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There are two theories as to how August got its name. Some historians say the designation honors the Roman emperor Augustus, a man renowned for his leadership skills and love of the arts. Others claim the name derives from Juno Augusta, an oracle in ancient times. In fact, Roman seers were often called "augurs," which gives some credence to the second interpretation. In either case, August contains numerous music and art festivals and county fairs that continue in summer's high-energy cycle but also show signs of autumn's harvest theme. You will also begin to notice an increase in the number of festivals for the dead, now that the sun's light is waning. In terms of magick, August accentuates kinship or community spirit through its gatherings. It is a time to enjoy the remaining warmth of the earth, celebrate the human spirit, and generally make yourself more aware of how you use your time. Remember, fall is just around the corner, so cast spells for energy and health, with a little happiness tossed in "just because"! |
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August 18 Crow Fair (Montana) Genetaska Themes: Traditions; Unity Symbols: Amalgams (any items that mixes different components into a useful, harmonious blend) About Genetaska: Since this festival has become a meeting ground for various tribes, we look to Genetaska to make the day productive and celebratory. As the Iroquois Mother of Nations, she not only created human diversity but also maintains the peace within it. To Do Today: Since, 1918, a great gathering of Native American tribes has taken place in Crow Agency, Montana. Here people meet, dance, and revel in native traditions. While the event is hosted by the Crow Tribe, others attend from tribes as diverse as Inuit and Aztec. In keeping with this theme, and to invoke Genetaska's harmony in your life, make peace with yourself or someone from whom you've been estranged. Ask Genetaska to help you find forgiveness in your heart. Also, listen to some Native American music today, or maybe visit a museum that includes Native American exhibits to enjoy Genetaska's diversity. She lives within her people's artistic expressions of individuality and vision. Finally, make a stew that includes squash and corn (two traditional Native American foods). Stir the stew clockwise and invoke Genetaska, saying, Diversity and harmony, as I eat, abide in me! The Goddess will mix and mingle the food to magickal perfection. |
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August 19 Eisteddfod (Wales) Olwen Themes: Arts; Creativity; Excellence; Sun Symbols: Late-Blooming Flowers; Red or Gold Items; Rings About Olwen: A Welsh sun goddess whose name means "golden wheel," Olwen overcame thirteen obstacles to obtain her true love (symbolic of thirteen lunar months), and she teaches us similar tenacity in obtaining our goals. Art portrays this goddess as having a red-gold collar, golden rings, and sun-colored hair that shines with pre-autumn splendor on today's celebration. To Do Today: Annouced thirteen months in advance, this celebration preserves Welsh music and literature amid the dramatic back-drop of sacred stone circles. The Eisteddfod dates back to Druid times; it was originally an event that evaluated those wishing to obtain bardic status. Follow these hopeful bards' example and wear something green today to indicate your desire to grow beneath Olwen's warm light. Or, don something red or gold to generate the goddess's energy for excellence in any task. You can make an Olwen creativity charm out of thirteen different flower petals. It is best to collect thirteen different ones, but any thirteen will do along with a red- or gold-colored cloth. Fold the cloth over the petals inward three times for body, mind, and spirit, saying with each fold, Insight begin, bless me, Olwen. Carry this with you, releasing one petal whenever you want a little extra inspiration. |
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| August 20 Voyager 2 Launch (United States)
Inanna
Themes: Sky; Universal Awareness and Law; Movement; Peace; Unity; Love; Leadership Symbols: Rose; Star; Lion; Wands Encrusted with Stones; Dates About Inanna: The Sumerian Lady of the Heavens looks down upon the world, seeing it in wholeness and unity. Her gentle tears wash from heaven, putting out the emotional fires that keep people apart in this world, or anywhere in the Universe. Inanna oversees matter of love, divination, wine making, and leadership, just to name a few. In works of art she is depicted wearing a horned headdress and sprouting wings. To Do Today: On August 20, 1977, Voyager 2 was launched into space, bearing a message of peace and welcome to any alien life forms that might find it. As it travels, we are reminded of what a truly big place the Universe is, and of the importance of making our part of it better under Inanna's guidance and care. To make yourself an Inanna wand for directing magickal energy designed to manifest peace, oneness, love, or leadership, take a large rose twig (or any fallen branch) and let it dry. Encrust this with an amethyst. During spells and rituals, point the crystal in the direction you want the energy to travel. Finally, leave Inanna an offering of wine at dawn (she is the morning star) to attract her power to your day. 
