Full Moon in Pisces
Creativity, Abundance, and Unconditional Love
In a typical month we have one full moon and one new moon. This month is special because we have a second full moon on August 30th/31st. This gives us an extra opportunity to do some reflection and releasing in light of our number 8 month and all the energies we’ve worked with throughout August.
This full moon carries some potent energy as it occurs in the sign of Pisces at 7 degrees. Seven is all about Truth (with a capital “T”), research, analysis, introspection, and investigation leading to profound spiritual understanding. These themes are all very aligned with the energy of this full moon. This is due partly to Pisces being opposite some important placements in Virgo. Not only will the Sun in Virgo oppose the Moon, but we are still freshly immersed in the energies of Mercury retrograde – which recently crossed over Pallas (feminine symbol of wisdom) in Virgo. As well, the full moon will be conjunct with retrograde Saturn and retrograde Mary Magdalena in Pisces.
These two signs – Pisces and Virgo – oppose each other in some keys ways. Virgo wants to look at details and scrutinize everything that is imperfect. It seeks to eliminate flaws and purify whatever its energy is focused on. Pisces looks at things more holistically and lends compassion, forgiveness and grace towards whatever it focuses on. Virgo wants to delineate separation and standards while Pisces wants to blur boundaries and definitions. Each of these signs can be creative in their own ways. Virgo tends to be manually creative – building things, working with the hands, and creating on a concrete, physical level. Pisces tends to be more poetic, romantic and idealistic in its creations, especially involving music.
With full moons relating to periods of energetic culmination and release, we are likely to receive epiphanies during this window of time. As Mercury goes through its internal review process in Virgo and the Sun illuminates the themes of Virgo, the Moon reflects back to us the energies of Pisces that may be missing from our experience – and it does this in a clearer way than usual with its conjunction to Saturn.
An overarching theme of this full moon has to do with recognizing and throwing off self-imposed limitations and restrictions. We may realize in what ways we’ve been feeling oppressed, controlled by our shadow selves and barred from personal expansion and expression. As these themes come to light, we are called to release what is no longer serving our highest good. It may be the case that we suddenly realize how pessimistic or doubtful we’ve been. Perhaps we’ve been hiding our light in some way, maybe as a form of self-protection, but certainly in a way that inhibits our expression.
We might realize that we actually have some low self-esteem, either in general or in specific areas of our lives or that we’ve been excessively criticizing ourselves. While it’s good to set goals and desire to improve oneself (Virgo), it’s not helpful to be harshly judgmental or to set impossible standards. In fact, some of us (unconsciously) may be setting extra high standards because we know we can’t meet them. This is a form of self-sabotage and it’s rather pernicious because we can fool ourselves into thinking we’re working toward something when really we’re setting ourselves up to fail on purpose. It seems that often success is much scarier than failure.
These shadow aspects will be illuminated for us under the light of the full moon. Yet, this moon is not excessively heavy in energy (though most full moons do tend to make us more emotional). It carries a lot of feminine energy and a heaping dose of grace thanks to the influence of Mary Magdalena in Pisces. As the female counterpart of Christ, she teaches us forgiveness, compassion and unconditional love. Most importantly, she is showing us how to extend these graces toward ourselves, which often seems more difficult than giving to others.
Since full moons also signify culminations, we may find ourselves “pregnant” or “ready to give birth” to new ideas, inspirations and creativity. Under the influence of Virgo, we may be feeling a special connection with the earth right now and desire to ground ourselves in the beauty of nature. This is an excellent use of this full moon’s energy, and if you feel so inclined, I recommend you do some communing with nature. It’s also a great time to do whatever cultivates a greater sense of harmony in your life. Whatever creates more comfort and satisfaction and any form of self-nurturance. Perhaps Virgo’s energy will inspire you to do some cleaning and decluttering – which can be incredibly refreshing and make room for new energies to flow in your space.
There is, much like many of the upcoming transits in September, an energy of abundance at the time of the full moon as well. Virgo symbolizes the harvest, the peak of summer when we finally get to reap the rewards of all our busy planting. Virgo is the virgin in astrology, and for those unfamiliar with the ancient symbolism of this sign, it has nothing to do with chastity. Virgins in ancient times were not celibate, per say, but considered “virginal” because they were whole and complete unto themselves and did not require a partner or union.
I think there’s a lesson in this at the time of this full moon. Perhaps we’ve been feeling down on ourselves for not being advanced enough, accomplished enough, perfect enough. Yet, Mary Magdalena tells us we carry the divine light of Christ in our hearts. We are angelic humans, perfect and whole as we are, and our “flaws” do not define us; they merely catalyze us into greater perfection. This full moon is a wonderful time to exercise compassion, to feel supported and loved by the Divine, and to understand on a deep level our own wholeness and completion which is irrevocable, boundless and eternal.
I hope the sweetness and softness of this full moon graces you with her beauty. I hope you are able to connect with her energy, with the divine love of Mary Magdalena, and to truly see yourself illuminated as you are, as you were created, and recognize all that you have to give. May this inspire your creativity, compassion, and idealism. May you savor all the beauty, bliss and abundance that flourishes around you, always.
Happy full moon!