newsletter content 1.1
in here you’ll find more information on these things from the august newsletter...
i. looking up this month
ii. the wild & the harvested
iii. cleansing & (un)fortune
for the rest of the amazing newsletter content, however, you’ll have to subscribe.
i. Looking up this month
a. persied meatier shower
get ready for one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year. the perseid meteor shower is active from mid-july, but truly puts on its dazzling show with a peak expected around the 11th-13th. caused by earth passing through the dusty trail of comet swift-tuttle, these celestial fireworks offer potent opportunities for magic.
Across various cultures, falling stars are not merely celestial debris but are regarded as potent conduits for intention, embodying moments of heightened magical potential. Their fleeting nature makes them ideal for rapid manifestation, particularly for quick wishes or urgent desires; one should visualize their desire already fulfilled as the star streaks across the sky, accelerating a goal or grounding a sudden inspiration.
&/or the fiery descent of a meteor can be seen as a cosmic broom, offering energetic cleansing by sweeping away stagnant energy, quickly clearing your aura, releasing lingering blocks, or dispelling fleeting frustration as unwanted energy burns away with the meteor. In some traditions, meteors are even considered divine messengers from higher realms or ancestors, prompting individuals to be open to any sudden insights, intuitive nudges, or strong feelings that accompany a meteor sighting.
b. sturgeon moon
august's full moon, traditionally known over here in the place i live (but don't want to type out because even its name is a lie) as the sturgeon moon, graces our skies on Saturday the 9th. named by indigenous folks for the time when the largest freshwater fish were most abundant, this moon illuminates what lies beneath the surface – both in the waters and within ourselves.
while the "sturgeon" name is specific to north america, the august full moon holds significant meaning worldwide.
african & diasporic traditions // full moons are often times for communal gatherings, storytelling, and connecting with ancestral wisdom. a notable example is the new yam festival (iwa ji, iri ji), celebrated by the igbo people of nigeria and ghana, often aligning with the august moon. this festival marks the conclusion of a harvest and the beginning of a new work cycle, with elaborate yam-offering ceremonies to honor earth deities like ani or ala, expressing gratitude for abundance. communal feasts, masquerades, and cultural dances are central to these celebrations. the ashanti people of ghana traditionally perform purification rituals during this time, and the zulu people of south africa have their annual reed dance (umkhosi womhlanga) coinciding with this moon.
celtic & european folklore // sometimes called the "grain moon" or "dispute moon" (due to being a traditional time for resolving community disagreements and collecting rents), it's strongly tied to the ripening harvest of grains like wheat and barley. it's a time for gratitude for the summer's gifts and preparing for the coming autumn. in bavarian tradition, the feast of the assumption on august 15th involves processions with bundles of consecrated herbs, later used for protective incense burning.
asian traditions (e.g., india) // in some indian mythologies, particularly around the month of bhadrapada (late august to late september), a "red moon" is considered luckier than a regular full moon. the ganesh chaturthi festival, honoring ganesh, the remover of obstacles, is a 10-day celebration often around this time, involving prayer, cleanliness, song, and dance, often tied to the lunar cycle.
general full moon magic // full moons universally amplify intuition, emotions, and magical potency. it's peak time for illumination, manifesting, and releasing what no longer serves ewe.
rituals
of course, do what feels good to you and what fits comfortably into your practice
candle magick // for the sturgeon moon, consider burning a blue or silver candle to enhance intuition, emotional depth, and connection to water energies. a green candle can be used for abundance and growth.
ritual for deep insight // find a quiet spot under the moonlight (even if through a window). light your chosen candle. place a bowl of water before you and gaze into it, allowing the moon's reflection to draw you inward. ask a question you seek clarity on. allow any images, feelings, or thoughts to surface. you might write them down afterward. this practice, known as scrying, has roots in ancient roman and egyptian rituals, and was even noted by nostradamus.
water charging // place a sealed container of water (a glass jar works well) outside under the sturgeon moon's light overnight to create potent moon water. use it for cleansing, in ritual baths, or to water your plants and infuse them with lunar energy.
c. the summer triangle & asteroid oppositions
the summer triangle isn't really a constellation, but a bright, easily recognizable asterism formed by three powerful stars, visible overhead in the Northern Hemisphere during summer nights.
1. Vega (Alpha Lyrae) // The brightest star in the constellation Lyra (The Lyre).
Its name comes from the Arabic word "waqi," meaning "falling" or "swooping." Vega is often associated with creativity, music, art, and inspiration, sometimes also with melancholy or intense emotion.
3. Deneb (Alpha Cygni) // The brightest star in the constellation Cygnus (The Swan).
Its name comes from the Arabic "dhanab al-dajajah," meaning "the hen's tail." Deneb is associated with transformation, death, and rebirth, crossing boundaries (like the Milky Way, which Cygnus lies within), and profound spiritual revelations.
