A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

What the Super Rare 2023 Blue Moon Means for Your Zodiac Sign

We won't see another blue supermoon until August 2032. Tap into your zodiac sign to make the most of this rare lunar event.

2023 Blue Moon Zodiac Infographic Gettyimages 1124551499
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

What on earth is the blue supermoon?

Full moon and supermoon astrology are a little bit like regular astrology on steroids. But to understand why the occurrence is so special, you’ll need a little background on what a supermoon even is. See, it happens only when the moon is full during the closest point in its orbit around the big blue marble: earth. Supermoons have a larger, brighter, more magical appearance, and one is capping off the month of August this year.

Now add to that the fact that there are two full moons in the month, a phenomenon known as a blue moon (though it’s not actually blue). The second full moon in the month, appearing at its closest point to the earth? That’s what we call a blue supermoon.

Think of this blue supermoon as opening night. You have been rehearsing for a play all summer, and now it’s showtime, folks! This particular blue supermoon will be in the most emotional sign of the zodiac: Pisces. As the last sign of the zodiac, Pisces is all about compassion. It has learned the lessons of the previous signs and can empathize with their experiences. With dreamy Pisces at the helm, you may even feel a bit swoony, making zodiac sign compatibility something to pay close attention to, along with your summer romance forecast.

When is the 2023 blue supermoon?

You still have time to catch this rare celestial event. The blue supermoon will reach its peak at 9:36 p.m. ET on Aug. 30, 2023. If you miss that, you’ll have to wait until 2032, when the next blue supermoon will appear.

How will the blue supermoon affect you?

Full moon and supermoon astrology are important to pay attention to because they are closely aligned with your emotional life. You are likely to feel your emotions most deeply in the few days before the lunar event. As a longtime astrologer, I have seen clients make grand statements during these transits, only to walk it back a little the next week when things calm down. I have also seen clients truly follow their hearts and commit to life changes.

The best approach to using full moon and supermoon astrology is to listen to your heart and be true to it. That said, you don’t necessarily have to post all over social media about it!

Looking at the big picture is important when dealing with full moon and supermoon astrology, so you don’t want to get caught in the weeds by small distractions. Remember to focus on using your sign’s unique good luck to maximize good fortune. A few days after the full moon, energy starts to come down, so factor in some downtime the following week. Then it’s time to gear up for working with the fall equinox zodiac!

Curious what the supermoon has in store for you? Read on to find out.

Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more zodiac insights, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.

Aries
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Aries (March 21–April 19)

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and Pisces is the last. But they live right next to each other. And that’s significant with a blue supermoon in Pisces this August. It’s a great time for hotheaded Aries folks to cool off. Get in touch with your sense of innocence and vulnerability. Aries is the “baby” of the zodiac and Pisces the “elder,” so let your inner grandparent take care of you.

For once, you don’t need to be the boss. Let others take care of themselves a bit so you can nurture your own heart. Your loved ones will be pleased with the more soft-spoken version of you, and you may end up No. 1 on the list of the most polite zodiac signs! Time spent under the radar will do you good—you are sure to come out of it with more energy than ever.

Taurus
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Taurus (April 20–May 20)

This lunar event will transit your house of friends and community, Taurus. Think of the path you are following and consider which people in your life align with your goals and destination. The more time you spend with folks who share your vision, the better you will feel about your place in the world. Keep in mind, though, that even your problematic friends deserve a little compassion during this moon cycle. Live and let live.

The Pisces focus on empathy will expand your heart, and that’s bound to feel good. Friendship is magic, as the My Little Pony song goes, so let the blue supermoon expand your community. Of course, your best friend always comes first.

Gemini
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

Summer may be on its way out, but your work is clicking into overdrive now, with the Pisces blue supermoon transiting your career house. Your ability to get along with all types of colleagues will serve you well. Use your extra talent for being what author Malcolm Gladwell calls a “connector.” Bring together people who may have very different politics, identities and cultural backgrounds but who share the same work dreams.

Among your other career strengths is your talent for presenting people in their best light. This generous gift will serve you well. Think about which of your work peeps might be able to help one another. All will thank you for thinking of them. And you may see some extra work or money for yourself down the road.

Cancer
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

This beautiful lunar event is transiting your house of travel, Cancer. What a wonderful time to slip in a little last-minute summer fun. You are always so good at taking care of other people, but this may be a good chance to cut loose and connect to your inner kiddo! Even if you can’t physically get away now, it will be fun to plan your ideal vacation.

The blue supermoon is bound to amp up your energy, and you’ll want to spend more time in the sun and less on your couch. Yes, we all know what a homebody you can be, and we love you for it! But this could be a way to surprise everyone—including yourself—by infusing more joy into your life (and onto your calendar).