Inanna, Goddess of Sumer | | The goddess Inanna, called the Queen of Heaven in Ancient Sumer and the progenitor of the goddesses Venus and Aphrodite, tricked the God of Wisdom into giving her his special tools, including the valuable Tablets of Destiny, which gave her great powers. Although Inanna was now very powerful, she also felt very lonely. But she soon had two suitors—one was a farmer named Enki (short for Enkidu) and the other was Dumuzi, a shepherd. Both gave her beautiful gifts, but Dumuzi's sumptuously soft woolens gave him a distinct edge.
| | Inanna was worried about her sister Eriskegal decided to visit the Underworld to see her. Eriskegal's husband, who was the God of Death had recently deserted her. Though the goddess Inanna felt concerned about her sister, she dreaded the trip. After all, the two sisters had never gotten along very well. When Inanna arrived at each of the seven gates of the Underworld, the gatekeeper would demand that she leave one of her garments and required her to leave her jewels, and even her crown. When she finally saw her sister, the goddess stood before her, naked and vulnerable. And Eriskegal was angry with her, feeling that Inanna had not been supportive of her. Why she hadn't even visited before now. So Eriskegal flew into a rage and killed her on the spot.
| | | Inanna had been foresighted enough to advise her servant that if she did not come back, he should mount a rescue attempt. When she didn't appear, he appealed to Enki, her father, who sculpted two tiny creatures from the clay beneath his fingernails and sent them into the Underworld with the servant and carrying magical substances called the Food and Water of Life. 
Upon their arrival in the Underworld, the servant asked for Inanna's body and the creatures fed the lifeless Inanna the Food and Water of Life, magically returning her to life. Inanna then requested that she be allowed to return to the world and her sister consented.
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| | As Inanna passed through the seven gates during her ascent to the world, each of her possessions was returned to her. She returned home to resume her role as the Queen of Heaven with her crown once more upon her head. As part of her agreement with her sister Inanna was required each year to descend once again into the Underworld in order to renew her own vitality and to restore the fertility of the earth. | |
One of the Lessons of the Goddess Inanna: Just as Inanna had to shed a part of her identity—something that symbolized an important role or relationship in her life, so must we. If we are to remain connected with our 'true' selves, our inner truth, we must divest ourselves of our attachments to the "outer world", the face we show to others, and instead, travel inward to find the meaning of our lives.
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August 21 Ahes Festival (Brittany) Ahes Themes: Water; Abundance; Fertility; Passion; Courage Symbols: Seawater; Sea Creatures About Ahes: This ancient pagan goddess symbolizes the sea's abundance, fertility, and passion. She also reaches us much about courage; she fought fervently against Christian influences to turn her into a monstrous figure akin to a siren. To Do Today: Ahes was honored with a plethora of beautiful ceremonies around the end the summer. If you have a beech tree nearby, you can follow the custom of gathering beneath its bowers, or near a small pond. Here, wash any white cloth (perhaps an altar cloth). This brings Ahes's health and productivity to wherever you keep that fabric swatch. For those who can't find a beech tree or a pond, just add a little salt to your laundry today instead for similar effect. To engender this goddess's abundance, scent your hair with any earthy shampoo or cream rinse (the Brentons used moss). Definitely include some seafood in your diet today to partake of her courage. Flavoring the fish with borage flower, thyme, or a little black tea will accentuate brave energies. And, finally, if you have a seashell or bit of driftwood, find a way to release it back into Ahes's care today (for example, give it to a river or leave it in a well). This thanks the goddess for her providence and encourages her blessings in your life. |
