The Sturgeon Moon
🌕 August's Full Moon & My Calendar Series
Tonight's full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon, named for the time when these ancient, armored fish were traditionally most abundant in North American waters. Sturgeon have swum our rivers and coastlines for over 100 million years, and August's full moon has long marked both the season of their plenty and the wisdom of preparation, as summer's peak begins its slow descent toward autumn.
The sturgeon itself is a living relic, virtually unchanged since the age of dinosaurs. These gentle giants can live over a century, some reaching lengths of 12 feet or more. Their prehistoric appearance — those distinctive bony plates, the shark-like tail, the barbels that help them navigate murky waters — speaks to an endurance that spans geological ages.
Bringing Ancient Waters to Life
For my Sturgeon Moon illustration, I wanted to capture both the creature's ancient nature and the quiet beauty of August's full moon. The piece centers on a warm, golden moon with a green sturgeon swimming through kelp and aquatic plants. I was drawn to the sturgeon's prehistoric look — that pointed snout, distinctive tail, and armored plates that make them seem like living fossils.
The border mixes underwater and celestial elements, with flowing kelp fronds and golden stars scattered throughout. The teal and green palette felt right for deep ocean waters, while the gold accents echo both starlight and August's warm moonlight. I kept the composition symmetrical to reflect the balance of late summer — still abundant, but with autumn approaching.
Part of a Deeper Current
This illustration is the latest addition to my 12-month moon calendar, a series I'll complete by November. Each square piece explores the intersection of lunar lore, seasonal rhythms, and natural history. Like the sturgeon itself, this project celebrates endurance — the way certain truths and cycles persist across time, offering guidance to anyone willing to pay attention.
As the Sturgeon Moon rises tonight, it invites us to reflect on longevity, resilience, and the wisdom of preparation. Just as the sturgeon has navigated changing waters for millennia, we too can learn to move through life's currents with grace, carrying forward what serves us and releasing what no longer does as we head toward autumn's deeper rhythms.
This illustration is part of my upcoming 2026 Moon Calendar. Follow along as I complete each month's lunar portrait — and watch for pre-orders opening this November. Each piece will capture not just the moon's name and lore, but the specific energy and wisdom that month offers.
What draws you to lunar cycles and seasonal rhythms? I'd love to hear how you mark the changing months in your own creative practice.
