mercury retrograde

Surrender to the Flow: Full Moon in Aquarius 2025

Evolutionary astrologer Chad Woodward

Full Moon @ 17 Aquarius 00'

August 9, 2025

3:55 AM EDT

12:55 AM PDT

August's Full Moon in Aquarius occurs just days before Mercury's direct station (end of the retrograde cycle) and Mars' opposition to the Saturn-Neptune alignment. Additionally, Venus and Jupiter will soon meet up in Cancer, making this Full Moon alignment a bitter/sweet paradoxical mix.

The Full Moon always reflects a crescendo in our lives and in world events, a culmination of efforts and energies, sometimes resulting in a critical, decisive point. However, with this Full Moon, there is a lot of ambivalence mixed in here, especially in relation to our actions and ultimate end points.

Mars' opposition to the Saturn-Neptune alignment (and its crossing the Aries Point or AP axis) suggests major global shifts (literally and symbolically). This means a significant amount of energy is being released in the collective. Yet, we might feel confused or uncertain about where to direct it or make use of it because there is much that has not been settled or fully resolved.

Mercury's direct station, while ending the retrograde, can overwhelm us with a lot of data, dialogue, and options. Also, delays and technical issues can still cluster here, so it's best to plan for extra time and needed flexibility.

The Full Moon itself is almost lost in the mix of other alignments, but the Aquarian symbol is still relevant, directing us to the larger collective or greater impact. It is a forward-thinking sign, concerned with what lies ahead, and that brings plans and objectives more solidly into focus, a solidifying of our past efforts and their greater effect.

This Full Moon is not a time to keep forcing our will or desires especially if encountering resistance or pushback. Venus-Jupiter in Cancer reflects a need to soften and receive what's coming now, take a step back, wait, pause, and retreat. There will be an acceleration of energy in the coming weeks, so take your time and let go of the need for a clear view or directive.

Coming Together: New Moon in Sagittarius 2024

New Moon @ 9 degrees Sagittarius 33' 
November 30, 2024
10:21 PM PST
November 31, 2024
1:21 AM EST

November closes with a New Moon in tropical Sagittarius alongside the confluence of Mercury and Mars retrograde cycles. While Mars' official retrograde station occurs December 6th, it is slowing alongside the start of Mercury's retrograde cycle (that began November 25). Thus, the waxing phase of this lunar cycle (til the Full Moon December 15th) is more supportive of allowing ourselves to step back, revise, and refocus. 

The mutual reception of both retrograde Mercury and Jupiter (transiting each other's ruling sign) highlights a theme of altering perception, changing opinions, and integrating conflicting or paradoxical points of view. Certainty and clarity will not be easy to grasp under this lunation, so this is a good time to dig deeper for more information and open ourselves to alternative perspectives. 

Taking a more receptive and humble approach to what you know (or think you know) and intentionally challenging yourself to expand your perception will take you much further over the following weeks. Anticipate also some major changes and revisions to plans and perspectives, so approach this lunar cycle with more flexibility, humility, and a willingness to learn something new. 

Mars' trine to the New Moon and the lunar North Node indicate that this is a favorable portal through which we can ultimately strengthen and bolster a worldview, ideological orientation, or conception of the truth. Yet, instead of rushing thoughtlessly (or dogmatically) with conviction, take more time to critically and intuitively reflect on the pieces before you, and the picture will eventually become clearer.