Important August Dates
(All times are CST)
August 1 - Lughnasadh (Crossquarter August 7)
Lughnasadh
Animals/Mythical Creatures - griffins, basilisks, roosters, calves, centaurs, phoenix
Gemstones - aventurine, citrine, peridot, sardonyx, yellow diamonds and citrine
Incense/Oil - wood aloes, rose, rose hips, rosemary, chamomile, eucalyptus, safflower, corn, passionflower, frankincense, sandalwood
Colors/Candles - red, orange, golden yellow, green, light brown, gold, bronze, gray
Tools/Symbols/Decorations - corn, cornucopias, red, yellow flowers, sheaves of grain (wheat, barley, oats), first fruits/vegetables of garden labor, corn dollies, baskets of bread, spear, cauldron, sickle, scythe, threshing tools, sacred loaf of bread, harvested herbs, bonfires, bilberries, God figures made of bread or cookie dough, phallic symbols
Goddesses - the Mother, Dana (Lugh's wife & queen ), Tailltiu (Welsh-Scottish), Demeter (Greek), Ceres (Roman grain goddess honored at Ceresalia), the Barley Mother, Seelu (Cherokee), Corn Mother, Isis (Her birthday is celebrated about this time), Luna (Roman Moon Goddess), other agricultural Goddesses, the waxing Goddess
Gods - Lugh (Celtic, one of the Tuatha De Danaan), John Barleycorn, Arianrhod's golden haired son Lleu (Welsh God of the Sun & Corn where corn includes all grains, not just maize), Dagon (Phoenician Grain God), Tammuz/ Dummuzi (Sumerian), Dionysus, plus all sacrificial Gods who willingly shed blood/give their life that their people/lands may prosper, all vegetation Gods & Tanus (Gaulish Thunder God), Taranis, (Romano-Celtic Thunder God), Tina, (Etruscan-Thunder God), the waning God
Essence - fruitfulness, reaping, prosperity, reverence, purification, transformation, change, The Bread of Life, The Chalice of Plenty , The Ever-flowing Cup, the Groaning Board (Table of Plenty)
Dynamics/Meaning - Lugh's wedding to Mother Earth, Birth of Lugh; Death of Lugh, Celtic Grain Festival
Purpose - honoring the parent deities, first harvest festival, first fruits grains & drink to the Goddess in appreciation of Her bounty, offering loaves of sacred bread in the form of the God (this is where the Gingerbread Man originated!)
Rituals/Magick - astrology, prosperity, generosity, continued success, good fortune, abundance, magickal picnic, meditate & visualize yourself completing a project you've started
Customs - games, the traditional riding of poles/staves, country fairs, breaking bread with friends, making corn dollys, harvesting herbs for charms/rituals, Lughnasadh fire with sacred wood & dried herbs, feasting, competitions, Lammas towers (fire-building team competitions), spear tossing, gathering flowers for crowns, fencing/swordplay, games of skill, martial sports, chariot races, handfastings, trial marriages, dancing 'round a corn mother (doll)
Foods - loaves of homemade wheat, oat, & corn bread, barley cakes, corn, potatoes, summer squash, nuts, acorns, wild berries (any type), apples, rice, pears, berry pies, elderberry wine, crab apples, mead, crab, blackberries, meadowsweet tea, grapes, cider, beer
Herbs - grain, acacia, heather, ginseng, sloe, cornstalks, cyclamen, fenugreek, aloes, frankincense, sunflower, hollyhock, oak leaf, wheat, myrtle
Element/Gender - fire/female
Threshold - noon
To learn more about this and other Sabbats, get our Sabbats eBook at http://witchsupercenter.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=129
August 9, 10:08 pm - New Moon
New Moon in Leo
During this time please remember that Mercury is about to retrograde in Virgo, a rather Mutable sign on August 20, 2010 and its shadow period is 3 weeks before, during and after. This means some of you may already feel it as early as July 31, 2010 and as late as September 27, 2010. Therefore be very well prepared that everyone will be affected.
The New Moon gives us initiative to look around us. There is an urge to start something new, forcing us to even take baby steps if needed just to break the monotony of our daily routine. The new moon energy is perfect to make impulsive progress, making us certain to listen to our intuition. This energy will make us act or react from the heart and allow us to trust what ever happens if we must take a risk, live in the moment and make our own destiny. It’s about chances, and expecting us to question what we want out of life, what we wish to make happen. The new moon gives us the strength to remain clam and even calmer when there are confrontations. But if you feel that you have to defend a certain situation, then you may become stubborn and you may not back down.
