The Next Full Moon: August 30, 2023 — See Details and More

Every 29.5 days, a full moon occurs, appearing as a bright full circle in the sky. The Moon endures various phases throughout those days, including the new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. 

The next full moon is the second full moon in August, making it a super Blue Moon. It will appear larger than most full moons as it is at its closest point to Earth during this time.

The Blue Supermoon will occur in the astrological sign of Pisces, a water sign associated with mysticism and intuition. Full moons are highly anticipated celestial events, especially for skywatchers, astronomers, and astrologers. Many say the full moon stirs up emotional turmoil and causes tensions to rise. In fact, many ER nurses claim there’s an uptick in emergency room visits during full moons.

Throughout the week of the full moon, you might feel especially reflective and sensitive. It’s a great time to release your emotions and let go of people or situations that are bringing you down. 

This article will cover the unique characteristics of the August 30 full moon, including its timing and appearance in the sky.

What Is a Full Moon?

Full moons typically occur once a month and rarely twice a month (in this case, August 30 will host a rare second full moon of the month.) This is the lunar cycle phase that follows the waxing gibbous, which means the Moon is getting bigger. Once it reaches its fully-illuminated peak, the Moon appears as a bright full circle from the sunlight. At this time, the Moon is situated opposite the Sun as it orbits Earth, fully basking in the Sun’s glow. 

Early Native Americans and indigenous communities named each full moon based on the month during which it occurred. Since this is the second full moon in August, it doesn’t have the same name as August 1st’s full moon (Sturgeon Moon). Rather, it’s called the Blue Supermoon because of its reappearance in the same month and its proximity to Earth.

Indigenous communities widely celebrated the full moon. In fact, many used it to measure time, following lunar months, and to track the progression of passing days.

In astrology, the full moon embodies the themes of abundance, reflection, and release. Additionally, many astrologers say our “moon signs” (which you can calculate based on the time and location of your birth) are reflections of our inner worlds. For example, if your moon is in Pisces, you might be a dreamy, sensitive, and intuitive soul whose emotions make you compassionate and often creative.

The full moon asks us to shed what no longer services us so we can call in our desires or manifestations. While the new moon is a time to manifest, the full moon is a time to release and trust in the universe or whatever higher power you believe in. Since the next full moon is in the wistful sign of Pisces, it embodies introspection, spirituality, and inner healing.

Date and Timing of the Next Full Moon

The next full moon will technically take place on August 31, 2023, at 1:36 a.m. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). However, this is 8:36 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) on August 30. This moon is called a Blue Supermoon.

August 30’s full moon is called a Blue Moon because it’s the second in the same month. The name is an expression describing something that rarely happens (like the saying “once in a blue moon”). In other words, the full moon will not appear blue in color. It will, however, appear much larger than most other full moons.

The next full moon will also be a supermoon, just like August 1’s full moon. That’s because it’s at its closest point to the Earth while full. August 30’s full moon will be about 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) away from Earth. This Super Blue Moon won’t happen again for another nine years. 

Energetically, the full moon’s potent energy rises three days before, peaks on the day of, and gradually fades for three days after. This gives us an entire week of full moon energy to work with. 

Astrological Significance of the Next Full Moon

Because astronomy and astrology are closely related, celestial events play a major role in astrology and its impacts on humans. Though it’s recognized as a pseudoscience, astrology studies the influence of celestial objects on human behavior and earthly events.

The Moon is a driving force in astrology, symbolizing our inner worlds and emotions. It invites us to reflect on our current emotional state and our relationships with others. Because the next full moon is in the astrological sign of Pisces, this will be a time for creativity, vulnerability, and reflection. Using this energy, you can become more grounded in your heart and soul and channel your emotions toward creative projects like writing, painting, drawing, or other forms of art.

During the Pisces full moon, you might feel more in tune with your emotions, imaginative, and empathetic. Be kind to yourself and others at this time, and consider spending more moments alone to unpack any heavy baggage you might be carrying. 

