The Next Full Moon: August 1, 2023 — See Details and More

The moon cycle consists of various phases, including the new moon, the first quarter, the full moon, and the last quarter. Full moons are known for their beauty, brightness, and impact on tides. Spiritually, it’s a time to release what no longer serves us and work through deep emotions. The next full moon is especially potent in this regard.

Full moons occur when the Moon is fully illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible as a circular disk from Earth.

Full moons are stunning, popular celestial events that represent completion and abundance. Many also believe full moons stir up intense emotional energy, friction, erratic behaviors, and even aggression. Many spiritual gurus encourage the public to use full moons as an opportunity to let go of what doesn’t serve us and what’s out of our control.

This article will detail the significance of this particular full moon and how you can celebrate its potent energy.

What Is a Full Moon?

A full moon is the phase of the lunar cycle when the Moon is illuminated by the sunlight and appears as a circle from our viewpoint on Earth. This occurs when the Moon is situated opposite the sun in its orbit around Earth, highlighting the side of the Moon that faces us.

Early Native Americans and indigenous communities used the phases of the moon and lunar months to keep track of time. In fact, they even named each full moon throughout the year:

• January: Wolf Moon 
• February: Snow Moon
• March: Worm Moon or Sap Moon
• April: Pink Moon
• May: Flower Moon
• June: Strawberry Moon
• July: Buck Moon or Thunder Moon
• August: Sturgeon Moon 
• September: Harvest Moon or Corn Moon
• October: Hunter’s Moon
• November: Beaver Moon 
• December: Cold Moon 

In such communities, members viewed the full moon as a guide or spiritual protector. As a result, many held full moon ceremonies or rituals to call in energy clearing and healing.

In astrology, the full moon symbolizes completion and abundance. In other words, the intentions you might have set during the new moon usually come to fruition at this time. However, this might require you to release what’s no longer serving you so you can make room for these new manifestations. Depending on the astrological sign associated with the particular full moon, there are different energies and themes that come into play. Since the next particular full moon is in the independent sign of Aquarius, it embodies innovation, solutions to problems, and progress toward the future.

Date and Timing of the Next Full Moon

The next full moon will take place on August 1, 2023, at 06:31 p.m., Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This moon is called a Sturgeon Moon. It’s said this Moon was named after lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), a freshwater fish and staple food source for Native Americans — caught in great amounts during this time of the year.

August 1’s full moon is also a supermoon, meaning it’s 7% larger than a typical moon. This occurs three to four times a year, and this one will be the second supermoon of 2023. The first was on July 3, and the last two of 2023 will take place on August 31 (also called the Blue Moon since it’s the second full moon in the same calendar month of August) and September 29.

While the full moon technically only lasts for an instant, its energy rises three days before, peaks on the day of the full moon, and slowly fades for three days after — totally a whole week of full moon energy. We can continue to see the full moon with the naked eye over this time.

If you’re spiritual, you likely know the full moon is a time to reflect on your life, relationships, and goals to determine what you must release and what deserves your energy. Many use the full moon to purge themselves of negative energy and cleanse their spirits. Through rituals like meditating, journaling, bathing, and burning paper/letters, you can use this lunar cycle phase to step into your power and shed what’s holding you back.

Astrological Significance of the Next Full Moon

Astronomy and astrology are closely connected, and many celestial events can be predicted or analyzed in relation to astrology. Astrologists study celestial bodies and their impacts on nature and living organisms. That being said, the Moon is a major symbol in astrology, often recognized for its influence over our emotions, relationships, and inner worlds.

The next full Moon is in the astrological sign of Aquarius, making it a time for liberation, exploration, and breaking away from the norms. Aquarius is known for its independence and rebellious nature. Using this energy, you can find ways to embrace your free spirit and follow your heart — not societal standards.

During the Aquarius full moon, you might feel more defiant, self-reliant, and innovative. Take advantage of your confidence and willingness to take charge. 

How the Next Full Moon Might Affect Each Zodiac Sign

Each astrological sign is affected differently by each full moon. Here’s what the zodiac signs can expect from August’s sturgeon full moon.

