August’s Sturgeon Moon: Spiritual Meaning and Full Moon Rituals

August’s Full Moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, is the one that rises as summer begins to tip toward harvest season. Spiritually, this moon is aligned with themes of resilience, emotional depth, and rediscovering your authentic self.

Those themes of confidence and power that you experienced with the July Buck Moon are starting to grow ever more now. And, when the Full Moon rises on August 9 in the sign of Aquarius this year, it invites creative problem-solving, fresh ideas, and an ability to step back and see the big picture.

What have you been holding under the surface that’s ready to rise?

Below, explore the meaning of the August Full Moon, plus ritual ideas, journal prompts, and magical ways to work with its energy. (For more Moon rituals, see our guide.)

What Is the Sturgeon Moon’s Spiritual Meaning?

Spiritually, the Sturgeon Moon is the time for learning into your strength, power, and resilience. As we move into harvest season, it’s also a time to consider what is coming to completion for you. What are ready to release or give that final push on to realize your goal?

Like those magnificent fish rising from the deep, consider what has been swimming underneath the surface for you and what is ready to leap from the water. Is there an emotion or need you are ready to express? Is there an aspect of your authentic self that is ready to step into the light?

The sturgeon is known as the stirrer, so now is the time to let whatever is meant to rise come up from the deep.

Most years, August’s Full Moon falls in Aquarius, so consider some innovative, creative ways to work with what is coming up in your life. In 2025, the Full Sturgeon Moon occurs on August 9 at 3:55 am ET in the sign of Aquarius.

The energy of the Sturgeon Full Moon is:

• Resilience
• Power
• Strength
• Release
• Breaking through
• Flourishing

Why Is August’s Full Moon Called the Sturgeon Moon?

We call August’s Moon the Sturgeon Moon because it is the name some Indigenous American tribes gave to the time of the year when these large fish were easy to catch.

These silver-green freshwater fish live in the streams, rivers, lakes of North America and have been on Earth since the Cretaceous period. They’re strong, powerful, and resilient.

Here are some other names for August’s Full moon relate to the end of summer and the first foods of the harvest season.

August’s Full Moon is also known as:

• Blackberry Moon
• Flying Moon
• Dry Moon
• End of Fruit Month
• Corn Moon
• Hot Moon
• Lynx Moon
• Dispute Moon
• Grain Moon

Simple Full Moon Rituals for the August Moon

The energy of the Sturgeon Moon is a good time for fire and air-based spells and Full Moon rituals connected to strength, perseverance, and asking for the support to refocus on your goals with determination. Here are some simple ones to consider. Never cast a spell before? Read our beginner’s guide.

Fire Spell for Rekindling Motivation

The Sturgeon Moon is ideal for reigniting your inner fire, especially if burnout has dulled your drive. To work with this energy, begin by lighting a red or orange candle. On a piece of paper, write what you’re feeling burnt out by whether it’s a specific task, an emotional load, or a pattern that’s left you drained.

On a second piece, write your goal and the qualities you want to embody as you pursue it (like confidence, courage, or joy). Safely burn the first paper in a fireproof bowl or cauldron, saying, “I release this weight and reclaim my fire.” (Repeat it as many times as you need.) Place the second piece on your altar or somewhere you will be reminded of it regularly.

Focus Ritual

This simple ritual calls on the element of Air to support your mental clarity and vision. Start by creating a sigil using a phrase such as “I stay focused and finish what I start.” (This free sigil maker makes that really simple.)

Light lavender incense or frankincense to engage the air element, and spend a few moments meditating while gazing at the sigil. Imagine your scattered energy pulling inward, reorganizing into something clear and purposeful. Place the sigil somewhere you’ll see it daily, like your journal, mirror, or workspace, to keep your goal top of mind.

Full Moon Bath Ritual

If you’ve been pushing too hard or feeling pulled in every direction and need to release that before your true self can rise from the deep, use the Sturgeon Full Moon to rebalance.

Draw a warm bath and add Epsom salt, a few drops of rosemary or eucalyptus oil, and a handful of dried lemon balm or chamomile. As you soak, breathe deeply and visualize tension dissolving from your body with every exhale. When finished, visualize yourself leaving behind all of that heavy energy before stepping out.

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Journal Prompts for August’s Full Moon

You may find it helpful to journal your thoughts this month during the moon’s rise. Here are some prompts to guide you:

• What does your most authentic self look and feel like?
• What resistance are you facing in reaching your goals and how can you push through?
• What do you need to release?
• How can you find more balance?
• What do you need to do to mentally or practically prepare for winter?

August Correspondences

If you are looking to decorate your altar or create a spell jar for the Full Moon, here are some of the flowers, colors, and deities that correspond with this Moon and the month of August. You may also incorporate them into your Full Moon ritual.

• Colors: Dark green, yellow, gold
• Gods and Goddesses: Diana, Vulcan, Athena, Venus, Jupiter, Aphrodite, Zeus, Artemis, Hekate, Hephaestus, Nut, Ra, Thoth, Isis
• Animals: Lion, sphinx, dragon, phoenix, eagle, sturgeon
• Plants: hazel, sunflower, alder, chamomile
• Crystals: Amethyst, ruby, rose quartz, tiger’s eye, citrine, sunstone, amber

What is the meaning of the August Full Moon?

The August Full Moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, symbolizes strength, resilience, and emerging from emotional or energetic depths. Just as sturgeon rise to the surface during this time, it’s a powerful moment for reclaiming your purpose and reconnecting with parts of yourself that may have been dormant. Spiritually, this moon invites you to refocus your energy, recommit to your long-term goals, and embrace perseverance as you finish the year strong.

What rituals can I do under the Sturgeon Moon?

Full Moon rituals for the Sturgeon Moon often center around endurance and rediscovering your personal power. You might work with the elements of fire and air, create a sigil for focus, or do a Full Moon bath to restore balance. It’s also a good time to revisit goals you’ve drifted from and set clear intentions for your next steps.

What should I do if I live in the Southern Hemisphere?

In the Southern Hemisphere, August marks the tail end of winter. Instead of the Sturgeon Moon, align with the energies of the Snow Moon. This is a time for deep rest, healing, and preparing for the renewal of spring. Use the Full Moon to release emotional residue and reflect on what you’d like to bring forward in the new season.