Asteroid Oppositions happening this August
When an asteroid is at opposition, it means it's opposite the Sun in the sky from Earth's perspective, making it brighter and more easily observable (though usually still requiring binoculars or a telescope). These are moments where the specific energies of these cosmic travelers are amplified.
| asteroid name | approx. date of opposition | general visibility/significance |
|---|---|---|
| 63 ausonia | august 2, 2025 | visible in constellations like capricornus. represents abundance and generosity. |
| 2 pallas | august 9, 2025 | visible in constellations like cetus. associated with wisdom, strategy, justice, and the warrior goddess archetype. |
| 89 julia | august 10, 2025 | visible in constellations like aquarius. linked to community, social connection, and humanitarian efforts. |
| 6 hebe | august 25, 2025 | visible in constellations like pegasus. associated with youthfulness, service, grace, and the sacred feminine. |
ii. the wild & the harvested
d. weod monath wildness
"weod monath" (weed month; no, not that kind of weed) is an old english name for august, aptly reflecting the vigorous and often chaotic growth of plants, both cultivated and wild, as summer reaches its peak. it's a time when everything is lush, full, and sometimes unruly – a perfect mirror for our own abundant creative energy.
for ancient anglo-saxons, this month was a period of intense agricultural activity, focusing on weeding fields to ensure a good harvest later. it highlights the balance between nurturing and clearing to allow prosperity to flourish. while specific "weed month" rituals are scarce, the underlying theme is about managing abundance and preparing for the future.
alternative names & meanings for august from around the world:
lammas month (english) // named after "loaf mass," a christian harvest festival on august 1st, where bread made from the first new grain was blessed.
grain moon / green corn moon (native American) // variations depending on the tribe, reflecting the ripening of corn and other grains.
lion month (various cultures) // due to the astrological sign of leo dominating much of august, symbolizing strength, leadership, and fiery energy.
dog days (ancient roman/greek) // referring to the hottest, most oppressive period of summer, associated with the rising of the "dog star" sirius. often seen as a time of lethargy or madness.
month of the wind (inca) // known as "camay quilla," a time when strong winds could blow, carrying both seeds and potential destruction.
e. corn dollies & harvest rituals
as the first harvest celebrations begin, we see universal themes of gratitude for abundance and a connection to the spirit of the land.
lughnasadh / lammas (august 1st) // this is one of the four major celtic pagan festivals (sabbats), marking the first harvest of the year, particularly grains. it's a solar festival honoring the god lugh (celtic god of crafts, arts, and light) and the goddess of the land. it's a time for:
thanksgiving — expressing gratitude for the earth's bounty.
sacrifice & renewal — acknowledging that something must "die" (the grain) to sustain life. this can be a potent metaphor for personal sacrifice for a greater good, or letting go of old patterns for new growth. making corn dollies, for example.
feasting & community — sharing the first fruits of the harvest.
spirit of the rice (asia) // in many asian cultures (e.g., japan, southeast asia), rice is a staple and deeply sacred. there's a strong belief in a "spirit of the rice" or "rice goddess" (like inari ōkami in japan or dewi sri in indonesia) that resides within the grain, ensuring its growth and protecting the harvest. rituals involve:
offerings — small offerings of food, flowers, or incense might be placed in fields or near rice storage areas to honor the spirit and ensure future abundance.
ceremonial first harvest — the first rice stalks might be harvested with special care and ceremony, sometimes even carried home reverently to signify the start of the harvest season.
harvest haunts // as the land gives up its bounty, ancient folklore often speaks of spirits associated with the fields or the harvest itself. these aren't always malevolent; they can be guardians, tricksters, or ancestral spirits ensuring the cycle continues. they remind us that the line between worlds can feel thinner as the seasons turn.
the abundance knot // an abundance knot is a simple, yet powerful, magical tool to manifest prosperity. unlike a literal knot that restricts, an abundance knot is crafted with intention to draw in and hold desired energies.
how to make it — take a piece of string, ribbon, or yarn (green or gold are traditional colors for prosperity, but any color you feel drawn to works). as you tie the knot(s) (you can tie one, three, or more), focus on what you wish to bring into your life – e.g., "i tie this knot for abundant creativity," "i tie this knot for endless inspiration," or "i tie this knot for financial flow." visualize your desire flowing into the knot and being held there. you can keep it on your altar, in your wallet, or on your creative workspace.
even without corn stalks, you can create a simple "abundance knot" or braid from ribbon, yarn, or even long grasses, infusing it with intentions for creativity and prosperity. reflect on what "harvest" you're currently gathering in your life, whether material or spiritual, and express gratitude.
iii. cleansing & (mis)fortune
August's energy also calls for clearing out the old to make way for the new, embracing spontaneity, and finding magic in the unexpected, with traditions of cleansing and transformation found across continents.
f. Rituals of Release
while full moons generally are good for release, august holds specific opportunities tied to its unique energies. this isn't just generic cleansing; it's about aligning with the season's specific shifts.
ancient egyptian "water of the flood" (august/nile cycle) // in ancient egypt, august (the month of "pharmuthi") was deeply tied to the flooding of the nile. this annual inundation was seen as a sacred cleansing and renewing event, washing away the old and bringing fertility for the next season. while you don't need a flood, you can tap into this energy.
