Moon Mondays: Stop playing small with the Aries full moon

I used to deflect every single compliment.

If someone told me I looked great or praised my work, I’d brush it off with an awkward laugh or quick, “Oh, it’s nothing.” Appreciation made me uncomfortable. I mistakenly thought I was being humble — but, in truth, I didn’t feel worthy. I couldn’t wrap my head around what others saw in me as valuable or remarkable because deep down my core belief was that I wasn’t good enough.

Once I realized that (and did some inner work), everything shifted. Becoming conscious of my limiting belief allowed me to not only take in compliments, but also gave me permission to celebrate my own achievements. That was huge. 

Can you relate? Do you catch yourself deflecting admiration instead of letting it land, dismissing acknowledgment of your talents and efforts?

Tonight’s Aries full moon is a brilliant celestial moment to look beneath the surface of that seemingly altruistic reflex. Aries energy is all about me — independence, self-assertion, and uniqueness. Aries boldly states, “I am.” Pisces, coming right before Aries in the zodiac, emphasizes oneness, merging and “we.” Aries responds by calling us back from Pisces’ watery unity into our individuality once again. Fiery Aries asks us to embrace our personal power, to stand strong, and cultivate the warrior’s courage and confidence.

Think of Aries as the protector — both personally and collectively. When you’re rooted in your own strength, your boundaries become clear, and with that force you rise to support and defend what matters most. Like Wonder Woman — Amazon goddess, radiant, and fierce — Aries energy channels conviction into brave action. This luminous moon invites not just self-assertion but self-celebration.

Show of hands, ladies: Who ran around proudly in a leotard, with a towel cape tied around your neck, a golden lasso, and bullet-deflecting bracelets? Ooh, oh, pick me! I totally did!

Currently, the moon’s fullness has become synonymous with releasing, as our satellite orb begins losing light in its return journey to align with the sun once again. Historically though, the bright, illuminated moon was a time of celebration. People would gather, play music, dance around bonfires, share food, and revel under the brilliant moonlight. This evening invites us to remember that original intention: a time to have fun, celebrate and honor ourselves and our community. Boring old letting go can come tomorrow, when the moon wanes. Tonight, we party!

Celebration vs. limiting beliefs

If celebrating yourself feels challenging, agonizing, even stressful, that signals a limiting belief at play. These restrictive beliefs typically form in childhood, designed to keep us safe by staying small, avoiding attention, or protecting ourselves from emotional danger. While ingenious at the time, attempting to save us, these timeworn beliefs now hold us back — big time.

The consequences of not being able to acknowledge yourself are tangible. Shadow beliefs can prevent you from creating the life you want, whether that means standing up for yourself in relationships, asserting your needs at work, asking for a raise, finding your dreamy partner or setting healthy boundaries. Think of your unconscious beliefs like flashing check engine lights on your dashboard of life — a signal that something under the hood needs your attention. These beliefs are the hidden forces that unintentionally drive us get in our own way — on repeat.

Adding to this confrontational Aries dynamic is Mercury entering Scorpio today. Scorpio energy invites introspection and transformation, while Mercury governs our thought patterns and self-talk. This is a grand moment to reflect: What beliefs are holding me back? What stories am I telling myself that limit my potential?

The Aries full moon bids you to applaud yourself, even if it feels torturous. Acknowledging your value is a first, essential step toward creating the life you desire — the life you feel drawn to live in your heart.

Next week, as Venus enters Libra, we’ll explore another potent energy — learning to create harmony without abandoning ourselves. Venus is moving through the end of her morning star phase, so get out to see her in the eastern dawn sky before she heads into what ancient peoples called the underworld, as she travels behind the sun. 

Until then, may this Aries full moon inspire you to step more firmly into your power and honor yourself with courage and merriment. Grab your loved ones, some yummy food, and put on some music that makes you want to move your hot Aries Amazon body.

Sheridan Semple helps women discover what holds them back from celebrating their awesomeness. She is an astrologer, astrology life coach, and founder of Moon Sisters Circle Find her work at sheridansemple.com or email her at sheridan@sheridansemple.com.