All about the energies and magic of August plus a few August holidays to highlight.
- Zodiac Signs + Correspondences:
- Crystals: peridot, carnelian
- Animals: crow, owl, sturgeon
- Flowers: poppy, gladiolus
- Deities: Helios, Ra, Aekhmet, Amaterasu
- The sun is in Leo until August 22. Leo is a fixed fire sign.
- Lion's Gate Portal (8/8)
- Moon Phases
- August 4: new moon in Leo
- August 13: second quarter moon in Scorpio
- August 19: full moon in Aquarius
- August 26: fourth quarter moon in Gemini
- Ancient August Celebrations:
- Portunalia (Roman, August 17): A festival dedicated to Portunus, the god of keys, doors, and livestock. It involved rituals to protect grain stored in barns and to safeguard homes and property.
- Vinalia Rustica (Roman, August 19): A festival honoring Jupiter and Venus, marking the beginning of the grape harvest.
- Consualia (Roman, August 21 and December 15): A festival dedicated to Consus, the god of grain storage. Celebrations included horse races and games.
- Vulcanalia (Roman, August 23): A festival dedicated to Vulcan, the god of fire and metalworking. The Romans would make sacrifices to avert fires, particularly in the dry, hot summer months.
- Hekatombaion (Greek, late July to early August): The first month of the Attic calendar, which included several festivals such as:
- Panathenaea: Held every four years in honor of Athena, featuring athletic and musical competitions, as well as religious ceremonies.
- Hekatombaia: Celebrated in honor of Apollo, involving sacrifices and communal feasting.
- Akitu (Ancient Mesopotamia, New Year Festival, date varies): Celebrated in honor of the god Marduk, marking the beginning of the agricultural year. The festival occurred twice a year, with the most significant celebration taking place in the spring, but it also had an autumn counterpart that could fall in late July or early August.
- Disablót (Norse, date varies, often held in late summer): A sacrificial festival to honor the Disir, female spirits associated with fertility and family. This festival was important for ensuring good harvests and protection for the community.
- August 1: Lammas / Lughnasadh
- August 18: Zhongyuan Festival (Chinese, Ghost Festival, date varies in lunar calendar, often falls in August): A traditional festival during which people honor their ancestors and deceased loved ones. It involves offering food, burning incense, and floating lanterns on water to guide spirits. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival
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