Full Moon in July/August astrology
July ends under the full Buck Moon – July 29
The full moon in July is called the Buck full Moon, as the antlers of bucks (male deer) are in full growth mode. During this time of year I have seen herds of bucks grazing in the high Sierra meadows at Tuolumne in Yosemite. As they roamed the grass land with the Tuolumne River winding through the meadow, it seems as these graceful animals crowned themselves with elegant tree branches.
We are in tumultuous times, moving from one era to another, the underbelly of our government coming to light, as the astrology of this summer of 2026 carries unique planetary alignments that bring intensity, that drive endings with the potential to birth new systems and ways of being. We are immersed in the cosmic dance of powerful currents of change, disruption, deconstruction, a kind of a tearing away of the old, exposing old patterns, or weaknesses of structure, with the potential to rebirth governing structures and relations world wide.
On a personal level, especially as the outer planets align with your own natal chart, there is a call to transform, to rewrite the script you’ve been conditioned to live out, and to dare to step into the new. The challenge is holding stability within your psyche while uncertainty and shifting ground takes place. The challenge is to slow enough in order to listen deeply to what is pushing to emerge, to be born. And now, that takes place within ‘the not knowing’, while staying fully present to the moment. It reminds me of hiking in the high sierra when suddenly the winds pick up and drive the thunderheads to cover the sky and then thunder breaks the stillness and you can hear the cackle of lightning as it hits the ground nearby. It is at that moment that alertness to the moment pulls you into presence and decisions to be made.
July 29 – Full Moon in Aquarius – 7:36 am PDT
This full Moon in Aquarius is full of paradox. Aquarius is the sign of air and inventiveness, a sign of the future and vision. This full Moon is conjunct Pluto, the God of the Underworld and Transformation. It combines above and below, highlighting what has been hidden, and bringing it to the surface. This combination sets the stage for transforming the projection into the future, not letting us move forward until we review and transform our visions for the future, for what community now means to us and where we want to evolve.
The full Moon opposes the Sun in expressive and dramatic Leo, conjuncting Jupiter in Leo. The pairing in this opposition couldn’t be more different. The Sun and Jupiter in Leo are full of generosity and largeness, dramatic expression and bravado. Pluto conjunct the Moon brings us into the depths, intensity of experience, issues of power or powerlessness, sets the stage for transformation of vision. What was envisioned before now becomes revisioned because we have more insight and knowledge of the depths, of what’s been hidden.
We might say on a personal level this full Moon in Aquarius conjunct Pluto invites us to sit with our vision for our future, for what we might become, for our connection with community, and asks us where we want to transform that vision. How might we want to renew ourselves? What do we need to let go of? What deeper issues that linger in our consciousness are ready for transformation? How might our vision be transformative and how might we express and contribute that to our communities?
This Aquarius full Moon with the Leo Jupiter conjunction form the edges of Barbault’s basket, as you can see below. It contains the Aries Vortex, the fast moving transformative energy of Uranus trine Pluto as it funnels through imaginative possibilities of Neptune. It calls to all visionaries to imagine what could be, and to break through to new possibilities to transform our societies.
For all of those who have planets between 4-8 degrees of any of the signs, it sets the stage for letting go of the old, being bold to step into the new, to realign with ourselves as reimagined, and to ask ourselves how might we positively contribute to the vision of an evolving conscious humanity.
During this time pay close attention to your relations and the quality of response within your relationships, as Venus is at 21 Virgo squaring Mars at 21 Gemini. This is a tensional aspect between assertion and harmonizing with others. The aspect calls for patience and thoughtfulness in responses in relationship. It poses the question of how to balance one’s needs with the needs of others.
Shifting of nodes –
July 29 – Full Moon at 6 Aquarius, 7:36 am PDT
Affirmation for Full Moon in Aquarius
“I am part of both the future unfolding and the deep conditioning of the past. This is a moment of transformation, of attuning to the heart of matters, to the heart of humanity and to the earth, allowing myself to participate with spirit to bring forth transformative visions and consciousness.”
