July’s Full Moon is larger than life. Dramatic wouldn’t begin to describe what’s unfolding in the heavens, emphasising how important it is to keep egos in check and avoid blowing situations out of proportion.

The catalyst for this intensity is the presence of Pluto, ruler of the Underworld, bringer of transformation. Sitting with the Moon in Aquarius, this brings emotional depth, collective shadow material and raw truth to the surface. Opposite, the Sun in Leo is joined by Jupiter, magnifying identity and confidence  -  and the need to express the heart in full force.

This is a climax of note.

Power lies at the core of this Moon  -  power for ourselves, power to the people, power of community  -  as well as where disempowerment might happen. Aquarius is the mind, the collective; Leo is the heart, the individual, the sovereign. Is it me, or is it them, we might be wondering? Should we satisfy others, or put ourselves first?

With Pluto on the Moon, emotional intensity is unavoidable  -  we are pulled into truth, shadow, and unconscious power dynamics in the collective field. With Jupiter on the Sun, there is expansion of identity and ego-expression, sometimes to excess, sometimes with a fixity that feels absolute. Together, this creates amplification on both sides of the Leo–Aquarius axis.

Jupiter’s amplification of Leonine energy suggests a tendency to put ourselves first, even to magnify our ego at the expense of connection  -  or to shrink ourselves to fit in.

Neither works.

Noticing where we feel disempowered is the first step. Dropping into the intensity without becoming embroiled is the second. Fighting for a cause is all very well and good  -  it might even make us feel important. Nevertheless, pushing these agendas may embroil us in dramas where emotions are heightened and traumas triggered.

This Moon is here to illuminate where we’ve become swept up in ego stories. Where we assume our rightness at the expense of authentic heart connection. Where we’ve given away power, held it over others, or allowed externals to control our responses and actions.

Instead of running from the shadows, let us step forward and bring both light and darkness. All our parts are welcome. Let’s recognise that others are also embroiled in their own drama and may be projecting. The moment we stay in sovereignty  -  keeping an open mind and balancing rationality with heart  -  is the moment we reclaim our power.

We don’t need to prove ourselves to belong, nor aggressively assert individuality. The only thing we can control now is ourselves. This is peace. This is transformation. This is evolution. Growth, signified by Jupiter, is inevitable  -  welcomed, in fact.

When we get out of our own way, we see the path forward. Only a positive, realistic mindset helps. We get to define our reality. With the Moon’s nodes just arrived in Aquarius and Leo, the push toward both tribal belonging and sovereign authenticity has become more real.