Discover The Spiritual Meaning Of The August Sturgeon Moon
The August full sturgeon moon 2023 is almost here (and is the first of two full moons this month), but where does the name “sturgeon” come from, and what is the spiritual meaning and frequency of this full moon? Knowing the energy of the full moon helps us to work with it, learn key lessons available to us, and evolve, which is ultimately what our souls came here for.
Before calendar months, there were only moons, which is how ancient communities gained a sense of time. The lunar cycle was tracked by looking skyward. Each full moon confirmed another complete cycle, which happens every 29(ish) days. And each full moon was given a name, often determined by the season and what else was happening on Earth.
The moon has also long served as a guide for women because her cycle mirrors our menstrual cycle (also roughly 29ish days long, with four main phases), and she embodies the feminine. One of the reasons why moon circles and rituals have become so popular over the past decade is because women worldwide are awakening to this ancient feminine wisdom. We are tuning back into the sacred rhythm of our bodies and mother nature. And as we awaken, we help to awaken those around us.
Here are the common names for all the full moons throughout the year:
- January full wolf moon
- February full snow moon
- March full worm moon
- April full pink moon
- May full flower moon
- June full strawberry moon
- July full buck moon
- August full sturgeon moon
- September full harvest moon
- October full hunter moon
- November full beaver moon
- December full cold moon
Keep reading to learn more about the August full sturgeon moon 2023 and its spiritual meaning + how to celebrate it with ritual.
What is the august full sturgeon moon?
The August full sturgeon moon comes from the sturgeon fish, which have existed for over 100 million years and were traditionally caught in the Great Lakes in North America to feed local communities. They can live up to 150 years and grow to 23 feet long. Sturgeon means “stirrer,” which pertains to how they spend most of their time at the bottom of lakes, stirring up the earth and searching for food.
But in August, they rise from the dark depths to the surface, hence the name “sturgeon full moon.” Unfortunately, sturgeon were overfished, and a lot of their habitats were polluted or destroyed, which is why these fish are so rare today and not widely eaten.
In other traditions, this full moon is sometimes known as the corn moon or grain moon (because this is the time that grain is harvested) and the red moon (because the late summer can sometimes add a tinge of red to the moon’s glow).
The August full sturgeon moon is also linked to the Celtic/Pagan festival of Lammas (or Lughnasadh), which marks the first harvest of the year. This is a time to give thanks for everything that has flowed to you over the year so far and start to prepare for the cold, dark nights ahead.
When is the august full sturgeon moon in 2023?
August 2023 brings us two full moons, and they’re both supermoons, meaning they will appear larger in the sky, and the energy will be magnified.
The first full moon occurs on August 1st, and the second on the 31st. When there’s a second full moon in a calendar month, it’s called a blue moon.
The first august sturgeon full moon
LA, United States: August 1st @ 11:31
London, United Kingdom: August 1st @ 19:31
Sydney, Australia: August 2nd @ 04:31
The second august sturgeon full moon
LA, United States: August 30th @ 18:35
London, United Kingdom: August 31st @ 02:35
Sydney, Australia: August 31st @ 11:35
Click here for the exact time of the August full sturgeon moon 2023 where you live.
What sign is the august full sturgeon moon 2023 in?
The first August full sturgeon moon will be in the sign of Aquarius, with the sun in Leo. This means that the full moon’s energy will be infused with both of these energies.
The second August full moon will be in the sign of Pisces, with the sun in Virgo. This means that the energy of the second full moon will be notably different and colored with Pisces-Virgo vibes.
The spiritual meaning of the august full sturgeon moon
1. Harvest what you’ve sown
Lammas (August 1st) is the start of the harvest season, so the August full sturgeon moon is a beautiful time to pause and offer gratitude for everything in your life (the good things, the lessons, and the obstacles that inspire growth). Abundance can take many forms—you might experience physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual abundance. Reflect on all the prosperity at every level of your being.
Write a list, say thank you to the Universe, and celebrate.
2. Meet your shadows
Shadow work is a powerful thing to do any time, especially on the full moon, because she shines a light on our darkness and exposes our shadows. This time of year, sturgeon fish rise from the dark depths of the lakes, and you may find that older emotions and memories do the same.
These can be experiences you have repressed or ignored for a long time because they’re too painful to confront or perhaps because you aren’t even aware they exist. Left unresolved, they will continue to cause you pain and keep you from evolving into your highest self.
One of the spiritual meanings of the August full sturgeon moon is to “catch” these thoughts and emotions as they arise, so you can confront and heal them. Even if it feels like you’re too small to hold something so great, or you’re terrified to meet what awaits you, can you acknowledge these fears and meet your shadows with kindness, empathy, and compassion? Can you be open to the lesson held within and the wisdom that follows?
3. Shed the old & embrace the new
August is a time of transformation for the sturgeon fish, and the August sturgeon moon offers us a chance to shed old patterns and behaviors and evolve, too. But first, we must be open to and embrace the idea of change, which many of us fear. Are you willing to let go of what no longer serves you so that you can transform into the next version of yourself?
One of the simplest ways to do this is to visualize the woman you wish to be a year from now, five years from now, or ten years from now. Once you have a clear picture of who she is, how she thinks, speaks to herself, the boundaries she upholds, the relationships she attracts, how she moves through her day, etc., you can start making choices today that align with her. This is how we merge soul destiny timelines.
4. Connect to ancestral wisdom
The link that ancient tribes had to this ancient fish reverberates in the August full sturgeon moon. This is an invitation to connect with ancestral wisdom, honor your lineage (both blood and soul lines), and seek guidance on where you need it most from the elders in your life (past and present).
If there is (or was) a particular ancestor you feel very close to, you might want to honor them by placing a photo on your altar.
5. Nurture yourself
There is a healing, nourishing energy to this August full moon, and the final spiritual meaning of the sturgeon is to devote time to healing, compassion, and self-care.
By prioritizing and caring for ourselves, we can relax and feel safe in our bodies. This is essential when doing soul work because it creates a strong, grounded foundation to meet our fear, guilt, shame, and pain.
Nurturing also boosts your overall well-being and restores balance and harmony in your life—a must for anyone who feels overworked, tired, or stressed.
How to work with the august full sturgeon moon
If you want to connect more with the lunar cycle, your menstrual cycle, and the rhythm of nature, celebrating the moon with a ritual is a wonderful way to do so. Below I’ve collated some August full sturgeon moon ritual ideas to inspire you. Take and leave what you like, and add your own ritual ideas to make a unique and meaningful ceremony.
Here are some august 2023 full sturgeon moon rituals to try at home:
- Decorate your altar – the primary colors associated with the full August sturgeon moon are the harvest colors of yellow, gold, red, and orange. Forage what you can to decorate your altar, from candles to crystals to sunflowers.
- Relax – summer can be a very intense season with high energy and activity. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, celebrate this full moon by relaxing. Maybe you have a day where you do nothing, plan an evening full moon bath ritual, or listen to a yoga nidra.
- Meditate – meditation is another great way to relax, ground, and still your thoughts. From here, you can be aware of any emotions calling for your attention and can then be healed through shadow work.
- Shadow work – the full moon is the perfect opportunity to meet your fears and engage in shadow work. Try thinking about what triggers you, any trauma that still affects you, keep a shadow journal, nurture your inner child, and even record and analyze your dreams.
Celebrate the august full sturgeon moon
I hope this has given you a deeper understanding of the spiritual meaning of the full August sturgeon moon 2023 and inspired you to celebrate it with your own ritual.
Happy full moon.