Affirmation for Full Moon in Aquarius #2
“I bring my awareness to the larger world of humanity in which I live, knowing this is a very powerful time for revealing what has been hidden around power and money with the possibility of transformation and evolution of the collective. I balance my outer active social life with contemplative reflective times of deeper insight.”
August astrology brings us into eclipse season, with a solar eclipse at 20 degrees Leo, on the 12th, and a lunar eclipse at 4 Pisces, on the 27th. The eclipses, with their exact alignment of Sun, Moon, and Earth, can bring unexpected situations, and intensity of collective feelings. On the 12th, the solar eclipse takes place as the moon blocks the light of the Sun. We might say that collectively the shadow of our creations are exposed. Temporarily, day becomes night and the potential for a rebirth can take place, as we acknowledge the need to release the habituated forms of leadership (Leo) that no longer work for the collective. The astrological event of the eclipse within the Aries Vortex is an archetypal field pushing for change, transformation, and new beginnings.
The Eclipse and the Collective Threshold
The August Solar Eclipse occurs within one of the most remarkable planetary fields of our time. The eclipse itself joins the South Node in Leo, suggesting that humanity stands at a moment of relinquishing and reviewing the ongoing forms of leadership, sense of collective identity, and collective self-expression. South Node eclipses focus on release often bringing endings. They ask what must be consciously released if evolution is to continue.
This eclipse unfolds within an outstanding aspect configuration. (See the chart below). Venus in Libra forms a Grand Air Trine with Uranus in Gemini and Pluto in Aquarius, while simultaneously opposing the Saturn, Neptune conjunction in Aries. Together these planets create an almost complete Grand Sextile, lacking only its Sagittarian point of fulfillment.
This suggests that humanity possesses unprecedented potential for creative reorganization. This planetary field is rich with possibilities for innovation, cooperation, technological advancement, and new forms of relationship. Yet the missing Sagittarian point reminds us that potential alone is insufficient. This open space in the configuration brings forward the question of meaning and vision that can lead us forward. We must ask, “Toward what vision are these extraordinary capacities directed?” Without a shared philosophy rooted in wisdom, truth, and ethical purpose, innovation can serve domination as easily as liberation.
Venus and the Crisis of Relationship
Venus now in Libra and aligning in the Aries Vortex reminds us that the future depends upon relationship itself. Diplomacy, dialogue, justice, reciprocity, beauty, and mutual recognition now become evolutionary necessities. At the same time, Venus stands opposite Neptune while Mars in Cancer forms a T-square with that opposition. Venus seeks cooperation. Neptune can inspire compassion but also projection, idealization, propaganda, and collective fantasy. Mars in Cancer brings powerful emotional loyalties surrounding homeland, ancestry, family, tribe, and national identity. When these combine unconsciously, they may express themselves as polarization, nationalism, religious certainty, emotional reactivity, or conflicts justified in the name of protection or belonging. When lived consciously, the same energies become courageous protection of life, humanitarian action, reconciliation, and the willingness to care across divisions. Astrology outlines the landscape. Humanity and its consciousness participates in the choices to be made.
Celestial Events for August
Aug 3 – Chiron retrograde at 1 Taurus – Chiron enters Taurus, and harmonizes with the Earth signs, Virgo and Capricorn. The potential is here for more consciousness and healing takes place around environmental issues. Last time in Taurus was 1976 through spring of 1984. The 1970s became known as the “Environmental Decade”. Check out where Taurus is in your chart, as Chiron in Taurus can help bring more consciousness to your own physical well being.
Aug 6 – Venus enters Libra – and brings relational consciousness to the forefront. Venus in Libra also promotes justice, fairness and balance. This is Venus’s sign, where it expresses itself more predominately. In Libra, Venus highlights the arts and diplomatic interactions. It focuses on others and brings thoughtfulness and considerations into daily life.
Aug 6 – The Sun at 14 Leo trines Saturn retrograde at 14 Aries – an excellent day to focus and accomplish goals and self-discipline.
