Is July's Total Lunar Eclipse the Real Independence Day?

On Friday, July 27, 2018, at 4:20pm PST, the full moon will be in Aquarius.

This full moon (known as the Thunder Moon or the Full Buck Moon) also coincides with a total lunar eclipse – which, at one hour and 43 minutes, will be the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century!

Total lunar eclipses occur when the the sun, moon, and earth are in total alignment. For this July 2018 full moon eclipse, we here on earth are being put right smack in the middle of the Leo sun and Aquarius moon, striking a balance between our social conscience and our desire to be seen. Which means that this eclipse will have us primed to take our idealism to the next level… and if necessary, take it to the streets!

What Does the Aquarius Full Moon in July Mean?

The sign of the water bearer is all about making the world a better place—not just for ourselves, but for everyone else on the planet. (Sure, it’s idealistic. But if any sign stands a chance of making it happen, Aquarius is the one!) Under this full moon, innovative solutions to the world’s problems are just waiting to be discovered. All we have to do is tune our brain waves to the frequency of this visionary sign that’s both logical and intuitive, scientific and creative all at once.

If this sounds a little more cerebral than your average full moon, that’s because it is—and there lies the more challenging side of this lunation. As a rule, full moons can bring up a lot of emotions for us to process. But for all the brilliance of this fixed air sign, emotional intelligence isn’t exactly its forte.

It’s not that Aquarius doesn’t care. Actually, in its own way, it’s one of the more empathic signs of the zodiac. It’s just a lot more sensitive to energy—especially the energy of the collective—than it is to emotions. And while this sign cares deeply about humanity in an abstract, impersonal sense, it has a harder time relating to specific humans on a more personal, heartfelt level.

What role does the moon play in your birth chart?

That’s where the Leo sun comes in. Its opposition to the August 2018 full moon reminds us of the need to bring more warmth to our interactions, and celebrate what makes us (and everyone else) truly one-of-a-kind. For those of us who tend to get “in our heads” a lot, it’s also a reminder to check in with our hearts—a vital connection, if we’re going to be true to ourselves and avoid getting caught up in groupthink at this full moon.

Horoscopes for the Full Moon in Aquarius

Aquarius

If there’s one thing you can’t stand, Aquarius, it’s relationship drama. And since most of it is pointless at best and toxic at worst, avoiding it is usually a wise move. At this full moon, though, some may interpret your ultra-logical approach as a sign that you don’t care. Is that the message you want to send? If not, you may have to be a little more “dramatic” to get your true feelings across.

Pisces

As a natural empath, Pisces, your ability to sense other people’s emotions and motivations is almost uncanny. The harder part is tuning out the noise, tuning in to your own feelings, and giving yourself permission to express them. This full moon suggests that setting boundaries and developing a healthy ego might be the most compassionate act of service you can provide—for yourself, and for others as well.

Aries

Without even trying, Aries, you’ve managed to attract a cult following. You can’t help it if people are inspired by your unscripted, unfiltered ways—that’s just you doing you! But at this full moon, be careful not to let the power go to your head. As we all know, dictatorship is not a good look. Go ahead and enjoy playing the fearless leader. Just remember: it’s a group of friends, not a cult of personality.

Taurus

“My way or the highway…” That approach may have worked for you in the past, Taurus, but now it’s officially time to move on. The work you’re doing is just too important, with the potential to benefit too many people, for you to let ego undermine its success. This full moon challenges you to swallow personal pride and get into the team spirit—right now, it’s the best career move you can make.

Gemini

As feminists of the 1960s and 70s used to say, “The personal is political.” Our individual struggles and experiences are part of a larger social context, and may have broader implications than we realize. But how will you know what you’re up against—and who your allies are—unless you share your story, Gemini? This full moon opens the lines of communication and encourages you to speak your truth, from the heart.

Cancer

With limited resources, it’s only natural to put the needs of your own family first, Cancer. But is it possible that your concept of “needs” is a little… inflated? At this full moon, it’s time to get real about what you have and what you’re able to give. After all, none of us are truly safe and secure unless we all are. What more could you be doing to help others in your community feel secure?

Leo

No one loves as fiercely and flamboyantly as you do, Leo. But for the lucky object of your affections, it’s not always easy to tell whether you love them, or your own idea of them. At this full moon, the most loving thing you can do for your partner is to see them as they truly are—not a reflection or extension of yourself, but a separate individual. Like the Sting song says: “If you love someone, set them free.”

Virgo

Nothing beats the sense of pride you get from showing off your skills, Virgo. But in a world of changing tastes and rapidly evolving technology, tried-and-true techniques can become obsolete in the blink of an eye. This full moon reminds you that if you want to stay relevant, you’ve got to keep learning and be willing to embrace the new.

Libra

They say “people pleaser” like that’s a bad thing. Maybe they just don’t understand how good it makes you feel to make others happy, Libra. Still, they have a valid point. There’s got to be something in your life that’s just for you, something you love whether anyone else gets it or not. At this full moon, ask yourself what that is—then go do your thing!

Scorpio

Your career is on fire right now, Scorpio! But is it just you, or have the vibes at home gotten a little chilly lately? It’s not that your family isn’t happy to see you shine—they’re just wishing you’d send some warmth their way. At this full moon, work/life balance can be a major challenge. But the creative solution you’ve been looking for is just around the corner.

Sagittarius

When you’re up on your soapbox, Sagittarius, you never want to come down. And why should you? You’re dropping truth bombs left and right and blowing everyone’s minds! But at this full moon, you’re not the only one with something to say—so you might want to put your pontificating on pause. Otherwise, you might miss the chance to have your own mind blown!

Capricorn

It’s not easy shouldering everyone else’s burdens, Capricorn. But there must be some payoff, or else you wouldn’t do it. Is it a way to maintain control, or to avoid having to relate to other people? Whatever it is, this full moon finds you asking if it’s really a fair trade. The truth is, sharing the load is a more effective (and sustainable) arrangement for everyone involved.