Feel conflicted? Jubilant one minute, knocking your forehead on the wall the next? August is that month where we paradoxically aim to skedaddle to our favorite vacation spots, and yet we have to kick into high gear to prepare for the close of summer. It screams ease and fun, but requires us to stay the course. Therefore, this month, we come home to what matters. We will celebrate oneness, the ancestors, and honor the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. We will explore how creativity can help us break through obstacles.
Traditionally the first days of August are the Celtic holy day of Lammas, and we will evoke these traditions in circle.
In the States, the August full moon is often called the sturgeon moon, and the name came from the Great Lakes Algonquin tribes. It’s harvest time for many things, but especially these fish. If you don’t know what a sturgeon is, you’re not alone. It’s a fossil-like white fish that can live up to 150 years, there are near 30 species worldwide. Interestingly, the females don’t mature to birthing years until they are 20 years old! But the name is not about birth, but death, as this is when the fish were best caught to salt for the winter.
But here in the Pacific Northwest, the Kalapuya people called this the Akupiu moon – or end of summer moon. The Swinomish called this the moon of the salal berry, pədt̓aqaʔ, because of all the plants to be harvested, these made the most delicious cakes. You may walk outside and notice how hard it is to resist picking fresh fruit from the blackberry and raspberry bushes near you.
Our full moon occurs August 3rd at 8:58am PDT. It will be in Aquarius, opposite the Leo sun. This highlights tensions between the individual, Leo, and the collective, Aquarius. However, both of these fixed signs revel in their uniqueness, and appreciate authenticity and expressiveness. Both planets are square Uranus, which means the month will start with a bang. There is potential for awakening or rebellion, and if we set our chessboard up right, we can harness the power of this season.
Join us for the Rites of the Full Sturgeon Moon to find your unique role in contributing to this collective transformation. Utilize the shared magical imprint to break through obstacles and set your energetic frequency to one of fulfillment.
This ritual will be virtual. Join us for meditation, authentic relating, divination, and spellcraft. Join us on Zoom from 7-9pm.
Suggested donation of $35. Scholarships available for BIPOC. Preregistration is required. Invite your friends! Register early, we sell out! Open to all women and nonbinaries.