How the Next Full Moon Might Affect Each Zodiac Sign

Here’s what the zodiac signs can expect from August’s Blue Supermoon.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

It’s time to soul-search. Spending time alone during this full moon will benefit Aries as you discover who you really want to be and what you want to manifest. It’s important to prioritize rest, recovery, and solitude right now.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Consider branching out. While comfort zones and comfort people can help you process your emotions and heal, sometimes, you need to get out there and consider various perspectives. Don’t be afraid to speak up or go against the grain.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Don’t limit yourself. You’re meant to achieve great things, especially in your career. If anyone is holding you back or pushing your boundaries, stand your ground and trust you know what is best for you.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Embrace all parts of your journey — even when things go wrong. There’s no such thing as perfect, so don’t expect everything to go exactly as planned. You don’t need to start over every time you make a mistake or hit a roadblock. Keep learning and exploring; it’s all part of the adventure.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Let go. It’s not an easy task, but it’s one that will make room for what is truly meant for you, Leo. Release what doesn’t serve you, and communicate with others authentically. If being yourself and speaking your truth means losing someone, so be it.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Seek romance. While you’re a practical person, you might get caught up in fantasies from time to time — and that’s okay. This full moon is reminding you that intimacy is a human desire, and our relationships with others are integral. Approach your partnerships from a grounded place, and consider revisiting some old commitments. 

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22)

Set some boundaries. This is a great time for you to reconnect with yourself and spend time alone. Your spiritual and emotional health will benefit from solitude and rest. Don’t be afraid to say “no.”

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Follow your passions. Don’t let fear or rationality hold you back from chasing your dreams or pursuing passion projects. Whatever it is, do what feels best for you — and trust your intuition.  

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Create a sense of home. While you’re a spontaneous, adventurous sign who is often on the move, your domestic life is still closely connected to your inner world. Make sure you give yourself a safe place to land. 

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Be gentle with yourself and others. Practice cultivating a judgment-free zone that allows for authentic expression and wild dreaming.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Be intentional with your energy. Not everyone deserves your energy, Aquarius. Consider what and who makes you feel your best, and invest in those situations and people. You’ll find stability through a fair give-and-take dynamic.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Put yourself first. While boundaries might feel harsh or self-limiting, they actually reserve your energy for the right people and opportunities. Honor your own needs, and — when in doubt — use your own intuition as a guide.

Full Moon Rituals and Celebrations

By now, you know that full moons represent letting go of the past and moving forward toward a brighter future. Using the Moon as your guide, you can heal your emotional wounds and step into a more empowered state. 

Many indigenous people would celebrate the full moon and its healing powers. In fact, some communities would collect water to “charge” under the moonlight, believing it could be used as medicine. Women especially paid tribute to “Grandmother Moon” for its medicinal and restorative abilities, asking the full moon to cleanse their energy. 

Today, many people use the full moon as a time to reflect, heal, and let go of painful memories or individuals and situations that no longer serve them. Many claim to feel renewed by the full moon’s energy through journaling, meditating, and even just sitting in nature under the moonlight. 

A simple practice also might involve listening to guided meditations, healing frequencies, or gentle music. Another, more complex, ritual involves writing a letter of release to a person, pattern, memory, or situation you no longer want to occupy your mind. All you do is write to the subject of your letter with full honesty, getting out all your emotions, and then later burn it. This signifies your release of all the pent-up emotions you were holding within you.

Gratitude plays an important role here as well. If you want to celebrate the full moon, express your appreciation for nature and all the people and things in your life that have brought you happiness and peace. This can be as simple as writing a list of who you’re grateful for (e.g., a pet, family, partner, etc.) or simply sending positive thoughts and prayers to those you love. 

What to Expect From the Next Full Moon

The Blue Supermoon in Pisces will likely be a time when emotions run high, and everyone is feeling a bit more creative and dreamy. Embrace the energy by following your heart, working on an art project, and connecting with loved ones. Happy Full Moon!