Aries (March 20-April 19)

During this time, Aries can expect to feel more social. Though they’re known for their independence and thrive in their solitude, Aries might crave more of a community at this time.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Taurus will likely prioritize their careers and professional lives during this moon phase, and many people will be more willing to listen to Taurus’s insights. This sign might feel more compelled to share their knowledge or raise awareness for certain causes. 

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This is a great time for Gemini to communicate their thoughts and needs as well as embrace their perspectives. During the Aquarius full moon, Gemini might be feeling more unconventional than usual.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This moon will highlight Cancer’s finances and resources, especially in relation to an external source. Additionally, Cancer might reassess their boundaries and how accessible they allow themselves to be to others.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Since this full moon is occurring during Leo season, it’s a great time for Leo to fully embrace who they are and surround themselves with people who celebrate them. This will especially show up in romantic relationships.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

During the Aquarius full moon, Virgo might want to spice up their daily routine. An innovative, unpredictable period might help increase mental stimulation, leading to more productivity and fulfillment.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22)

Creativity is a top priority for Libra at this time. Pursuing passion projects or anything outside the box can help inspire Libra and help them connect with their authentic self.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Scorpio can expect to rethink their home life during this phase — especially regarding aesthetics and cultivating a sacred environment. Additionally, they might embrace their freedom and innovation related to their living space.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Sagittarius should speak their mind during this full moon. This fire sign will do well with open-minded people who are willing to listen to their ideas, beliefs, and perspectives. 

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Capricorns will likely prioritize their money and resources during the Aquarius full moon. They will especially rethink their possessions and how they manage their finances.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This is Aquarius’s full moon — and it might mark an introspective, solitary period for the sign. Aquarius will likely forge their own path and prioritize their own wants, needs, and dreams.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Pisces can benefit from protecting their energy during this moon phase. Partaking in habits like journaling, meditating, and reading might assist in their solitude.

Full Moon Rituals and Celebrations

As mentioned earlier, full moons symbolize letting go, releasing the past, and closing chapters. Many people celebrate this celestial event each moon cycle, journaling about what they’d like to leave behind so they can call in something that is more in alignment with them. This can be a solo act or a group event.

A full moon ritual can look different for everyone. For example, some people might simply cleanse their space by burning incense or different dried herbs, while others might take a cleansing bath with different herbs and oils. This is also a great time to meditate on what you’d like to let go of and how you might move forward into the next phase. Similar to what you’d do during a new moon ritual, you can play guided meditations, healing frequencies, or music that embodies the full moon’s energy. 

During this moon phase, many will write (and burn) a letter of release. Whether you’re writing to a specific person, emotion, or even situation, this can be an extremely healing experience. For example, maybe you’ve been trying to call in a new relationship, but you’re still pining over your ex. In this case, you might consider writing a letter to your ex, including everything you wish you could say to them. Tell them about your current feelings toward them (like anger, resentment, guilt, or even longing), your reflections on the relationships, and your choice to let them go.

Be sure to express gratitude at the end of your letter, as this will ensure your energy is positive and you are ready to let go of those negative emotions you’ve written down. It’s okay not to feel grateful for that person or experience (especially if they hurt or mistreated you), so you can even just express gratitude for your own strength, insight, and ability to move forward from the relationship. 

Once you’re done writing the letter, light it on fire (in a safe place) and watch it burn, feeling your negative emotions and attachments to that person/situation melt away. 

What to Expect from the Next Full Moon

Full moons are beautiful and exhilarating celestial events that occur every 29.5 days (or once a month, rarely twice a month — which actually is happening in August!) The next one on August 1 will be a great opportunity to reflect on the intentions you set during the last new moon and release any self-doubt, insecurities, attachments, and negativity occupying your mind. 

While the Aquarius full moon can stir up emotions and act as a “purge” of negativity, it can also encourage rebellion and independent pursuits. Happy Full Moon!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Fernando Astasio Avila/Shutterstock.com