moon Lilith Cosmic Alchemy Oracle on this full moon, “The upcoming Aquarius full moon is infused with rebellious energy that encourages us to break away from anything that doesn’t serve our authenticity. We can expect sudden changes, shocking events, and revelations that will challenge the status quo and push us out of our comfort zones. This is a time to embrace the unexpected, allowing these disruptions to guide us toward greater freedom and a more genuine expression of our true selves.”

Embrace the Energy of the Full Moon

Astrology is a powerful tool for both self discovery and navigating life in general, so now that you know the energy the Aquarius full moon may bring, let’s explore how you can flow with it versus against it. The August Full Moon Reading will give you an in-depth breakdown of the full moon and how it will affect your sign specifically, but generally, I see this full moon as an opportunity to step into your personal power (Leo), and share your unique gift(s) (Aquarius), to help uplift others or build/strengthen your community. 

It’s a time to lean into open-mindedness and hear what others have to say, even if you have a different perspective. No one has all of the answers, and our perspectives are shaped by our individual experiences. There is value in sharing your story, but also in hearing others’. While some unexpected event or development may be out of your control, trust that you are being guided in the right direction towards something that your soul needs. Wherever you end up may be better than you could have planned or imagined. 

If you want to know the area(s) of your life where there may be an important development around the full moon, or where you may feel an emotional shift, read for your sun, moon and rising sign below:

• Aries sun/rising – Friendships, your network and hopes and wishes.
• Taurus sun/rising – Career, your reputation & status 
• Gemini sun/rising – Travel to far away places, spiritual & educational growth  
• Cancer sun/rising – Money and shared resources with others, emotional & sexual intimacy 
• Leo sun/rising – Romantic and platonic relationships and partnerships 
• Virgo sun/rising – Daily routine, coworkers, health, serving others  
• Libra sun/rising – Your romantic life, creativity, children, self-expression 
• Scorpio sun/rising – Your home environment, family, ancestry 
• Sagittarius sun/rising –  Your mind, communication, short-distance travel, siblings
• Capricorn sun/rising – Finances, material wealth, self-worth 
• Aquarius sun/rising – Yourself, your personality and physical body 
• Pisces sun/rising – Your subconscious, karma, dreams and endings  

Sesay’s thoughts on the zodiac signs that will be most affected by this full moon: “Aquarius and Leo will both feel this full moon the most followed by the other fixed signs, Scorpio and Taurus.” 
My personal advice for the people with a lot of fixed energy in their natal charts (including myself), go with the flow and surrender. We are not meant to control everything. Let life’s magic happen for you. And for everyone, let’s be kind to one another, and try not to take everything personally. It’s a big universe and not everything is about “us”. The one thing we can control is our thoughts, so stay mindful and do more of the things that bring you peace. Check out your August Full Moon Reading for tips and easy rituals for how to do so.