Leo
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)

The best way for you to use the big Pisces energy of this blue supermoon is to focus on commitment. Who are “your people”? (Hint: They may belong to your sister sign.)

With this rare blue supermoon transiting your eighth house, you are at your best when you are saying “Heck yes!” If you’re not sure, then it’s a no. There is a certain simplicity that will help you to organize your life during this cycle. Try your best to shift away from people or situations that don’t inspire. That leaves so much more room for you to focus on the relationships and the opportunities that push your passion button.

Virgo
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

This lunar event may have an especially strong impact on you, Virgo. After all, the sun will be in your sign, and this special moon will be in the opposite sign, Pisces. That means the moon will transit your house of relationships and love. If you want this part of your life to sizzle and shine, it’s up to you to put yourself out there. People will respond especially well to the kinder, softer version of you, not the nitpicky one!

For the best success, lead by following. If you want to deepen a relationship, the best way to do that right now may be to ask your special person what they want to do. If you’re flying solo and looking for love, you are likely to find it in places where your ideal person would spend time, whether that’s the tennis courts or live music night at a local joint.

Libra
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The blue supermoon at the end of August gives you some extra physical energy as it transits your health sector. You don’t need to overdo the athletic bravado, but pushing yourself to walk a few more steps or enjoy one more outdoorsy event will make you feel more alive.

It’s also a good time to cross off the preventive-care to-do’s on your list. Set appointments with your doctors and improve your eating habits. Taking care of your body is especially good for your mood right now. But since you are a Libra, you can also treat yourself to some new fall clothes! Wearing the right colors for your sign can add to your self-confidence.

Scorpio
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

This special full moon occurs in a fellow water sign, Scorpio. You will feel at home during this transit, with your zodiac element highlighted. You can be your big self: bighearted and full of big energy.

This year, with Saturn still leaning on you, you may have fretted that you are “too much” for some people. Not to worry as August draws to a close. Your largesse of spirit and emotional intelligence will endear you to your beloveds and bring even a few more close friends into your world. If you’re invited to any gatherings, go. And if you pass on the parties, think about doing some entertaining yourself!

Sagittarius
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

This could be your chance to spruce up your home, Sagittarius. You’re one of the most active and on-the-go zodiac signs, but during this key moment before fall comes and life gets busy, consider purging all the stuff you don’t need and making your home into more of a zen palace. (While you’re at it, you might want to grab your favorite paint color and give your walls a coat of something relaxing.) With the supermoon igniting your home sector, you have the stars on your side.

If you’re not feeling the Marie Kondo spirit, then perhaps get cozy in your home with your family. The moon is transiting your home and family sector, and this is a prime opportunity to connect more deeply with those family members you haven’t spent enough time with lately.

Capricorn
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Capricorn, this blue supermoon is likely to highlight the Chatty Cathy in you. Although you are known as someone who doesn’t mince words, you may find yourself more low-key and flexible when mingling with people now.

Full moon and supermoon astrology sees this celestial event underscoring your communication talents. If ever there was a time to lighten up, put work chatter aside and just enjoy the moment with your family, colleagues, friends or houseguests, it would be now. You may also get a chance to show off your dry wit—you may not be the funniest zodiac sign, but you still deliver laughs. If you’re working on any communications-related projects, you’re likely to feel inspired and come up with some of your best ideas of the year.

Aquarius
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

This major lunar event will be highlighting your money sector, Aquarius, so think about how you want to use your coin. You are considered the altruist of the zodiac, so certainly spending your money in ways that align with your beliefs is a good idea.

But you may also want to indulge a bit, and if you do, think about spending on self-care. The better you feel in your body, and the more regulated your nervous system, the more likely you are to continue to make sound financial decisions. Don’t be surprised if more great money ideas come to you after a good massage or spa day. Besides, you’ve earned the money, so you deserve a little luxury!

Pisces
RD.com, Getty Images (2)

Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)

This is your time, Pisces! The blue supermoon falls in your sign, so the world is your oyster. The best way for you to make your dreams come true is to believe in them. What is it you want to manifest? Write it down and be as specific as possible. Then see if you can use that brilliant Piscean imagination to embody what it feels like when you get your wish.

This is a great time to quell the voice of fear and try to tune in to the open-hearted part of you. After all, you are kind and generous to your loved ones to the extreme. Think about how much you deserve the best in life.

Jill Dearman
Jill writes about astrology and culture for Reader's Digest. She is the author of Queer Astrology for Men and Queer Astrology for Women and has written for dozens of publications over the years. She has been called the O.G. Astrologer, which is a handle she'd like to use in her imaginary life as an old-school rapper. She is also the author of several crime novels including Jazzed; a book on the history of feminism for teens; and a writing guide called Bang the Keys: Four Steps to a Lifelong Writing Practice. She writes regularly about books for CrimeReads and The Brooklyn Rail.