Hello again, friends, and Lughnasadh/Lammas blessings to you on this gorgeous full moon in Aquarius.
On or around August 1, we observe Lughnasadh (Gaelic/Celtic) or Lammas (Anglo-Saxon) to celebrate the peak of summer in all of its richness. Fruits and vegetables are abundant and delicious. Back to school shopping is in full effect. Between the June solstice and the September equinox, we begin to see the ways we’ve changed and grown this year and start to make plans for what we wish to bring with us into the end of this cycle. It’s a time to take stock and preserve.
Everything is temporary.
Lughnasadh is a cross-quarter day on the wheel of the year—these are the observances and festivals that occur (roughly) halfway between the solstices and equinoxes. They can be hard to relate to in our modern world, so far removed from the rhythms and rituals of northern European agrarian societies where traditions developed over centuries and varied village to village. But I love these days, and as I continue to learn about my own heritage (I know very little!), I’ve found that observing these quieter points on the wheel can be really meaningful. Here are a few ideas for bringing Lughnasadh energy into this season:
Make room: clear pantries, refrigerators, and closets to create space for abundance to flow in.
Eat well: buy the gorgeous tomatoes at the farmer’s market, let peach juice dribble down your chin, eat sweet corn straight from the cob, blend up watermelon and mint for your cocktails, enjoy basil straight from the plant.
Gather friends: this was a time when the herders would return to their homes in order to prepare their flocks for winter and help bring in the harvest, and reunions were celebrated and relationships with the community renewed. As summer travels begin to wind down, who haven’t you seen in a while?
Stock up: preserving summer’s bounty to nourish us through the winter is a powerful spell. Confit your overflow of tomatoes, make a big batch of pesto to freeze, and save your seeds for planting next year.
May your last days of summer be full of the richest blessings!
Full Moon in Aquarius Reading
Falling on Lughnasadh, this full moon in Aquarius is about collective healing and tending to our gardens. Think back to February (specifically, the new moon in Aquarius on February 19, or, if you’re working with the wheel of the year, Imbolc on February 1-2). What has grown in your garden? What has flourished under your careful attention, and what needs to be composted?
I pulled a little spread for the collective. Take what you like, leave the rest.
What is being illuminated? Six of Swords
What are we being invited to embody? Princess (Page) of Wands
How can we work with this invitation? Three of Pentacles rx
What is ready for harvest? Eight of Wands rx
What needs a little more time? Eight of Cups rx
What is ready for compost? Justice rx
Living in community with others, in a sacred dance of giving and receiving, is why we incarnated. Let your dreams be filled with ways you can be of service to the collective by making yourself happy. We’re not all suited to every task, and that’s okay—the things that light you up hold the secrets to where you are most needed.
Collective healing requires patience, which is impossible to bear when we consider how broken and sick our world is. Nevertheless, it will not be rushed, and once we accept that we can begin to move from grief to action. When one of us hurts, we all hurt, and when one of us heals, we all heal. Separation is an illusion.
Upcoming Events
TODAY (August 1) and Saturday, August 5 I will be back at Samuell-Grand Amphitheater in Dallas offering readings during the Junior Players’ production of Henry IV! Tonight’s performance is donate-what-you-can, and tickets for Saturday’s show are $15 each.
A portion of my proceeds will support Junior Players’ mission to provide free, high-quality arts programming and education to children and youth in North Texas.
Click here to learn more and buy tickets.
PS: I can hardly think of anything more magical than gathering under a full moon to see Shakespeare performed by these talented youth. Having your cards read will be the cherry on top!
I love hearing from you! Reach out with questions, feedback, anything.
Much love,
Charlotte