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August 22 Virgo Begins (Various Locations) Astraea Themes: Excellence; Learning; Purity; Justice; Knowledge; Reason; Innocence Symbols: Stars About Astraea: This Greek goddess motivates fairness and virtue within us. She empowers our ability to "fight the good fight" in both word and deed, especially when we feel inadequate to the task. According to lore, she left earth during the Golden Age because of man's inhumanity to man. She became the constellation Virgo. To Do Today: In astrology, people born under this sign, like Astraea, strive endlessly for perfection within and without, some times naively overlooking the big picture because of their focus on detail. Astraea reestablishes that necessary perspective by showing us how to think more globally. To encourage this ability, draw a star on a piece of paper and put it in your shoe so that your quest for excellence is always balanced with moderation and sound pacing. To meditate on this goddess's virtues and begin releasing them within, try using a bowl (or bath) full of soapsuds sprinkled with glitter (this looks like foating stars) as a focus. Light a candle nearby and watch the small points of light as they dance; each one represents a bit of magickal energy and as aspect of Astraea. Tell the goddess your needs and your dreams, then float in her starry water until you feel renewed and cleansed. |
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August 23 Vulcanalia (Rome) Juturna Themes: Fire; Water; Fate; Divination; Protection; Balance Symbols: Fire; Water; Fountains About Juturna: During the festival of Vulcan (the god of fire and the forge), Romans wisely invoked Juturna, a fountain goddess, to keep fire from damaging the land or homes. On another level, we can call upon her to put out emotional fire that have gotten out of control. To Do Today: Historically, Vulcanalia was a time to divine using the smoke from incense (then put out the fire with Juturna's water). Choose your incense so that it matches your quesiton; rose or jasmine for love, mint for money-related matter, vanilla for health. The smoke may respond by creating symbolic image or by moving in a particular direction. Movement toward your left is negative, to the right is positive, and smoking circling the incense stick reflects mingled fortunes or uncertain fates. When you're done scrying the smoke and have put the incense out, keep the mixture of ash and water. This symbolizes the balance between fire and water. Carry this with you in a sealed container, breaking it open amid aggravating situations. Releasing the contents invites Juturna's coolheadedness to keep anger reigned in. To internalize Juturna's protective, balancing energies, simply stop at any water fountain today for a refreshing drink of her water. Whisper her name just before the water meets your lips to invoke her presence. |
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August 24 Shepherd's Fair (Luxembourg) Damona Themes: Animals; Health Symbols: Sheep; Hot Water About Damona: A Gualish goddess who cares for all domestic animals, especially sheep and cows, Damona is sometimes portrayed as a hot spring, alluding to a healthful, warm quality. As fall nears, we can call on Damona to protect our pets, or to maintain the health of the animals who provide us with food. To Do Today: As one might expect, this historical fair brought together sheep merchants to show their goods to interested parties, parade probably goes back to much earlier times when animals were taken into magick rituals that maintained health. One way to continue this tradition is by sprinkling a little warm water on your pet to invite Damona's protection (or brush it into the creature's fur-this works better with cats). Wear woolen clothing (or wool blends) to don Damona's healthy aspect for your day. Or simply enjoy a cup of tea before the day gets busy; Damona abides in the warm water. To ensure a healthful night's sleep and pleasant dreams, count sheep as you go to bed. Visualize each one jumping over Damona's waters and walking towards you. This brings Damona into your sleep cycle, where her energy can flow more easily to renew well-being. |
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August 25 Opiconsivia (Rome) Ops Themes: Opportunity; Wealth; Fertility; Growth Symbols: Bread; Seeds; Soil About Ops: This Italic goddess of fertile earth provides us with numerous "op-portunities" to make every day more productive. In stories, Ops motivates fruit bearing, not just in plants but also in our spirits. She also controls the wealth of the gods, making her goddess of opulence! Works of art depict Ops with a loaf of bread in one hand, and the other outstretched, offering aid. To Do Today: On this day, Ops was evoked by sitting on the earth itself, where she lives in body and spirit. So, weather permitting, take yourself on a picinic lunch today. Sit with Ops and enjoy any sesame or poppy breadstuff (bagel, roll, etc) - both types seeds are magickally aligned with Ops's money-bringing power. If possible, keep a few of the seeds from the bread in your pocket or shoe so that after lunch, Ops opportunities for financial improvements or personal growth can be with you no matter where you go. And don't forget to leave a few crumbs for the birds so they can take your magickal wishes to the four corners of creation! If the weather doesn't cooperate, invoke Ops by getting as close to the earth as you can (sit on your floor, go into the cellar). Alternatively, eat earthy foods like potatoes, root crops, or any fruit that comes from Op's abundant storehouse. |
