A Different Turn: Full Moon in Aquarius 2021

Jacqui Barker, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon @ 29 Aquarius 37'

August 21, 2021

5:02 AM PDT

8:02 AM EDT

August's Full Moon is the second to occur in tropical Aquarius in 2021. And straddling the final degree of Aquarius (known as the anaretic degree), there is likely an explosive quality to this lunation, one that feels like an inevitable or fated culmination and conclusion that can pervade both personal and collective dimensions.

Like the Aquarian Full Moon in late July, the polarity of personal versus collective desires is central here. Is what's best for the collective always best for every individual? Is what's best for the individual sometimes hindering collective agendas?

There is a breaking point being reached here in this current conversation that will continue as Jupiter and Saturn transit through Aquarius, and even further and more seriously as Pluto enters Aquarius beginning in 2023. We will face the apparent consequences to the extreme points of view come 2023 and beyond.

However, Jupiter's conjunction to this lunation adds an expansive, optimistic, and opportunistic dimension, bringing to fruition rewards, open doors, and a peak to inflammatory situations. Jupiter augments collaborative endeavors as well as genius, lone-wolf strategies. What emerges alongside this Full Moon can empower us further toward both freedom and interconnectedness.

A Full Moon in Aquarius conjunct Jupiter can also emphasize taking bold and unusual actions. Be mindful of how far you expand or how radical the position you take over the next few days. However, connecting in with this lunation deeply can give us access to greater authenticity and truth. Listen to your calling and choose the open doors that feel right for you.

Greater Heights: Full Moon in Aquarius 2021

NASA Earth Observatory, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon @ 01 Aquarius 26'

July 23, 2021

7:38 PM PDT

10:38 PM EDT

Just as the Sun moves into tropical Leo, its home sign and place of maximum dignity, the Full Moon culminates in Aquarius, passing between Saturn and Pluto. While this lunation can bring about some heavy, sobering realizations and issues, don't let the energy of this Full Moon distract you from the creative and relational opportunities occurring alongside it.

While Saturn is now in Aquarius, its conjunction with Pluto will be in orb until the end of this year. The Sun in Leo will last longer than this lunation, so the next few days can quickly pull us into a more objective frame of mind to gather perspective and assess critical matters. The closing of 2021 correlates with the gradual dissipation of the Saturn/Pluto slog we've been potently transversing since 2019, but especially since its peak in early 2020.

The Full Moon here is likely to pull on many of those Saturn/Pluto themes--the emergence of hard truths and heavy-hitting realities. Yet also, in places where we've been working to gain greater freedom/independence, potential breakthroughs or culminations are possible. Look also for building confidence in being authentic or in expressing a unique point of view.

The Aquarian archetype emphasizes individuality, freedom, and collaboration. The tension inherent in this Full Moon likely lies in balancing personal desires with others, especially against larger collective or communal objectives. With Venus' opposition to Jupiter alongside this lunation, look for opportunities to reach beyond differences as well as expansions in various relational dialogues.

Society can benefit from both cooperation/collaboration and individuals taking a stand for what they believe or understand. Sometimes overt self-interest can be detrimental to society, and also overt conformity can turn maladaptive and stifle progress. And always, there is nuance in between the extremes and places where compromise can be found. In times like these, pay closer attention to those grey areas and work to understand more than one point of view.