Sturgeon Moon: August Full Moon Magic

BY NICOLE LAU

The Sturgeon Moon: August's Full Moon

The Sturgeon Moon is August's full moon, named for the sturgeon fish that were most easily caught during this month in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. Rising during late summer when harvest begins and nature prepares for autumn, this moon carries the energy of abundance, preparation, gathering, depth, and transition. The Sturgeon Moon appears when summer wanes, when the first harvest is complete, and when we begin preparing for the coming change. It's a moon of plenty, readiness, and diving deep.

This full moon illuminates the threshold between summer and autumn—grain harvested, fish abundant, gardens overflowing, days shortening, and nature beginning its shift toward rest. August is the month of late summer abundance and early preparation, when we gather what we've grown and ready ourselves for autumn. The Sturgeon Moon invites us to appreciate abundance, to prepare for change, to gather our resources, and to dive deep into our own depths. Like sturgeon that swim in deep waters, this moon reminds us that true abundance often lies beneath the surface.

Why "Sturgeon Moon"? The Name and Origins

Traditional Names

Sturgeon Moon (most common): Named for abundant sturgeon fish, Reflects late summer fishing, Symbolizes abundance and depth

Other traditional names: Grain Moon (grain harvest), Corn Moon (corn ripening), Red Moon (hazy summer moon), Green Corn Moon, Barley Moon

The Symbolism of Sturgeon

Sturgeon represent powerful spiritual themes: Abundance and plenty, Ancient wisdom (prehistoric fish), Depth and going deep, Survival and endurance, Patience and timing, Hidden treasures, Navigating depths, Preparation and gathering

Sturgeon Moon Themes and Energy

Core Themes

Abundance and Harvest: Late summer plenty, Gathering abundance, Reaping rewards, Overflowing blessings, Nature's generosity, Appreciating what you have

Preparation and Readiness: Preparing for autumn, Getting ready for change, Gathering resources, Storing abundance, Planning ahead, Readying for transition

Depth and Inner Work: Diving deep, Exploring depths, Inner wisdom, Shadow work, Beneath the surface, Hidden knowledge, Deep waters

Transition and Change: Summer to autumn, Light to dark, Activity to rest, Threshold time, Shifting seasons, Preparing for transformation

Gratitude and Appreciation: Giving thanks for abundance, Acknowledging blessings, Appreciating harvest, Recognizing plenty, Grateful heart

Sturgeon Moon Rituals and Practices

1. Abundance and Gratitude Ritual

Purpose: Appreciate abundance and give thanks

What you'll need: Gold or blue candle, Citrine or aquamarine, Basket, Harvest foods or symbols of abundance, Journal

The ritual: Light candle under Sturgeon Moon. Fill basket with abundance symbols. Hold crystal. Count your blessings literally. Say: "Sturgeon Moon of plenty deep, abundance flows for me to keep. Like fish abundant in the lake, I gather blessings for my sake." Journal about abundance. List everything you have. Give thanks for each. Keep basket on altar.

2. Preparation and Gathering Spell

Purpose: Prepare for autumn and gather resources

What you'll need: Brown candle, Tiger's eye or smoky quartz, Paper and pen, Storage container

The ritual: Light brown candle. Hold crystal. Write what you're preparing for. List resources you need. Say: "Sturgeon Moon of preparation wise, I gather what I need, I organize. Like squirrels store nuts for winter's cold, I prepare my resources to hold." Place crystal in container with list. Take practical action. Gather what you need. Prepare thoroughly.

3. Depth and Inner Wisdom Meditation

Purpose: Dive deep and access inner wisdom

What you'll need: Blue or silver candle, Aquamarine or moonstone, Bowl of water, Quiet space

The practice: Light candle under Sturgeon Moon. Place crystal in water. Gaze into water. Visualize diving deep like a sturgeon. Descend into your own depths. What wisdom waits below? What treasures lie hidden? Sit with what arises for 15-20 minutes. Journal insights. Trust deep wisdom.

4. Transition and Change Ritual

Purpose: Navigate transition from summer to autumn

What you'll need: Yellow candle (summer), Orange candle (autumn), Autumn leaves, Journal

The ritual: Light yellow candle. Say: "I honor summer and its gifts." Light orange candle. Say: "I welcome autumn and its wisdom." Hold autumn leaves. Reflect on transition. What are you leaving behind? What are you moving toward? Journal about the threshold. Burn leaves safely. Embrace change.

Sturgeon Moon Correspondences

At a Glance

Timing: August full moon (usually mid-to-late August)

Themes: Abundance, preparation, depth, transition, gratitude

Colors: Blue, silver, gold, brown, orange, late summer colors

Symbols: Sturgeon fish, grain, water, harvest baskets, storage

Crystals: Aquamarine, moonstone, citrine, tiger's eye, smoky quartz

Herbs: Chamomile, St. John's wort, goldenrod, late summer herbs

Deities: Water deities, harvest gods, transition goddesses

Element: Water (depth, emotion), Earth (harvest, preparation)

Activities: Harvesting, preparing, diving deep, gratitude practice

Sturgeon Moon Magic and Spells

Abundance Spell

Multiply abundance: Charge citrine under Sturgeon Moon. Place in abundance area. Each day, touch and say: "Abundance flows to me like fish in the lake." Notice increase.

Preparation Spell

Ready yourself: Write preparation list. Charge under Sturgeon Moon. Say: "I prepare wisely and well." Take action on each item. Check off as completed.

Depth Spell

Access wisdom: Charge aquamarine under Sturgeon Moon. Meditate with it when seeking answers. Say: "I dive deep for wisdom." Trust what surfaces.

Working with Sturgeon Energy

Sturgeon as Teacher

Lessons from sturgeon: Ancient wisdom is available (tap into deep knowledge), Abundance lies in depths (look beneath surface), Patience brings rewards (timing matters), Survival requires adaptation (be flexible), Navigate deep waters (don't fear your depths), Treasures are hidden (seek what's not obvious)

Sturgeon Wisdom

Sturgeon medicine: Dive deep for answers, Trust ancient wisdom, Abundance is available, Patience is productive, Depths hold treasures, Navigate emotions, Prepare thoroughly

Practical Sturgeon Moon Activities

For Solitary Practitioners

Harvest garden or buy seasonal food, Prepare for autumn, Deep meditation, Gratitude journaling, Charge water crystals, Organize and gather, Appreciate abundance

For Groups

Group harvest gathering, Collective preparation, Share abundance, Deep sharing circle, Gratitude practice together, Prepare for autumn as community

For Beginners

Count ten blessings, Prepare one thing for autumn, Notice abundance, Spend time near water, Appreciate what you have, Set preparation intention

Sturgeon Moon Journaling Prompts

What abundance do I have? How can I prepare for autumn? What wisdom lies in my depths? What am I grateful for? What resources do I need to gather? How do I navigate transition? What treasures are hidden? What am I ready to harvest?

Final Thoughts: Dive Deep and Gather

The Sturgeon Moon rises at summer's end, inviting us to appreciate abundance, to prepare for coming change, and to dive deep into our own wisdom. Like sturgeon that swim in deep waters and were abundant for gathering, we too can access hidden treasures, appreciate what we have, and ready ourselves for transition. Late summer is here. Abundance is real. Change is coming.

When you see the Sturgeon Moon, remember: abundance is available, preparation is wise, depth holds wisdom, and transition is natural. Gather your blessings. Prepare for change. Dive deep. Give thanks. The Sturgeon Moon blesses those who appreciate and prepare.

Blessed Sturgeon Moon. May you find abundance and navigate depths wisely. 🐟🌕✨