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August 26 Birthday of Krishna (India) Kamala Themes: Spirituality; Love; Relationship; Passion; Pleasure Symbols: Yellow; Lotus About Kamala: The Hindu "lotus girl" of pleasure promotes ongoing faithfulness in our relationships inspired by mutual enjoyment and an abundance of love. Kamala also makes us aware of the spiritual dimensions in our physical exchanges that sometimes get overlooked. To Do Today: In India, today is a time to celebrate the birth of Krishna, the most charming and kind incarnation of Vishnu. Kamala, as one of Lakshimi's incarnations, joins in this festivity as his lover and companion. To participate in the gala, eat Indian food, especially hot, spicy items that ignite passion (although you may want to follow this meal with breath mints and antacids). Anything that includes cinnamon, garlic, or saffron is a good alternative choice, as these items bear Kamala's lusty energy. To improve your ability to give and receive love, including self-love, wear yellow-colored clothing today, especially an item that is worn near the heart chakra ( a blouse, shirt, tie, bra, or perhaps a gold necklace or tie tack). As you don that item, say, Let pleasure flow freely from my heart; Kamala, abide there - your love impart. Wear this same piece of clothing or jewelry again anytime you enact spells or rituals focused on sexuality or relationships. |
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August 27 Birthday of Mother Teresa (Various Locations) Drol-Ma Themes: Kindness; Overcoming; Charity; Change Symbols: Any Act of Kindness About Drol-Ma: This Nepalese goddess's name means, "deliverer." So it is that Drol-Ma visits us with compassion and transformative power, turning sadness into joy, proverty into wealth, and despair into hope. To Do Today: On this day in 1910, the inspiring Mother Teresa was born. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her charitable works. To remember her honor the spirit of Drol-Ma that her life reflected so powerfully, do something nice for people today. Pick up a friend who normally has to take the bus, shop for someone who can't get out, baby-sit for a flustered mother, give a few bucks to a food bank, donate blood to the Red Cross, volunteer your time at a youth center. Drol-Ma lives in all these selfless acts. To help recognize an opportunity for kindness or charity, pray to Drol-Ma before leaving the house today, using words like these: Great Deliverer, she whose heart knows no limits, renew in me the spirit of benevolence that seeks not after its own reward but does good for good's sake. The world is a much lovelier place when your kindness flows through our hearts, reaching out to those in need. Take my hand, and make my way. Let it begin today. So be it. Go out and keep your eyes and ears open! |
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August 28 Freeing the Insects (Japan) Saki-Yama-Hime Themes: Freedom; Luck; Prosperity; Wealth Symbols: Insects; the Number 7 About Saki-Yama-Hime: The Japanese goddess of fortune and abundance visits today's festivities with her lucky energy, especially for improving your finances. In the spirit of the moment, she also provides a little serendipity to help free you from any burdens weighing you down. To Do Today: Throughout Japan, vendors line the streets around this times of year with small cages that house crickets and other insects. People purchase these, then take them to temples and free the insects, thereby ensuring luck and prospertiy. This would be a fun activity for children who have a nearby park or woods where they can find a cricket. Alternatively, have them look for an ant on the sidewalk. Treat the insect kindly all day, giving it little bits of grass or a pinch of sugar. Then, come nightfall, release the creature back to the earth. It will tell the goddess about the human who took care of it! Saki-Yama-Hime can then respond by bringing more good fortune your way. An adult version of this festival might simply entail not killing any insects today. Take spiders gently ouside the home, try not to step on the creepy-crawlies on the walkways, and so on. Generally treat nature's citizens with respect so Saki-Yama-Hime can reward you with liberation and financial security. |