Aug 9 – Mercury enters Leo and squares Chiron – Mercury in Leo brings out dramatic and creative expressiveness. With its square to Chiron, thoughtful reflection in communications can bring healing.
Aug 10 – Venus at 4 Libra trines Pluto in Aquarius and opposes Neptune in Aries – Venus begins to activate the Aries Vortex, quick moving change seeking new forms for the collective and society. The trine to Pluto creates a potent time to transform realtionship dynamics. The opposition to Neptune is highly imaginative, idealistic and calls for careful consideration of what is being offered or agreed upon.
Aug 11 – Mars enters Cancer – is highly protective, (think Mother bear) and can be emotionally reactive. Deeper emotional issues promote its actions. Mars in Cancer is considered to be in its “fall” sign, meaning that in Cancer Mars tends to be more emotionally affected and less able to focus and discipline its direction.
Aug 11 – Mercury at 4 Leo opposes Pluto in Aquarius, trines Neptune in Aries – Mercury activates the Aries Vortex. Hidden issues may be revealed which carry the possibility of transforming our thinking. With the trine to Neptune, contemplation, imaginative, and inspirational thinking is supported.
Aug 11 – Venus at 5 Libra trines Uranus in Gemini – breakthroughs in relationship, sharing inspiration, trying new things together, breaking out of habituated patterns. Meeting inspiring people.
Aug 12 – Total Solar Eclipse at 20 Leo – This Solar Eclipse takes place next to the Leo south node, rather than the north node. When an eclipse takes place at the south node it emphasizes completion, release, purification and remembering. In the sign Leo, the eclipse may reveal patterns that are no longer sustainable and identities, or ways of expressing ourselves, that have outlived their usefulness. Collectively, it can highlight leadership styles that have become habituated and are no longer supported. If you have planets from 18-22 degrees Leo this eclipse may be highly significant for you as a time to release old patterns of self identification so that something new can emerge.
Total Solar Eclipse at 20 Leo, 9:37 am PDT
Affirmation for Solar Eclipse in Leo
“I recognize that this is a time to attune to my heart and to release any patterns that keep me from authentically embodying myself. I am renewed by finding ways to creatively express myself.”
Aug 12 – Mercury at 5 Leo sextiles Uranus in Gemini – a day to be inspired. mental breakthroughs, insights and new perspectives.
Aug 13 – Mercury at 6 Leo sextiles Venus in Libra – charming and thoughtful communications, poetic expressions, diplomatic relations
Aug 15 – Mercury at 10 Leo conjuncts Jupiter – philosophic ponderings, dramatic communications, teaching and learning.
Aug 17 – Mars at 4 Cancer squares Neptune in Aries – take time to consider actions, clarity may be foggy, deeper needs to be considered.
Aug 17 – Mercury at 14 Leo trines Saturn in Aries – focused mind and communications, discerning expressions, disciplined writing.
Aug 17 – Venus at 10 Libra sextiles Jupiter in Leo – enjoyment with others, sharing heartfelt communications.
Aug 21 – Venus at 14 Libra opposes Saturn in Aries – thoughtful reflection in relationship, deep feelings, not a time to rush forward or make assumptions in relationship.
Aug 22 – The Sun enters Virgo – transition from summer into harvest and soon fall. Attending to detail, putting things in place.
Aug 23 – The Sun at 1 Virgo trines Chiron in Taurus – a day for healing and self nurturing.
Aug 25 – Mercury enters Virgo, trines Chiron in Taurus – mental acuity, researching details, practical analysis and patiently crafting.
Aug 26 – The Sun, Mercury at 3 Virgo quincunxes Pluto in Aquarius – attending to details in one’s life as powerful changes take place in society and technology.
Aug 26 – The Sun at 3 Virgo quincunx Neptune in Aries – (Yod) – a turning point, making choices, open to reimagining what could be as transformation takes place.
