August 2023: Tarot spread for the full moon in Aquarius

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the super moon in Aquarius.

The August 2023 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. And despite these rather lofty ideals, the Aquarius archetype isn’t afraid to get in there and get its hands dirty.

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.

This full moon also highlights our standing in the world, and with it, our personal power. It also lights up our role in society and the ways in which we contribute to the world. Some of us contribute in big and beautiful ways – through social activism, teaching, sharing of wisdom and knowledge – others in gentle, smaller ways – among our families and communities. Both ways of being in the world are valid.

This Aquarius full moon also asks us to take a closer look at our vocation, and to see if we are in right relationship with it. To ask ourselves what we want to focus on, to determine what role our vocation – which I see as somewhat different to a career, though a career can be a vocation – plays in our life.

Astro-tarot influences for the August 2023 full moon in Aquarius

To throw some more light on the August full moon astrology, let’s take a look at the astro-tarot influences of this lunation. The Aquarius full moon falls in decan 1, which is represented by the 5 of Swords. This is to be interpreted in conjunction with The Star, which is associated with Aquarius.

This human life can be messy and painful. External circumstances, our inner mental chatter, and how these factors impact our emotional undercurrents can color our view of the world. One day, things can feel shiny and hopeful; the next, uncertainties and doubts can plague our minds.

During this full moon, pay special attention to any fears or anxieties that are triggered around work — be that your 9 to 5, your business, or even your side gig. If you’ve been trying to build something that has meaning for you, chances are there are some anxieties, fears, or worries that raise their head from time to time. These could take any form — feelings of worthiness, comparisonitis, and perfectionism are just a few of the ways in which your inner gremlins could manifest.

Symbolically, Aquarius illustrates this relationship between our thoughts and emotions. Though it is the water bearer, it is an air sign, which links it to our minds and the mental chatter that often sends us into a spiral of doom and gloom.

But the zodiac sign’s association with The Star encodes it with a beautiful healing vibe. So while it may be difficult for us, especially during this super full moon, to calm our raging thoughts, it is important that we find a way to create some distance from them so that they don’t feel all-consuming.

Journaling, talking things through with a loved one or a friend can help to create some distance we need. And in the space that is thus created, we may be able to find some grace. To think more clearly and rationally. To take better decisions. To find a clearer path out of the mental fog that we can often find ourselves navigating.

Sabian Symbol for the August 2023 full moon

The Sabian Symbol for Aquarius 9 degrees is A Man Who Had For A Time Become The Embodiment Of An Ideal Is Made To Realize That As A Person He Is Not This Ideal.

Now, that’s quite the mouthful! What it essentially means, though, is the dawning realization that we cannot always live up to our own expectations, let alone the expectations of others.

It is an especially potent reminder during this super full moon, which could highlight our anxiety around our public persona and how we are perceived by people who may not be part of our core inner circle. It’s also an excellent symbol to help us recognize that we cannot maintain the impossibly high standards that we sometimes set for ourselves — this is often our inner critic, desperately trying to keep us safe in any way that it can.

As Linda Hill writes in 360 Degrees of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle, “true depth of character and self-worth does not always equate with having the popular support of others.” She goes on to write, “On a personal level, there can be periods of feeling worthless, unloved and falling into depression with feelings of failure and despair. However, there are often wonderful opportunities for “self disclosure” here. Read the signs and learn more about yourself as well as others. This Symbol can also show opportunities that are merely fleeting, like being idolized or famous for “five minutes” and then falling from grace.”

That last bit is especially relevant in the times we live in, when virality and social media numbers are conflated with success.

Tarot spread for the Aquarius full moon

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

1. Playing small: Draw 2 cards. These represent the root of your negative thought patterns

2. Playing big: Draw 2 cards. These represent the qualities you could embody/represent if you stepped up with confidence

3. Bridge the gap: This card shows you how you can bridge the gap between the two ways of thinking

4. Mamma moon says: This is always an encouraging message

If you share your spreads on Instagram, please use the hashtag #moontarotstories or tag me @moderngypsy.in so we can connect with each other.

Resources to support you during this full moon

How to silence your inner critic: An exercise to help you quieten your inner critic

Are you afraid to show your art?: Though this post is aimed at artists, I think these ideas are very relevant for any creative work…any time you try to put yourself out there…