August 2020: Tarot spread for the full moon in Aquarius

The August 2020 full moon falls in the sign of Aquarius. The independent, free-thinking Aquarius archetype encourages us to examine our inner wild self and celebrate everything that makes us unique. It is the archetype of the reformer, the idealist who strives for tolerance, unity, and a better and brighter society. The one that strives to raise awareness, consciousness, and enlighten. And despite these rather lofty ideals, the Aquarius archetype isn’t afraid to get in there and get its hands dirty. So you may feel an urgency, an excitement to just get in there and act on your plans already.

Spiritually, the Aquarius archetype teaches us how to be true to our own voice, to listen to and follow the calling of our own heart and soul. By learning how to tune in rather than out, by being true to the things that make us unique, we undertake the journey to individuation.

The August 2020 full moon highlights the creative power of the collective. This could encompass something as big as social justice, or as personal as friends who have your back and support you through thick and thin, and as you work on your dreams and desires. Our communities, friendships, alliances, broader network of influence, is all being illuminated with this Aquarius full moon.

Viewed from the archetypal Aquarius lens, this full moon is asking us to actually examine our circles of influences. To examine the causes we stand behind, to see who is still being left out of the conversation; to look at how we are showing up for the people who are influenced by us {even if it’s just our cat!}; and to step more fully into our own personal truth.

Astro-tarot influences for the August 2020 full moon

To throw some more light on the July new moon astrology, let’s take a look at the astro-tarot influences of this lunation. The Aquarius full moon falls in decan 2, which is represented by the Six of Swords. This is to be interpreted in conjunction with The Star, which is associated with Aquarius.

The 6 of Swords represents a transition, as you move slowly from turbulent seas to calmer waters. Though you may feel burdened and adrift, it represents a time of slow healing as you overcome difficulties and challenges. The Star is a card of healing, rest, and hope. It represents a time to be open and true to yourself and those around you; to rest for a while and allow your creative juices to flow.

This, then, speaks strongly to the need to recalibrate. 2020 has brought collective uncertainty and collective initiations. While we did know that, astrologically, this was going to be a tough year, no one could have prepared us for what we are currently facing.

And yet, the human spirit is incredibly resilient. As we have been forced to come to terms with this “new normal”, we need to rest for a little while and gather our strength before we forge ahead.

This August full moon also falls within the Lionsgate portal, which makes this a potent time to open our heart chakra and invite in some healing. This would be an excellent time to release the things that are no longer serving us – including any lingering fears and anxieties that this year has brought up.

Coming as it does on the back of two consecutive new moons in Cancer, I see this Lionsgate as an even more charged event. Sirius, the fixed star that lives in the constellation of Cancer, is known as our Spiritual Sun. Astrologically, the Lionsgate Portal opens from July 26th to August 12^th every year, marking the period when the Sun moves into its ruling sign of Leo and the rise of the star Sirius. (You can read more about the Lionsgate Portal here.)

In addition to releasing heart chakra blockages, this is also an excellent period to work on the healing and clearing the third eye chakra, which also makes this Aquarius full moon a potent time for some divination and deep intuitive insights.

And this is only possible when we set down our woes, and open up to receiving some rest and healing.

Sabian Symbol for the August 2020 Aquarius full moon

The Sabian Symbol for Aquarius 11 degrees is People On A Vast Staircase, Graduated Upwards.

This symbol makes me think of the idea of ascension that is so common in spiritual circles. And while I don’t quite resonate with this idea that we need to “ascend”, I do believe that we are all at different points {or levels} on our spiritual journeys.

The same is true of where we are in life. The idea of equality and having a level playing field is highly idealistic. The fact is that there are some people who are higher than us and some who are lower. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it simply is the way the world works.

What this symbol asks us to understand is that we don’t need to feel compromised or “less than” based on the rung of the ladder we find ourselves on. The Vast Staircase Graduated Upwards simply indicates the stairs we need to climb – spiritually, socially, emotionally, even physically – as we journey through life. The point isn’t to be overly focused on our position, but to accept it, and move forward.

Equally, it’s important to remember that a higher social status doesn’t necessarily have to do with wealth. It is simply how society commonly interprets or views it. If sustainable living, for example, interests you much more than the fortune you’re able to amass, your “higher social status” will be achieved by how sustainably you live and not so much by a huge bank balance.

This symbol also reminds us that while there is no limit to how much we want to achieve, inner gratification and contentment is a much stronger force than any external experience of luxury or wealth.

Tarot spread for the August 2020 full moon in Aquarius

Here’s a tarot spread to tap into the energy of this full moon.

1. Release: A deep-seated issue that is ready to be released, you may not have realized it yet
2. Expand: A fledgling new energy that has already begun to sprout, you may not have fully recognized it yet
3. Illuminate: Wisdom for the journey forward – pay attention to the first thought that comes to your mind when you flip this card over
4. Mamma moon says: This is always a message of hope and encouragement

Journaling questions for the August 2020 Aquarius full moon

Not a cardslinger? No problem. Here are some journaling questions for you instead.

Take a deep dive into astrology, tarot, mixed media and developing your intuition!

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