If things are feeling a little off-kilter for you of late, then take solace in the fact that July's Full Moon — which has a more formal, animalistic name of the Buck Moon — is about to rise tomorrow, and with it may come an inevitable stable of distress.
The 'Buck Moon' borrows its name from the time when male deer, or bucks, begin to grow their new antlers, a symbol of summer’s peak and nature’s renewal, per BBC's Sky At Night, and it will be available to witness in London on or around sunset at 9:16 p.m. BST, or moonrise at 9:46 p.m. BST on Thursday, July 10.
As well as rising late at night in the Northern Hemisphere, July’s Buck Moon is also notable because it's one of the lowest-hanging full moons of the year. That’s because the Full Moon is opposite the sun, so it mirrors the sun’s position — the Full Moon is at its lowest when the sun is at its highest. In theory, that means July’s Full Moons never get very high in the sky.
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That's not all: this year's Buck Moon is also a catalyst for inner strength and realignment, owing to the tension between Cancer Sun, which dictates our personal lives, and Capricorn Moon, which dictates public ambition. What does that mean exactly? Well, in short, it means that this Full Moon will bring a powerful wave of growth, renewal and reality checks for all twelve zodiac signs. This Buck Moon is a time to reinforce boundaries and unapologetically pursue ambitions. This is everything you need to know about how the Buck Full Moon will impact each and every star sign over the upcoming weeks.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
The Buck Moon is responsible for supercharging ambition so expect wild urges this month to chase goals that perhaps, until now, you've been burying deep within. Your confidence may begin to spike, but so too may your impatience so channel that energy into a bold move, not a meltdown. Shine bright, but don’t bulldoze your way through.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Given that this is the Full Moon with most sway over ambition, it's perhaps only right that the Buck Moon will spotlight your finances and values, dear Taurus. It's time to shed old spending habits and invest in what truly matters: emotional security and the relationships that tether you and keep you grounded. Expect a surprise in your comfort zone but rather than running a mile (which may be your natural instinct), embrace it.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Communication is your playground this year, Gemini, and July's Buck Moon will well and truly hand you the megaphone. Whatever is on your mind to say though, remember to speak your truth, but don’t overshare. Sibling drama or neighbourhood news may surface, but remember that what goes around comes around so try to avoid the urge to engage in frivolous gossip. If there's been a simmering romance burning in the background in your life, this may well be the time to start to enjoy it a little; write, call, connect, but don’t forget to listen.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
The moon is your celestial North Star, and this month's Full Moon promises to truly light up your self-worth. If old, tired insecurities threaten to resurface, channel your inner light. Remember that you've worked hard to be where you are today; there were days when you dreamed of what you have today.
Money matters may also demand attention this month, but remember to just budget, there's no need to binge.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
The Buck Moon lands in your sign this month, Leo, making you even more of the main character than you may be. Use that energy to reinvent your look, your brand, and your attitude; old drama may well fall away, meaning there's every chance that relationships will shift as you demand authenticity. Just remember to keep the people who have supported you from the beginning by your side; loyalty has never meant more.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Consider this Buck Moon your cosmic detox, Virgo. If hidden feelings threaten to bubble up, then let them — it's time to release what’s no longer serving you. A secret might come to light, but it’s liberating, not scandalous and so use the energy it imparts in your life to prepare for a new chapter. Mental and emotional clutter, be gone!
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
July is the social calendar explodes — expect invitations, group chats, and maybe a reunion. The Buck Moon highlights your friendships and future goals but remember that while collaboration is key, so too is setting boundaries. In the romance realm, love has the potential blossom with a friend, or an old flame may reappear so be ready but hold on to balance. That's the ultimate key to happiness.
Scorpio (October 23 – Nov 21)
A career makeover is coming your way during this Buck Moon, dear Scorpio, as it puts your ambitions in the spotlight. The moment you've been waiting for is coming too, as the propulsive energy of this Full Moon will lead you to a place of recognition. Own your power, but play nice with people in positions of authority. Remind yourself too that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so ensure that you attain some semblance of a work-life balance. If you’ve been hustling for a while, trust that the rewards are close.
Sagittarius (Nov 22– December 21)
Adventure beckons this month, Sagittarius, and the Buck Moon is your cosmic passport. Travel, study, or a wild idea may tempt you this month, all that's left for you to do is to say yes and lean into the power of the unknown. Everything is possible. And while it may be time to broaden your horizons, don’t ghost your responsibilities — inspiration may strike from afar.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – January 19)
Transformation is the name of the game. The Buck Moon will expose what’s hidden: debts, desires, or a taboo topic, so ensure that you demand clarity from financial matters (particularly shared resources) that may arise. This month, an intimate relationship will also deepen or end, but before you make any knee-jerk decisions, remember that vulnerability is your secret weapon. Walk away from old baggage that no longer serves you and watch as, like a phoenix from the ashes, you emerge stronger.
Aquarius (Jan 20 – February 18)
Partnerships take centre stage this month as the Buck Moon brings clarity to a relationship — romantic, business, or otherwise. It will also force you to make a choice when a pressing decision looms: now is your time to either commit or quit. Remember, though, that amid the chaos communication is key, but so too is compromise. If you’re single, a surprising connection could spark and collaboration will reap rewards, but only if you stay true to who you really are.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Wellness is your Full Moon focus for the month of July; use the energy that you'll feel to cement habits and routines you've been trying to make stick, but listen to your body rest, hydrate, and skip the drama. There may be a work project that wraps up too, or a new door that opens but remember to organise your chaos.
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Naomi May is a seasoned culture journalist and editor with over ten years’ worth of experience in shaping stories and building digital communities. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard, where she worked across both the newspaper and website. She is now the Digital Editor at ELLE Magazine and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others. Naomi is also the host of the ELLE Collective book club.
