When I was in my mid-20’s, I lived in the magical city of New Orleans. Time was inconsequential, and life was a carousel of vibrant events and interactions. Of course this also meant that any friend who was in a touring band would inevitably come through town, and there would always be a great reunion. On one such occasion, a dear old friend of mine was touring with an indie rock band from Brooklyn and I was elated to show them the city I had fallen in love with. I gathered my friends and we all danced and swayed under bubbly colored lights at the venue, the vibrations from the chords coursing through our arms and hips.

 

After the show, we invited my friend and the band out to some of our favorite haunts across town, and then they planned to stay over at our house for (what was left of) the night. The dynamics in the band were varied; there was a couple, and three single people all with different agendas for the evening, but throughout the night when it was time to make decisions (who was driving the van, who was going where, who was going with who), or if a conflict arose, one of the members would say “Friendship first!” and they would all come into circle with one another. It was done subtly, but beautiful to watch them put their heads together and make decisions as a group, with everyone’s interests on the table and equally important. They prioritized their bond of friendship over any other dynamics that came up throughout the night, and I assume throughout their tour.

 

I could be remembering this with rose-colored glasses—forgive me it’s been 11 years and I had a high tolerance back then. But the phrase, “friendship first” has stuck with me. To be reminded that what is most important in a moment of intensity is the respect and consideration of whoever is involved—even if you aren’t agreeing in the moment—provides a reset to the challenge at hand. The bond of friendship can be complicated, but it is never not strong. Yes, you may have acquaintances or social contacts or folks of enjoyable company, but your friends are people with whom you share a kinship; a braid of love, support, and understanding.

 

This has been a high-energy summer so far. Time has moved quickly; Uranian episodes of “whatthefuckwasthat?” spliced into days with not enough hours. The pressure has been on, and perhaps you’re already noticing the great changes rising from these churned waters. As we reach tomorrow’s Full Supermoon in Aquarius, we reach the culmination of this energy. We are at a pivot point. The pace is likely to shift from here until the end of summer. And with the moon in community-oriented Aquarius, we are being given an opportunity to reframe our perspective on how we relate to our work, the current climate (economical, social, environmental), and other people.

 

 

During this Full Supermoon in Aquarius, see what happens when you consider friendship first. Whether within a group of folks, or within the grouping of all of your parts, your goals, or your tasks, seek transparency and cooperation. If you’ve been struggling with a decision, what happens when each part of you is heard for its wants and desires by the other contributing parts? Marshall Rosenberg talks about how most conflict resolution ends in compromise, but in such a case either one or both parties end up having to lose something, which inevitably breeds resentment. Instead he counsels folks to identify the underlying needs of each perspective in order to find a resolution, a third option that meets the foundational needs of both parties. Just like with friendship first, we practice respect for one another (or for our warring parts) by allowing each to be witnessed, heard, and considered.

 

 

Aquarius energy is open-minded and future-oriented, but it is not individualistic. In fact, Aquarians innately understand the concept of individuation purely because it is their natural state. Embracing their uniqueness allows them to fulfill their very own, particular place in the whole. They understand that special is not a comparable quality. And they appreciate the diversity that colors the big picture.

 

See if you can tap into Aquarius's individuated perspective. Allow your emotional world the independence it craves to not personalize everything around you. There is a handful of harmonious aspects tomorrow that can provide inspiration and drive to accomplish tasks that may have been derailed or slow to complete over the last month. As with any full moon, this is a great time to check in on your progress, celebrate the wins, and make plans for completion. Specifically Mars in Virgo trine Jupiter in Taurus will ground our energy for action, and serve our hunger for information. Mercury in Virgo opposite Saturn in Pisces can set a conservative tone, and zoom in on the details. Be mindful not to be overly critical of yourself (or others) and channel this energy into meticulous care for small things that support and enrich your projects and relationships. We still have Neptune in Pisces sextile Pluto in Capricorn, which makes us want to make things work. And in the week ahead, we will have a stronger flow of creative energy so finish what you can and prepare to move onward and upward!

 

Tomorrow, August 1 is also the pagan celebration of Lughnasadh—the first harvest. Falling on a full moon, which is a time of reaping what has come to fruition and taking stock of what has still yet ripen, this celebration feels particularly charged this year. It's okay to enjoy the fruits of your labor, even if the season isn't completely done. You've made huge strides this year and nothing is sweeter than the first bite, so take your time with it. The person you were six months ago at the New Moon in Aquarius very likely had no idea you'd be where you are today. It was likely you were still finding your footing in a new expression of your authenticity, and getting comfortable with another definition of resolution; as in to commit.