As July comes to an end, we’re turning our eyes and minds to the skies in preparation for this month’s Buck Moon. And it promises to be powerful, intense and transformative. If you’ve been feeling a little indecisive or lacking confidence in certain decisions, it’s time to get your journal out and embrace the power of the Buck Moon in 2026.
The Buck Moon gets its name from the time of year when male deer (or bucks) rapidly grow a new set of antlers. As with the other full moons throughout the year, this moon gets its name from events happening in nature around the same time that helped people keep track of time and changing seasons.
Scheduled to take place on Wednesday 29 July, there’s a good chance many of us will see the Buck Moon on Wednesday night with forecasted mild weather and clear night skies. And this moon will look especially magnificent due to a phenomenon called ‘the moon illusion’. This illusion happens when the full moon rises low on the horizon, appearing much larger and brighter than it really is. The Buck Moon may also appear golden or orange in its hues due to how the planet’s atmosphere filters sunlight at this time of year.
But what does the Buck Moon mean for us astrologically? Well, this is a moon that sits in Aquarius and signals growth and evolution. Full moons tend to be linked with endings and letting go and the Buck Moon intensifies these feelings.
The Aquarius sign is independent, rebellious and craves fast change, so the Buck Moon could be quite the heady mix that may have you wanting to cut ties with people, projects or lifestyles – especially if you feel like you’re being tied down. Like the male deer growing their new antlers, this moon inspires feelings of renewal and transformation.
It’s worth thinking about questions such as: Where am I holding back in my life? Which friendships and relationships are genuinely good for me? What outdated habits or identities am I ready to shed?
However, to avoid making hasty or rash decisions in the heat of a moment (which can be classic Aquarius behaviour), that you perhaps can’t come back from, writing down your next steps or ruminating on a big change is always a good idea. Yes, you may want to follow your own rules and march to the beat of your own drum, but there’s a balance to be struck between following your heart versus thinking objectively.
And there are other astrological aspects on 29 July that are making this Buck Moon even more powerful. The sun and Jupiter are both sitting in the same sign, Leo, creating a ‘cazimi’ transit, where both the planet and the sun are in the same zodiac sign for a brief moment – adding to the intensity of this July moon. The Leo sign emphasises confidence and self-expression, and this combination with an independent and rebellious Aquarius moon could lead to really going after what you want and cutting off what you don’t.
