The Buck or Thunder Moon appears at 4:37 pm ET on July 10. Buck Moon refers to the time when male deer begin growing antlers, and Thunder Moon refers loud summer storms. It is the first moon after the summer solstice, which marks the time of Guru Purnima when the Sun is 18,000 miles closer to the earth than any other moon of the year. This moon is the best time of the year to work on the self and to call upon nature’s help. The proximity of the moon influences the earth with higher tides than usual, and it pulls on the tides of the humans, eliciting the energy that lies beneath the surface such as love, devotion, anger, or sadness—depending upon the placement of emotion. The tides of the planet move everything upward, to rise and expand in consciousness.
If we move in meditation, love, and peace, all these things will rise. By striving and doing the needed things, it’s possible to overcome the limitations in life if we move with the energy of this Full Moon. Also, teachers can transmit more deeply and fluently. Through teachers in the inner and outer world, we can discover the gifts of the universe and open our being to light and wisdom. This is a time when it’s possible to become incredibly receptive to new truths and realizations and to open to grace.
The Full Moon will be particularly beautiful, flooding the night sky with light because of its close approach to earth. The elements are well balanced, and the forecast is positive for the moment. Sun (life) is in Cancer, the water sign that signifies the mother and the ocean, and Moon (emotion) is placed in Capricorn, an earth sign representing the father, structure, and our climb through life. (Sun and Moon are always in opposite signs at the time of the Full Moon.) The energy of the chart is heightened by Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) moving into Gemini, which rules the mind, communication, and short journeys.
Sun sextile Mars (energy, male, assertion) gives self-confidence, assertiveness, and power. It gives warmth, charisma, and charm. It also gives a boost of energy to complete complex projects or to begin new ones. It brings extra energy to move forward. Moon (emotion) in Capricorn gives a connection with the earth, awareness of structures that can improve life, encourages ambition in the outer world and with the climb of soul to a higher level. Moon trine Mars (energy, male, assertion) gives harmonious emotional and physical energy. It gives drive and dynamic action. Emotions are natural and instinctive, aligning with drive and action. It gives creativity, courage, and the ability to act intuitively. Passion and effort blend, and energy is heightened.
Mercury (communication) in Leo, a fire sign, is strengthened and quickened by its placement. The mind moves rapidly with a passionate attachment to thoughts and particular forms of communication Mercury is semisquare Mars (energy, male, assertion), causing impulsive tendencies with speech and emotion. It can create conflict and disruption.
Venus (love, partnerships, beauty) in Gemini is social, flirtatious, and intellectual. The energy is light and fun. Venus square Mars (overall energy, assertion) gives anger and impulsiveness, particularly with the opposite sex. Venus sextile Saturn (limitation, karma) brings structure and practicality to creative and artistic pursuits. Venus sextile Neptune (mysticism, illusion) heightens interest in spiritual work and artistic pursuits. Venus trine Pluto (subconscious, transformation) deepens relationships and empowers personal growth. (It’s a positive aspect, which occurs every 12 years.)
Mars (assertion, male) in Virgo translates mentality into action in an efficient, practical way. Many of the aspects with Sun/Moon/Mars are positive, and they encourage focused action. The placement encourages health, exercise, and a renewal of vitality.
Jupiter (expansion, good fortune) in Cancer, a water sign, places attention on domestic life, matters of the home, and children. Jupiter square Saturn (limitation, karma) is a transformative phase that involves restriction and growth, particularly in relationship with creating a new structure of life while integrating hopes and dreams with personal limitations. Jupiter square Neptune (mysticism, illusion) asks for discernment between illusion and reality.
Saturn (limitation, karma) in Aries, a fire sign, is direct and fiery—quickly identifying our patterns and need to alter our course through life. Saturn sextile Neptune (mysticism, illusion) aids with bringing dreams to life through effort, inner vision, and spiritual work.
Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) is placed in Gemini, increasing interest in communications, space travel, AI, and mental work. Uranus sextile Neptune (mysticism, illusion) increases and benefits interest in spirituality. Uranus trine Pluto (subconscious, transformation) brings social, cultural, and political transformation.
Neptune (mysticism, illusion) in Aries, a fire sign, is direct with a preference for new beginnings and change. Neptune sextile Pluto (subconscious, transformation) encourages positive transformation, new habits, and deep spiritual growth.
Pluto (subconscious, transformation) in Aquarius last occurred during the time of the American and French Revolutions. It’s said to challenge the status quo while encouraging innovative thought—and hopefully positive cultural change.

Julia Griffin, intuitive healer and owner of One True Self, began her work fifteen years ago under the tutelage of real wolves. Following their direction, Julia sees and reads energy, including animals, plants and people. She works with people in session to find their resonance with the soul, clearing patterns and alignment with their inner path. If you would like to seek additional spiritual change and insight into your life, please contact me for information about an intuitive session.
Thank you for this uplifting and inspiring astrological interpretation. It’s sparked me to set intentions this morning. I’m excited!
You’re very welcome, Lisa. It’s a powerful moon!