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August 29 Winegrower's Festival (France) Braciaca Themes: Natura; Harvest; Abundance; Dreams; Summer; Fall Symbols: Grapes; Vines; Wine; Grape Juice About Braciaca: This Gaulish agricultural goddess has the pleasure of being a patroness of brewers, especially those who make ale. At this time of year Braciaca reflects late-summer and early-fall themes by abounding in rich grapes for wine-making or just eating fresh. To Do Today: Since the sixteenth century, the winegrowers of Vevey, France, have gathered today with new wine to watch a parade that honors many of the agricultural gods and goddesses of the region. So decorage your altar, sacred space, or desktop with a bundle of fresh grapes, and nibble on them all day long. Internalize Baraciaca's sweetness! In the magickal sense, grapes and grape wine have energy for profusenes, fertility, and visionary dreams. To inspire the latter, have a small glass of grape juice or wine before going to bed. Dab a bit on your forehead over your third eye, too saying, Braciaca, spirit of the vine, inspire my dreams, birng visions with this wine. Make sure to keep a dream diary near your bed tonight, or a tape recorder, so you can write down or record whatever messages the goddess brings. If you enjoy home brewing, I heartily recommend making grape wind today and aging it to perfection. As the wine reaches maturity, Braciaca's abundance should show signs of manifesting in your life. |
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August 30 Summer Holiday (United Kingdom) Bon Dammes Themes: Rest; Pleasure; Fairies; Playfulnes; Youthfulness Symbols: Any Fairy Plants (Foxglove, Primrose, Oak, Thorn, Ash) About the Bon Dammes: The Bon Dammes are devic goddess of Brittany that appear much like fairies and often act with as much impishness. Having a kindly nature, the Bon Dammes inspire playful, youthful outlooks to take with us into early fall with childlike wonder in our hearts. To Do Today: Follow the custom of all regions in the United Kingdom (except Scotland) and take a day off today. Enjoy family outings and a little leisure before the warm weather really starts to fade. Sleep in a bit, ask for a few hours off for work, get outside and play with the Bon Dammes. Leave them gifts of sparkling stones, honey, and sweet bread beneath any flower or tree that captures your eye and makes you smile. In return, the Bon Dammes will make sure your day is filled with pleasurable surpriese. Think about an activity you really enjoyed as a kid, and recapture that moment sometime today. Jump down a hopscotch board, play tag with the wind, climb a tree (carefully, please), pick butter-cups, go berry picking, skinny-dip in a stream, or do whatever reinspires the Bon Dammes's youthfulness in your heart. You'll find that this moment refreshes your entire outlook and provides extra energy for the days ahead. |
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August 31 Obzinky (Slovak) Baba Yaga Themes: Harvest; Rest; Providence; Thankfulness; Cycles Symbols: Corn Sheafs; Wreaths of Wheat, Corn, Rye, and Wild Flowers About Baba Yaga: The Lithuanian/Russian goddess of regeneration, Baba Yaga is typically represented as the last sheaf of corn in today's festivities. As both young and old, she reawakens in us an awareness of time's ever-moving wheel, the season, and the significance of both to our goddess-centered magick. To Do Today: Follow with tradition and make or buy a wreath or bundle of corn shucks or other harvest items. Keep this in your home to inspire Baba Yaga's providence and prosperity for everyone who lives there. For breakfast, consume a multigrain cereal, rye bagels, or wheat toast. keep a few pieces of the dried grains or toated breads with you. This way you'll internalize Baba Yaga's timeliness for coping with your day more effectively and efficiently, and you'll carry her providence with you no matter the circumstances. Feast on newly harvested foods, thanking Baba Yaga as the maker of your meal. Make sure to put aside one piece of corn that will not be consumed today, however. Dry it and hang it up to ensure a good harvest the next year, for your garden, pocketbook, or heart. Finally, decorate your home or office with a handful of wildflowers (even dandelions qualify). Baba Yaga energy will follow them and you to where it's most needed. |
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