August 1, 2024
Waning Moon
Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, Chiron Retrograde
Sunny, hot humid
Lammas
August 1 is always an important date on my personal calendar. Not just because it’s a Sabbat. But because it’s the anniversary of my initiation into the Craft.
This year is especially powerful, because it is the 30-year anniversary of said initiation.
I was traditionally trained in by a Gardnerian coven and initiated on Lammas. Our circle travelled out to an island for a camping trip; even though I’m not much of a camper, we had a good time. Two of us were initiated that night, near the ocean, under the moonlight. It was a powerful and beautiful experience, and I knew it would change my life forever for the better.
That has definitely been the case. Although the way I practice my craft has changed, and is more eclectic and kitchen/hedge/solitary than it began, I am forever grateful for the foundation of that early training.
Lugh is one of my patron deities. Although I try to honor him all year, I pay special attention to him today, with gratitude. My High Priestess felt we would be a good match because Lugh is talented in many arenas, and I do more than one thing. That touchstone has been a positive in my life.
Whenever possible, I take August 1 as a personal holiday. I spend extra time in meditation, with my divination tools, and giving thanks. I like to re-read my Grimoire/Book of Shadows (which is where I keep the spells that have been worked on until I am confident in them) and my Mirror Book (the book in which I experiment). Reading the Grimoire reconnects me to my lineage; reading the Mirror Book shows me the progress and evolution over the years.
I baked cornbread this morning, as is part of my ritual for the day, even though it’s hot and humid. Buttered cornbread and a bowl of blackberries are my traditional breakfast (along with a soft-boiled egg). I will have a salad with local produce for lunch. For dinner, I will make salmon with potatoes and fresh corn. I’ll even drink beer, which is not my usual drink. I’ll cook and eat with gratitude for the bounty.
The way the astrological transits fell this year feels significant. We were retrograde free (except for pesky Mercury) for most of the early part of the year. I had opportunities that set me in forward motion. Now, with the retrogrades piling up and the first harvest, I have the opportunity to process and integrate what I learned and did, slow down, and harvest what I planted early in the year.
Mercury goes retrograde again on the 5th, the day after the new moon. I intend to be as quiet as possible for this retrograde. I want and need to do a lot of work, but it’s the quiet kind of work, not much being out and about. While I can’t do an entire month of silent retreat, I will be as quiet as possible. When I do need to interact and/or speak, I will be careful to be as clear and kind as I can.
At the same time, for me in this cycle, both Saturn and Chiron are about my boundaries. I have to hold those boundaries when called to do so, without apology.
There’s a lot going on in the heavens this month; our best bet is to be as reflective, quiet, and kind as possible.
Peace and joy to you my friends, and I wish you a happy and calm August.
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