ritual — take a ritual bath or shower with intention. as the water washes over you, visualize it as the sacred nile, carrying away any lingering doubts, fears, or stagnant creative energy. you can add a pinch of salt (for purification) or a few drops of rosemary essential oil (for clarity) to your bathwater. as the water drains, declare that you are released and renewed.
african diaspora "road opening" or "uncrossing" work // many traditions within the african diaspora (like hoodoo or ifá) have specific august practices focused on "road opening" or "uncrossing" work. this is potent for removing obstacles, breaking curses, or clearing paths for new opportunities before the energetic shift of autumn.
ritual — light a white candle (symbolizing clear paths). write down a specific obstacle you want to remove from your path. say aloud, "by the power of the august sun and the wisdom of the flowing waters, i clear this obstacle from my way. my path is open, clear, and free." then, safely burn the paper in a fire-safe dish, visualizing the obstacle dissolving, and allow the candle to burn down completely.
g. wild bill's dead man's hand & fortune's fickle favor
August has long been a month steeped in narratives of high stakes and uncharted territories, mirroring historical journeys across treacherous trade routes and transformative cultural odysseys. From the sudden, unpredictable demise of Wild Bill Hickok to Christopher Columbus’s audacious voyage into colonialism, these tales resonate with themes of destiny, risk, and profound change. This echoes not only the rich history of perilous desert crossings in the Middle East, which often involved immense risks for substantial rewards, but also the vibrant and diverse oral traditions of indigenous South American cultures, where stories frequently explore epic journeys, unexpected encounters, and spiritual transformations.
The Dead Man's Hand: A Potent Symbol of Fate's Unpredictability
Within the tapestry of these high-stakes narratives, the infamous "dead man's hand" in poker stands as a singularly potent symbol. This hand, forever attributed to "Wild Bill" Hickok's final, fateful moments on August 2, 1876, in the rough-and-tumble town of Deadwood, South Dakota, traditionally consists of two black aces and two black eights (𝒂♣️ + 𝒂♠️ + 𝟖♣️ + 𝟖♠️), with the identity of the fifth card remaining a subject of historical debate. More than just a collection of cards, this hand powerfully encapsulates the essence of sudden, unpredictable fate. It represents a pivotal moment where destiny intervenes, highlighting the delicate and often precarious balance between triumph and tragedy, control and chaos. It serves as a stark reminder that even the most skilled and legendary figures can be caught off guard by the swift hand of destiny.
Fortune-Telling with Playing Cards: A Tool for Quick Divination
Beyond its poker lore, the symbolism embedded in playing cards—particularly the aces and eights—can offer surprising insights into unpredictable situations, acting as a quick divination tool for self-reflection and guidance.
Aces (𝒂♣️♠️) — These powerful cards universally represent new beginnings, untapped potential, and raw, unbridled energy. When black aces (♣️ + ♠️) appear, their significance deepens, often signifying challenges that usher in forceful starts, or intense spiritual and mental shifts. The Ace of Spades, in particular, is often associated with profound transformation and the clearing away of the old to make way for the new, even if the process is difficult. The Ace of Clubs can point to ambitious new ventures or the need for a strong, decisive start to overcome obstacles.
Eights (𝟖♣️♠️) — Generally, eights symbolize movement, progress, and action. They indicate a period of dynamic activity and often signify the unfolding of events. However, when black eights (♣️ + ♠️) emerge, their interpretation shifts to highlight potential struggles, setbacks, or a compelling need for swift and decisive action in the face of conflict or opposition. The Eight of Spades can suggest feeling trapped or facing mental barriers that require strategic thinking to overcome. The Eight of Clubs might indicate a busy period with many challenges, demanding perseverance and practical solutions.
Interpreting the "Dead Man's Hand" in a Card Reading // The appearance of the "dead man's hand" — drawing two black aces and two black eights — in a personal card reading is a highly significant indicator. Such a configuration could strongly suggest that a period of intense, perhaps chaotic, transformation is either underway or on the immediate horizon. It often signals a significant, unpredictable event that will demand considerable adaptability, courage, and a readiness for sudden, unforeseen changes. This powerful combination of cards could also serve as a potent warning, urging heightened vigilance for unforeseen circumstances or potential disruptions to one's current path. It prompts introspection: Are you prepared to navigate the unexpected? Do you possess the inner fortitude to embrace shifts that may seem beyond your control?
Embracing the Unpredictable as a Path to Growth // The narratives of August, the symbolism of the "dead man's hand," and the insights from card readings all converge on a singular, profound message: the unpredictable is an inherent part of life, and embracing it can lead to significant growth. One practical way to lean into this philosophy is to engage in a creative activity without a rigid plan, allowing the process to unfold organically and truly embracing any unexpected twists or turns. This fosters mental flexibility and resilience.
For a quick moment of self-reflection and insight into an unexpected situation or challenge, try a simple playing card pull — shuffle a regular deck of 52 cards, focus on a specific question about a challenge or an unexpected situation you are facing, and then draw just one card. Take a moment to reflect deeply on what that card represents to you personally in the context of your question. Its symbolism, even in isolation, can offer surprising clarity and guidance, helping you to navigate the unknown with greater awareness and adaptability.