Not the glittering weapon fights the fight, but rather the hero’s heart.
The Full Moon in Aquarius on Thursday August 15th, culminates a cycle that started with the New Moon in Aquarius on February 4th this year, and which has been telling the 
story of “crossing strange waters” and the experience of “travelling into the unknown”. Now that we have reached that place, this Full Moon describes our appraisal of the last six months, and shines a light onto what we have achieved and what we may still need to let go of, including aspects of our experiences that may still be waiting for closure.
These cards give an overview of the theme, pictured in the first card, of a boat carrying passengers, as it is blown by the winds of change towards a place of safety.
In the second and third cards, we see confusion and bickering, and a story that is filled with half truths. The actual story is rather uncertain, and because of this lack of clarity, a disagreement has arisen, with the danger that everything may be reduced to a meaningless display of ego.
At this Full Moon, we may be able to see clearly how the certainty of positive change, or indeed the flight from a difficult situation, that initiated the cycle in February has calmed somewhat, and that now, details that may have been put aside, are arising now and need to be dealt with…. some kind of redress needs to occur, something let go of or finished.
It may be difficult to see what actually is most important, and you may feel caught in the nitty gritty practical details of a situation, when really there is a deeper motivation and meaning to what is actually going on. Trying to get in touch with the emotions that underlie any disagreements or difficulties is key; do not be afraid here of following your feelings, as they are likely to give a more accurate picture of what it is you are actually seeking at this time.
In any confrontation, be unafraid to stand your ground, but rather in the manner of 
upholding your beliefs, rather than os defeating your opponent…. this is not about winning, but about upholding your beliefs and sense of justice, a recognition of your strength and position is enough. At this Full Moon, the last Decan of Leo, governed by the Seven of Wands is Strongly featured, occupied by The Sun, Venus, Juno & Mars, who is Lord of this Decan. This powerful lineup is a reminder that strength is increased through true beliefs, and that right action, from the heart, that is aligned with your convictions, will help you to stand your ground in the face of oppression or opposition.
The Astrologers Diary
The Full Moon every month offers an opportunity to release old cycles, and as an Astrologer, I find it to be a useful exercise for myself and in working with others, to use the energy of each particular Full Moon, according to the Sabian Symbol that it falls on, together with the position in which it falls in the Natal Chart. Such considerations can be invaluable in steering through ups and downs, and in becoming “easy” with the ebb and flow of what life brings.
This particular Full Moon highlights the following pair of degrees:
Moon in AQUARIUS 23 degrees: A BIG BEAR SITTING DOWN AND WAVING ALL ITS PAWS. The self-discipline which results from an intelligent development of individual faculties under proper training.
Sun in LEO 23 degrees : IN A CIRCUS THE BAREBACK RIDER DISPLAYS HER DANGEROUS SKILL. The audacity and perseverance required to control and play with the powerful energies of the vital realm in human existence.
This pair of symbols both speak of governing the “animal” within us…. which ties in particularly well with the tarot cards associated with the decans involved; both Sevens which are associated with The Chariot. They are also perhaps a reminder that we cannot control life with the force of our will alone, and that we must gauge the situation accordingly. We must learn to act in harmony with the “ungovernable forces of the world” rather than to sacrifice ourselves in fighting battles that we cannot win.
This particular Full Moon falls across my own 2nd & 8th houses, and is illuminating issues connected with self worth, money, other people’s money, how I allow myself to be treated by others, and how I value my time, what I do, and what I represent.
At the seeding New Moon of this cycle, in February, which fell on my Natal Moon…I actually moved house! (not an event or a date that was decided on by me either!) This Full Moon sees the last closing stages of that cycle, as I tie up loose ends, and challenge the “validity” of my eviction. It has been fascinating to see the accuracy of the timing here, the extremely relevant depictions of the cards involved, and also the wisdom that has arisen from those images, which have helped to guide me through the process.
This kind of “house-keeping” engendered by the Moon’s cycle can be invaluable in keeping “on track” with life, rising to the inner rhythms, and flowing with the lunar tides. 
Knowing which houses the Full Moon falls in, and whether it is in close aspect with any planets in your chart can be an invaluable tool, along with the wider cycle of the Progressed Moon, for discovering the secret rhythms of your daily life.
A free natal chart wheel can be set up at www.astro.com
My name is Joanna Grant, I am an Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Writer, who lives for now 
in the South West of Ireland. Throughout my life, I have watched as the planets have woven their stories into my life; as Jupiter has brought me the desires of my deepest longings and as Pluto has torn my life into shreds, and eaten the remains. I have answered the clarion calls of Saturn, as he has brought me to new lands, to hardship, and also to deep learning, and have also witnessed that he has never left my side. Uranus has ensured that I have not stayed in any one location for very long, whilst Mars & Venus have led me by the nose on far more occasions than I care to recall, but who have also brought their passionate 
creative spirit to the fore in my life. Neptune has beguiled and confused me, but also entranced and inspired, whilst Mercury has made certain that I have studied the reasons “why” for everything to the “nth” degree. The Moon, my eternal guide on this journey and the lady of my own chart, has given me my deep love of The Stars, steering me ever onwards along the path to seek The Sun.
At this stage in my life, it is time to give back….. and my long knowledge of Astrology leads and informs my practice in offering guidance and empowerment, helping others to lead a more authentic, productive and magical life. You can read more about me here.
Joanna-Kate Grant 