Aug 27 – Mercury at 3 Virgo quincunx Neptune in Aries – refining one’s perceptions with new beginnings taking place.
Aug 27 – The Sun conjuncts Mercury at 4 Virgo – strong insights, research and analysis are supported.
Aug 27 – Partial Lunar Eclipse at 4 Pisces – 9:13 pm PDT – Lunar Eclipse squaring Uranus in Gemini –
A Pisces North Node Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse concerns consciousness itself as it is reflected through feeling, memory, instinct, and the collective unconscious. It marks a period in which the familiar light of consciousness is temporarily softened, allowing deeper layers of the psyche to become more accessible. During a lunar eclipse we often discover that what has been quietly developing beneath the surface is now asking to be felt, acknowledged, and integrated. Dreams may become more vivid, intuition more immediate, emotions more fluid, and seemingly unrelated experiences may begin to reveal an underlying pattern of meaning.
Because it occurs on the North Node, the symbolism is not primarily one of release but of emergence. Something not yet fully integrated seeks expression. Pisces reminds us that there exists a deeper current carrying all of us. During this eclipse we may become more aware of our interconnectedness, not only with other people, but with nature, imagination, memory, grief, creativity, and the larger mystery from which life continually emerges. We may notice heightened sensitivity. Old grief may surface unexpectedly. Moments of profound compassion may arise. Creative inspiration may arrive without effort. Long-standing dreams may ask for renewed attention.
Squaring Uranus in Gemini
Uranus in Gemini disrupts the ways we think. It revolutionizes communication, language, networks, education, artificial intelligence, media, and the movement of information. At its lowest expression, this square could correlate symbolically with information overload, ideological fragmentation, technological acceleration, propaganda, and increasing nervous-system reactivity. At its highest expression, Uranus becomes the awakener. It continually breaks conceptual boundaries so that consciousness can perceive larger patterns in an expanding field of awareness.
Affirmation for Lunar Eclipse, Full Moon in Pisces
“I am aware that I live in a greater field of consciousness that carries both imagination and illusion. During this time I listen more closely to nature, my inner life, and dreams that message me during the night. A reorientation is taking place.”
Aug 27 – Mercury at 5 Virgo squares Uranus in Gemini – disruption of meticulous thinking may set the stage for new insights. Communications interrupted.
Aug 28 – The Sun at 5 Virgo squares Uranus in Gemini – revolutionary impulses push breakthroughs. Sudden disruptions.
Aug 31 – Jupiter at 13 Leo trines Saturn in Aries – An excellent time to expand and focus on expressing oneself in new ways. Grounding and/or completing creative work.
Sept 1 – Mars at 13 Cancer squares Saturn in Aries – Slow down and reconsider actions and/or intentions. Impulsive actions meets obstacles.
The Twelve signs for August 2026: Sun and Rising Signs
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Dear Aries, with the Sun traveling through the fire sign of Leo until August 22, find ways to enjoy yourself and express your creativity. During the Solar eclipse something unexpected may reveal itself to be released or seen in a new light. Your ruling planet, Mars has entered Cancer, and now brings in more sensitivity and protectiveness. Home projects are emphasized as well as gathering with family or the ones you love. Mars in Cancer is closer to your instinctual self so be alert to unconscious reactions. When the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, your focus shifts to more practical endeavors. It is an excellent time to begin a new health routine, or to focus in on the details of what you would like to complete. The Pisces Lunar eclipse on the 27th encourages you to retreat, to take some time to feel into where you are emotionally now. Something new is wanting to emerge even as you complete things. Listen to your dreams. Rest and rejuvenate.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Dear Taurus, with the Sun traveling through the fire sign of Leo until August 22, your attention turns toward home, family, and creating a stronger sense of security. The Solar Eclipse may reveal a new perspective around your living situation, family relationships, or your inner foundation. Something from the past may be ready to be released so that a deeper sense of peace can emerge. Your ruling planet, Venus, is moving through Libra, encouraging greater balance in your daily routines, work environment, and personal well-being. Small changes made now can have a lasting effect. When the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, your creativity, joy, and self-expression come alive. Make time for the people and activities that nourish your heart. The Pisces Lunar Eclipse on the 27th highlights friendships, community, and long-held dreams. Listen for new inspiration that is quietly calling you toward the future.