During this new moon you may want things to be peaceful. If you are into music, your talent will be appreciated. You may become the nurturer to many or even think about volunteering to help the less fortunate. But most of all your relationship with your mother may become diplomatic, serene and solid.
The Moon in Leo marks a time of objectivity and charisma. Ruled by the Sun, Leo creates an influence of tenderness, eagerness, and gratification. People may feel inspired, noble, and bighearted. It is a good time to pursue romance, be collective, and to help others. Like the Lion that symbolizes Leo, people may feel self-possessed but also yearn for admiration and acknowledgment. Care needs to be taken to avoid melodramatic displays to grab the limelight or control positions.
During the Moon in Leo, you may have an emotional need to shine and be eulogized by others. You may articulate your thoughts in a childlike manner - either lightheartedly or radically. You have a natural likeness with children. You have a knack for organizing and leading. You cultivate others by giving praise and encouraging them to be strong, bold and fearless. You view your mother as a regal, dramatic or prestigious person, and look for independence, warmth and strength in that relationship
The Leo energy can sometimes cause us to be more bigoted, obstinate, pompous, irritated, pompous, arrogant, patronizing and it's harder (but not impossible) to make changes or be flexible. Since the Moon is the closest 'Planet' to Earth, and this satellite literally zips around the Zodiac, completing its circuit in less than a month, it also touches us more deeply than most planets.
Through the guided transformation through the universal energy, we must understand change is never bad. In everything we do, we must do it with honor, respect and most of all good of all man kind as the Universe did for us. We can only hope that every change you make during this time is sublime bliss.
August 20, 2:59 pm through September 12, 6:09 pm - Mercury Retrograde
How will Mercury Retrograde will affect you? Read your astrological sign to find out.
Aries
Over work and taking on way too much can end up with you having to take a forced rest to recuperate. Play it safe and make sure there is a good doze of life balance present; otherwise long hours at the office as well as partying to dawn can take its toll. Don’t get yourself all wound up worry about things that are probably not even within your control.
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: When inspiration strikes, make sure you are ready to record your thoughts. Be careful of only looking at the large picture and overlooking details. Aries are known to make rash decisions and in a Mercury retrograde time, it can lead to making irreversible errors. It is best to keep your strong opinions to yourself during this time and do more listening than talking.
Taurus
Be careful of taking people for granted over this period. Just when you think you have life all worked out and have a strategy to get anyone to do just about anything, your plans can change in a moment. Don’t gamble with life, this is a time to be sensible and serious as well as be upfront with the people who are close to you.
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: As a Taurean, you’re known to have a good level of common sense, but with Mercury retrograde present, this all of a sudden disappears. Prepare to double check your communications; it’s possible to miss important data over this time. Also, your innate stubborn traits can take on a whole new dimension, be flexible.
Gemini
Anything to do with your family home, children or the domestic area of your life can come unstuck during this time. Don’t assume anything; if you are unsure of someone’s movements then take the time to get the facts. Make sure your house is locked and secure. This is a good time to have a spare set of keys with a neighbor or friend.
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: You are able to solve complex problems where others are still trying to figure out first base, and as Mercury is your ruling planet, you in a better position than most. However, you can become distracted and go off on tangents, so there’s a need to stay focused on what’s important. Beware of being a know-it-all, and be prepared to learn from others.
Cancer
Keep you day-planner flexible, as plans can change in an instant. When there is chaos and confusion around you, there is no point digging your heels in and insisting that it’s business as usual. You may as well go with the energy and go into manic management mode. If someone needs to take control, then you’re the person to do it!
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: Over this period, Cancer's already compassionate nature is intensified. You have the ability to understand other people’s position and help them gain a level of understanding. Be careful of expecting too much from people and becoming resentful when they don’t meet your expectations.
Leo
Anything to do with finances, possessions or property is affected during this period. You can expect delays, and mix-ups, some small and some grand. You can do what you can to avoid disruption to your life by having your business matters under control, but then there are the things other people do that are out of your control and this is when all mayhem can break loose.
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: You are a natural conversationalist and can be entertaining and humorous with an ability to be an inspiring public speaker. Be careful over this period not to be too dogmatic and insisting that others agree with your opinions. After all, you are known to be just a tad bossy, and this side can turn ugly if you’re not careful.
Virgo
With Mercury retrograde in your sign for the whole out of phase period, don’t be surprised if you feel just a little out of sorts and at times uncomfortable in your own skin. You will need to do everything you can to keep you energies balanced, and that means not working around the clock like a mad-persona and doing something nice for yourself every single day!
