Thunder Moon in Capricorn — July 8-9, 2017

Exact: 9:07 pm July 8 Pacific time, 12:07 am July 9 Eastern time

This Full Moon is sometimes called the Thunder Moon because summer thunderstorms are frequent in most parts of North America. (It’s also called the Buck Moon because male deer antlers are fully developed by midsummer.)

I’m going with Thunder Moon… and watch out, because there will be the potential for fireworks in this sky.

Every Full Moon represents an opposition, where two planets (the Sun and Moon) are exactly opposite each other in the sky. An opposition tends to cause a push-pull between the two, each wanting to be the one in charge of the moment. This is the reason for the advice to start a new project at the New Moon, when the Sun and Moon join their powers, and to launch a project at the Full Moon, when the Sun’s full power lights up the Moon in the sky and illuminates what you have accomplished.

This particular Full Moon involves the energies of six  planets at once, plus a significant point in the sky that currently does not contain a planet. It’s an explosive mix of Cardinal energy (let’s get going and get things done!), but being aware of the dynamics and how to work with them will put you miles ahead of most people.

Let’s look at the chart so you can get an idea of the geometry and the planetary personalities involved, and then we’ll talk about what it means.

1. The Conjunctions

In the lower right of this chart for Birmingham, Alabama, the Sun in Cancer loosely conjoins Mars (aggression, drive, male energy, anger), which suggests a male father or authority figure. In the upper left, the Moon (emotions and feminine energy) tightly conjoins Pluto (intensity), suggesting obsession, jealousy, possessiveness, or personal/public conflict.

This can be a time for irritability, but the energy can also be used for radical change (Pluto) in your relationship (Moon). Try not to get into a power struggle; ask for support from others if you need it.

2. The Opposition

The Sun/Moon opposition occurs on the axis of Cancer Sun/Capricorn Moon, a conflict between home and family (Cancer) and professional or public life (Capricorn).

You may very well find yourself in a position where an authority figure (Sun/Mars) wants you to do something that conflicts with your needs (Moon) or your family’s needs (Cancer). An example of what I see would be your needing to stay home with a sick child while your boss insists you come into work. It isn’t a major, long-term conflict, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be aggravating. Take the course that seems wisest and most important to you, and know that the disagreement will pass within a day.

Moon/Pluto opposing Sun/Mars is a setup for the kind of irritable day when someone’s tiny quirks really bother you. Be careful that you don’t allow yourself to react in anger. Because the Moon moves quickly, this planetary energy won’t last long. Take deep breaths and go for a walk until it passes.

There are two modifying influences to this angry setup, thank goodness. Let’s look at those.

3. The T-Square

Jupiter in Libra (upper right in this chart) sits at almost exactly 90 degrees to the Sun/Mars-Moon/Pluto opposition, making a T-square. Libra is another Cardinal (power) sign that rules harmony and balance. Having the King of the Gods in this sign helps to smooth out the frictions between the four planets squared up like Old West gunslingers.

Jupiter in Libra is soothing; he works as a referee for compromise. Jupiter expands your empathy and makes it easier for you to see the other person’s point of view, while strengthening your discipline and self-restraint.

A T-square usually increases friction and tension, but in this case, it is a helpful influence and moderates the potential for conflict.

4. The Trine/Sextile

The last of the six planets in our Full Moon story is Neptune, retrograde in Pisces. Neptune normally creates indecision, fog, and confusion, but when he is in retrograde motion, he grants the gift of clear sight.

Neptune is trine (120 degrees, a harmonious aspect) the Sun and Mars. His identity as God of the Oceans and his position in Pisces, the sign of the fishes, serves to cool down the fiery Sun/Mars energy. Like Jupiter in Libra, he is a moderating influence, allowing you to look calmly at a situation instead of reacting in anger.

Neptune is also sextile (60 degrees or half a trine, also a harmonious aspect) to the intensely emotional Moon/Pluto pair. Again, he offers clarity to an emotional entanglement if you are willing to accept it. Do you really have cause to be jealous, or could your partner have just been too busy with work to call when you expected?

5. The Focal Point

Finally, any time a T-square occurs in a chart, the empty space opposite the leg of the T is a focal point that you should pay attention to. In this chart, that point is 14 degrees Aries (the fourth and last of the Cardinal signs).

Aries, like Mars, is masculine, go-getter, challenging energy. It can help you get things done in a big way (Jupiter across the way will help out with that!), but it can also bring out impulsive tendencies.

Where does this point fall in your chart? Take a look at the house in which it occurs and whether you have any natal planets there or in aspect to it. That will offer clues to how this Thunder Moon will shake up your  particular world.