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Dear Gemini, with the Sun traveling through the fire sign of Leo until August 22, your curiosity is awakened and your desire to learn, connect, and share ideas grows stronger. The Solar Eclipse may bring an unexpected conversation, insight, or realization that changes how you think about a situation. Your ruling planet, Mercury, travels through Leo before entering Virgo on the 25th, helping you express yourself with confidence while also preparing you to focus on practical matters closer to home. It is a wonderful time to organize, simplify, and create greater stability in your personal life. When the Sun joins Mercury in Virgo on the 27th, your attention naturally shifts toward family, home projects, and strengthening your foundations, while on the same day, the Pisces Lunar Eclipse brings your career, purpose, and public life into focus. Trust that your path is unfolding one meaningful step at a time.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): Dear Cancer, with the Sun traveling through the fire sign of Leo until August 22, your attention turns toward your values, finances, and the many gifts you have to offer. The Solar Eclipse may help you recognize an old pattern that is ready to be released, allowing you to build greater confidence in your own worth. Your ruling planet, the Moon, reaches its fullness through the Lunar Eclipse in Pisces on the 27th, making this an especially meaningful month for you emotionally and spiritually. Mars continues its journey through Cancer, giving you additional energy while also heightening your sensitivity. Use this time to act from your deeper instincts rather than reacting to temporary emotions. When the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, communication, learning, and meaningful conversations become more important. Listen closely to what life is trying to teach you, and allow your intuition to guide the next steps.
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): Dear Leo, with the Sun traveling through your sign until August 22, this is your time to shine, reconnect with your heart, and celebrate all that makes you uniquely you. The Solar Eclipse in Leo marks a powerful turning point, inviting you to release an old identity or way of expressing yourself that no longer reflects who you are becoming. You may find yourself seeing your life from an entirely new perspective. Your ruling planet, the Sun, enters Virgo on the 22nd, shifting your attention toward your values, finances, and the practical ways you can support your future. It is an excellent time to organize your resources and invest your energy wisely. The Pisces Lunar Eclipse on the 27th encourages emotional honesty and deeper trust. Let go of what no longer nourishes your spirit and allow space for a more authentic expression of yourself to emerge.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Dear Virgo, with the Sun traveling through Leo until August 22, this is a month for reflection, renewal, and allowing yourself moments of quiet before your own birthday season begins. The Solar Eclipse may bring unconscious patterns into awareness, helping you release something that has quietly influenced your life from behind the scenes. Your ruling planet, Mercury, begins the month in Leo before entering Virgo on the 25th, bringing increasing clarity, confidence, and mental focus. As the Sun joins Mercury in your sign on the 27th, you step into a new personal cycle filled with opportunities to refine your goals and move forward with purpose. The Pisces Lunar Eclipse on the 27th highlights your closest relationships, encouraging compassion, honest communication, and a willingness to see one another with fresh eyes. Time to balance independence with meaningful connection.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Dear Libra, with the Sun traveling through the fire sign of Leo until August 22, friendships, community, and your hopes for the future are illuminated. The Solar Eclipse may introduce a surprising shift within your social circle or inspire you to move in a new direction that better reflects who you are becoming. Your ruling planet, Venus, is beautifully placed in Libra, encouraging harmony, confidence, and a renewed appreciation for your own unique gifts. Others are naturally drawn to your grace and diplomacy, making this an excellent time to strengthen important relationships. When the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, your attention turns inward. Give yourself permission to slow down, rest, and reflect before your own birthday season begins. The Pisces Lunar Eclipse on the 27th invites you to bring greater awareness to your daily routines, health, and well-being. Small, thoughtful changes can restore both balance and peace.