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: Being an analytical and organized person, you have an eye for details. You take pride in your work and can discuss just about any topic with just about anyone. Mercury is your ruling planet, so in many ways you are more in line with the energies than other people, but you can still feel like your world has been tipped upside down during this period and its important not to assume anything.
Libra
Beware of being in too much of a hurry to check the facts and figures, particularly of anything that is written like an article, letter, email and particularly anything that pertains to an official type document. Even if you have to check the fine print three times, it will be worth the effort. Also be careful of passing on important jobs and errands to others who may not share your level of urgency or professionalism.
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: As a Libran you have a heart of gold and are therefore friends no matter what, and you do have a good listening ear, you like to fix things for people. However, when Mercury is retrograde, there’s a need to be careful you don’t over step your mark as it could be seen as interfering instead of helpful.
Scorpio
Don’t even think of keeping a secret from your nearest and dearest or close friends. Even if it’s something he or she doesn’t need to know, if you leave out a few pertinent details, it could be seen as hiding something. Also, keep in mind that having your say and putting across your view point strongly during this period could alienate people. Be open minded enough to listen to other people’s opinions even if you do agree to disagree.
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: You are a good investigator, Scorpio, however when you really want to get to the bottom of something, you can in fact end up being your own worst enemy, not knowing when to give up and let go. Beware of becoming nasty when not everyone sees life through your eyes.
Sagittarius
Anything to do with business will be under the microscope. If you are in meetings or finalizing discussions, make sure you double check the arrangement so everyone is on the same page. It’s important over his period to take extra care with backing up your work electronically.
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: You’re a freedom lover and need to have the flexibility to move when you have the desire to do so. When you are held back and boxed in over a Mercury retrograde period, you can become withdrawn with feelings of being trapped, instead of strategically working your way out of a tricky situation.
Capricorn
If you are traveling, check and double check the arrangements. Also, make sure you have everything you need packed in your suitcase, and it’s a must to label your luggage well. Make sure to allow for delays. Whether it’s planes, trains, automobiles or subways, anything to do with travel can be altered. Look out for opportunities to learn something new. There are valuable lessons to be learned during this period.
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: Being a business minded person, makes you very efficient and talented at what you do. You are generally organized and productive, but when Mercury goes retrograde, you can go off on tangents and lose control of your day planner. Beware of other people wanting to take control. When you are not balanced within yourself, you can become grumpy and serious.
Aquarius
Be careful lf taking someone’s throw away comments personally. It probably has nothing to do with you. You just happen to be in the firing line. Money matters can be confusing, and something you’ve been promised can be delayed. Take life in your stride and see what happens. What’s delayed over this period can right itself without any effort from you or anyone else.
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: You are a highly intellectual sign and often can’t understand why other people can’t keep up with your thinking speed. Be careful of being intolerant of anyone who is not on the same page as you because when you get irritable you can cut someone down with a look and a few acid words, causing damage that may not be easily patched up.
Pisces
You could be in for a roller coaster love ride with communication between you and another getting totally out of hand. This is one of those periods where no matter what you say, it only gets worse. Sometimes, it’s best to say nothing or very little. Let’s just say, this is not the best time to tackle a long standing sensitive issue.
Mercury retrograde information for your star sign: As a Piscean, your imagination is awesome. You like to be positive and gravitate to people who have an optimistic outlook on life. At the best of times, you do not take criticism well and over this period, you are particularly vulnerable to other people’s opinions of you and what you do. This in turn can lead you to cutting ties with people who have the potential to hurt you on an emotional level.
August 24, 12:05 pm - Full Moon
Corn Moon
To the Cherokee, August is the Fruit moon. Some cane berries have a second ripening period at this time. Many tree fruits also ripen in August, including peaches, plums and the earliest "dessert" apples. In Choctaw tradition, this is the Women's Moon, a time for feminine mysteries and ceremonies. The Dakota Sioux refer to this as the Moon When All Things Ripen. Most vegetables that haven't already matured begin to yield. many wild plants also set their seeds and fruits. The early grains ripen too.
August marks the seasonal shift. Growth slows and changes focus from expansion to condensation as plants and animals prepare for the end of the growing season. Root crops store energy. Animals gorge on abundant food to put on fat for winter. People spend hours harvesting and preserving food.
Rituals in August may acknowledge it as the first of the harvest months, with September and October to follow. Some myths focus on sacrificed gods and grain gods, who die so that others may live. Magickally, work spells for good weather and good harvests. Work to strengthen community ties in your coven or other magickal/spiritual group.
~ Elizabeth Barrette
Blog 
