I always thought of August as the dog days of summer: hot, lazy, and slow. Sure, tomatoes and corn start peering their heads, we shop for back-to-school clothes, and we often go on vacation in August. But what was August’s significance to our ancestors?
This month, I invite you to embark on an exciting journey through time, exploring the rich tapestry of folklore that our ancestors once cherished and discovering the revered, century-old magical properties of herbs.
Lammas: A Harvest Celebration
Rooted in Celtic tradition, Lammas marks the year’s first harvest, a time of gratitude and abundance. Our ancestors lit Bonfires to ward off evil spirits and to celebrate the sun’s power. Today, we can honor this ancient custom by gathering with friends and family to enjoy the fruits of the earth. Herbs like wheat, associated with prosperity, and Rosemary, symbolizing protection, can be incorporated into Lammas rituals or culinary delights, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Read here for more information about this tradition.
Feeling adventurous? Consider breaking bread with loved ones to celebrate this tradition. Try your hand at making Lammas bread.
Bread and Herbs: Infuse herbs like rosemary for memory and protection or chamomile to calm your Lamma loaf.
Harvest Blessings: Herbs associated with abundance, such as cornflower and marigold, can be used in harvest rituals or to decorate the Lamma altar.
Protective Herbs: Wormwood, mugwort, and juniper were traditionally used for protection during the year’s waning, aligning with the Lamma theme.
Herbal Products for Lammas:
Morning Mojo Herbal Tea and Elderberry Ginger Turmeric Tonic capture the essence of Lammas’ abundance with vibrant summer herbs to strengthen your immunity. Our Clarity Tincture contains Rosemary, which helps to enhance brain function. These products are made with a blend of herbs each known for their unique health benefits and properties.
Starry Nights and St. Lawrence’s Tears
August nights offer a celestial spectacle as the Perseid meteor shower illuminates the sky. This awe-inspiring phenomenon, believed to be tears shed by St. Lawrence, has captivated imaginations for centuries. It is believe that the Perseid meteor shower is a sign of the opening of the Lion’s Gate, a time of heightened spiritual energy and new beginnings.
According to the Catholic News Agency. “Saint Lawrence was martyred on Aug. 10, 258, during the persecution of the emperor Valerian and many other Roman clergy members. He was the last of the seven deacons of Rome to die.”
As we gaze upward, we can connect with the cosmic energy and find solace in the vastness of the universe. Herbs like lavender, known for their calming properties, or chamomile, associated with peace, can create a serene atmosphere for stargazing, allowing us to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Herbal Products to Enhance Your Experience
To enhance your stargazing experience, create a tranquil atmosphere with our Kick Back and Chill Herbal Tea with its blend of lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm, or a spritz of our Be Calm Hydrosol with its mix of lemon balm and lavender. Both will transport you to a world of wonder and relaxation.
Lion’s Gate: A Portal of Potential
According to ancient beliefs, the Lion’s Gate, occurring around August 8, is a time of heightened spiritual energy associated with new beginnings and opportunities.
Energizing, Grounding and Spiritual Herbs
Energizing Herbs: The energy-boosting properties of Lion’s mane, ginseng, and rhodiola make them ideal for harnessing the Lion’s Gate energy.
Grounding Herbs: Herbs like vetiver and patchouli can help ground and center oneself during periods of heightened energy.
Spiritual Herbs: Using Sage for cleansing and purification rituals, aligning with the spiritual nature of the Lion’s Gate.
Herbal Products for Energizing and Healing
To harness this potent energy, consider incorporating herbs like our Lion’s Mane or Clarity tincture, known for its cognitive benefits, or Courage Tincture, Apple Ginger Turmeric Shots, or Feeling Groovy Herbal Tea with ginger, associated with vitality, into your daily routine.
Manifesting for Healing and Transformation
Consider journaling during this time as to what you want to manifest in your life. Here are some suggested journal prompts:
- Reflect on personal growth and transformation since the last Lion’s Gate.
- Set clear and specific intentions for the upcoming year.
- Visualize your ideal life and identify steps to bring it into reality.
- Explore your passions and how to align them with your purpose.
- Release limiting beliefs and negative patterns.
- Connect with your intuition and inner wisdom.
- Express gratitude for the blessings in your life.
- Explore your spiritual connection and how it aligns with your goals.
For more information about this decisive period,
Harness the power of Plants
By embracing the wisdom of our ancestors and harnessing the power of plants, we can transform August into a month of magic, healing, and personal growth. Whether you’re celebrating Lammas, gazing at the Perseid meteor shower, or harnessing the energy of the Lion’s Gate, incorporating herbal remedies into your rituals can enhance your experience and contribute to your personal growth and well-being.
Remember, the key to unlocking the full potential of August lies in connecting with nature, honoring traditions, and nurturing your well-being. So, take a moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of herbs and folklore.
How will you celebrate the magic of August? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Wheat Photo by David Becker on Unsplash