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Dear Scorpio, with the Sun traveling through the fire sign of Leo until August 22, your attention turns toward your career, purpose, and the contributions you are making in the world. The Solar Eclipse may reveal a new direction or encourage you to release an old definition of success that no longer reflects who you are becoming. Your ruling planet, Mars, continues its journey through Cancer, awakening your desire to broaden your horizons through study, travel, or spiritual exploration. Trust your instincts as you expand your understanding of what your life is now calling forth. When the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, friendships and community become more meaningful. Surround yourself with those who encourage your growth and share your vision. The Pisces Lunar Eclipse on the 27th awakens your creative spirit, inviting you to express yourself with greater freedom, joy, and authenticity. Let your heart lead the way.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): Dear Sagittarius, with the Sun traveling through the fellow fire sign of Leo until August 22, your desire for adventure, learning, and discovering new possibilities is strengthened. The Solar Eclipse may open your mind to a different philosophy, inspire travel, or encourage you to release beliefs that have quietly limited your growth. Your ruling planet, Jupiter, now traveling through Leo, expands your confidence and reminds you that life often responds generously when you follow what genuinely inspires you. It is an excellent time to share your knowledge, teach, write, or explore unfamiliar territory. When the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, your focus shifts toward your career and long-term aspirations. Practical planning now supports future success. The Pisces Lunar Eclipse on the 27th highlights home, family, and your emotional foundations, encouraging you to create a stronger sense of inner security from which your next adventure can unfold.
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): Dear Capricorn, with the Sun traveling through Leo until August 22, your attention is drawn toward transformation, shared resources, and the deeper emotional currents shaping your life. The Solar Eclipse may help you release an old attachment, fear, or expectation, creating space for greater trust and renewal. Your ruling planet, Saturn, now traveling with Neptune in Aries, asks you to strengthen your inner foundations while remaining open to a new vision for your future. This is a time to build patiently while allowing inspiration to guide your choices. When the Sun enters fellow earth sign Virgo on the 22nd, your perspective naturally broadens. Learning, travel, or exploring new ideas may bring renewed enthusiasm and purpose. The Pisces Lunar Eclipse on the 27th encourages meaningful conversations and fresh insights. Listen carefully to both your inner voice and those around you. A simple exchange may open an unexpected doorway.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Dear Aquarius, with the Sun traveling through Leo until August 22, your closest relationships are illuminated, inviting you to bring greater warmth, openness, and authenticity to the people who matter most. The Solar Eclipse may reveal a new understanding about a partnership or encourage you to release old relationship patterns that no longer support your growth. Your traditional ruling planet, Saturn, together with Neptune in Aries, encourages you to give form to your ideas while communicating with both clarity and compassion. Your modern ruler, Uranus in Gemini, continues to awaken new ways of thinking and expressing your creativity. When the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, your attention turns toward deeper emotional connections, shared resources, and inner transformation. The Pisces Lunar Eclipse on the 27th invites you to reflect upon your values and your relationship with abundance. Trust what truly nourishes your heart and let it guide your choices.
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Dear Pisces, with the Sun traveling through Leo until August 22, your attention turns toward your daily routines, work, and personal well-being. The Solar Eclipse may reveal where an old habit, responsibility, or way of caring for yourself is ready to change, opening the door to healthier rhythms and greater balance. Your traditional ruling planet, Jupiter, traveling through Leo, encourages you to find joy and creativity in your everyday life, while Neptune in Aries inspires you to recognize your gifts and trust in your own inner worth. When the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, your focus shifts toward your closest relationships, inviting honest communication and a willingness to grow together. The Pisces Lunar Eclipse on the 27th shines a gentle light upon your own life, encouraging you to honor who you are while listening for what is quietly emerging from within. Trust your intuition, embrace your sensitivity, and allow your inner wisdom to guide the next chapter.
Susan Heinzis a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 44 years, bringing together traditional & esoteric astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. For info on her Friday monthly astrology groups, her Qabalah, astrology and/or painting classes, and for personal readings, go to www.susanheinz.com