The full moon of July 29, 2026, shines a light of guidance and direction forward. Guru Purnima—the full moon of the guru—honors all teachers, gurus, and guides, as well as a channel of divine inner knowing that flows within you. On this Full Moon, which peaks at 7:35 am PT, take a moment to remember and give thanks for the people and experiences that have brought clarity and direction during times of uncertainty.

The relationship with an important teacher is one of the most significant in a lifetime. A good teacher does not simply tell you what to think; they illuminate the path so that you can see it more clearly for yourself. In fact, the word “guru” means “dispeller of darkness”— namely the darkness that can obscure the path to freedom and happiness within us.

This enlightening full moon falls in the Vedic nakshatra of Shravana, the star of learning. Shravana enhances our hearing and is sometimes called the “ear of God.” It represents our ability to listen, focus, and absorb knowledge.

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Another astounding thing about this full moon is that it occurs at a rare crossing point between the sun and the planet Jupiter. Jupiter is called Guru in Vedic astrology, and on this Guru Purnima, Jupiter will align with the heart of the sun (called “cazimi Jupiter”). This rare synchronicity points to breakthroughs in growth and expanded consciousness, especially around collective goals and what can benefit humanity as a whole.

Take heed: although this is an auspicious full moon overall, a tense alignment between Venus and Mars brings caution around issues of power and control. Be especially mindful in communication, as people may be more sensitive or reactive at this time, particularly in relationships and interactions between the sexes.

Saturn, Lord of Karma, came to a halt and on July 26 and began a powerful retrograde cycle that will continue until Dec 10. The slow and discriminating power of Saturn is in Revati, the final nakshatra of the Zodiac—a star of spiritual journeys, divine guidance, and transmigration found in the deepest waters of Pisces. This Saturn retrograde is a time for deep spiritual overhaul, reassessment, and long-term healing.

Learn more about Saturn in Pisces, check out the pre-recorded Saturn in Pisces Horoscope Class.

According to Vedic Astrology, Saturn becomes stronger when retrograde, giving it greater power to transmit wisdom and teach its karmic lessons.

Lord Hanuman’s guru was the brilliant Sun God, Surya. Each day, Hanuman followed him across the sky to receive his lessons. In order to maintain eye contact with his teacher, Hanuman kept his face turned toward the Sun and moved backward across the sky, much like a retrograde planet.

In the next five months Saturn turns (like Hanuman) to face the sun, and its apparent luminosity will grow. The light of truth and clarity will also grow for those who are ready to receive Saturn’s lessons through introspection, reflection, and acts of selfless service.

Guru Purnima and Shravana full moon magnifies the power to learn important lessons through observation and self-inquiry. Listen closely to your heart, try reflection or journaling to connect with the quiet wisdom within you.

Guru Brahma,
Guru Vishnu,
Guru devo Maheshwara,
Guru sakshat, param Brahma,
tasmai shri guravay namah.

Guru is the creator, sustainer and the destroyer.
It is the transcendental divinity,
the timeless life-principle, the very essence of the creator.
I make my offering to the Guru, the auspicious remover of my darkness and my ignorance;
My salutations of gratitude for that glorious teacher.

— A prayer from the Guru Gita
in the Skanda Purana (6th-15th century AD)

How these planetary transits affect you personally depends on your birth chart.  Book a Vedic Astrology reading to learn more.