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Astro Report for August 2014

Wheel of Year info

Lughnasadh (Lammas/Loaf-mass)

Friday, August 1, 2014 – 6:11 am EDT (sunrise)

 

Names: Lammas, Lughnasadh, Festival of Lugh, August Eve (July 31st), Loafmas, Festival of Bread, 1st Harvest, Bread Harvest, Festival of First Fruits, Gwyl Galan Awst (Welsh)

Date: Aug 1st (sometimes celebrated on the eve at sunset – July 31st)

Astro Correspondence: 15 degrees Leo
Color: tans, oranges, yellows and reds

Food: grains, cakes, breads, fresh fruits, mushrooms, lamb, berry pies, wine, ale, beer

Common Info: Story of Lugh, Handfasting/Handparting, 1st Harvest Fest (grains mostly), Story of John Barleycorn as the Corn King (corn is synonymous with grain),

 

Lughnasadh is the Sabbat that celebrates Lugh, the God of the Sun. The date is typically the 1st day of August although some folks begin to celebrate at sunset the day before, July 31st or when the Sun enters 15′ degrees Leo, which is ruled by the Sun. It is the first harvest festival. Foods sacred are typically grains of all sorts, vegetables off the bush or fruits off the vine. Breads and barley meads are custom as well. This Sabbat is also known as Lammas or the Mass of the Loaf (Loafmas). Sheaths of grain are usually hung on walls to represent prosperity. John Barleycorn is sacrificed and buried in the fields to promote a healthy growth for the following growing season.

The Tailtu Games are warrior games that honored Lugh’s mother. They are reminiscent of the Olympic Games, but from another time and culture.

 

 

Uranus still Retrograde in Aries – 16 degrees

Uranus is that Planet that hates to be confined. It is known as the “break out” Planet for that reason. When retrograde, Uranus can be responsible, more traditional and relaxed. As Uranus goes retrograde in Aries, there is a feeling of enthusiasm and courage to take responsibility. It is not a time to worry about what others think about you. Do your own thing at your own pace and life will be grand. Uranus goes direct Dec 21 in Aries – 12 degrees.

 

 

Neptune still Retrograde in Pisces – 6 degrees

Ah, the simple pleasures of seeing more clearly. The continued Retrograde of Neptune raises a few eyebrows. The realization of the clarity of futuristic vision and how we need to continue certain aspects will shine light on any subject as a higher echelon. Neptune usually likes to cloud issues, especially when love is in order, but that fades away during a Retrograde. Neptune goes direct on Nov 16 in Pisces – 4 degrees.

 

 

Pluto still Retrograde in Capricorn – 11 degrees

Issues surrounding transformations are still an issue. It’s difficult to make changes when the time isn’t right. The summer is going to be one of sticking to your guns and doing what you know and do best. When the season changes, so will you. Pluto goes direct on Sept 22 in Capricorn – 10 degrees.

 

 

Mercury conjuncts the Sun in Leo – 16 degrees

Friday, Aug 8, 2014 – 11:57 am EDT

While Mercury catches up with the Sun, it would seem that they would collide. The energy of “personality” Sun and “communication” Mercury would make one think that talking about yourself would rule the day. Although this may be true to some degree, Mercury in Leo puts a spin on that action. You may find yourself boasting about your family instead of yourself. It’s probably better to be humble in the moment and say a gracious “thank you”, if you find yourself being complimented. It is a good time for boasting about your personal efforts within the family.

 

 

Full Moon in Aquarius – 18 degrees

Sunday, Aug 10, 2014 – 2:08 pm EDT

A Full Moon in Aquarius brings emotional independence. Where co-dependency used to thrive, it no longer does. It is a time for folks to take a stand and be firm in their beliefs and faiths. It will be difficult to budge opinions, when folks are emotionally set in their ways. People will think for themselves and make appropriate transitions for the Path they walk.

 

 

Native Lore

Native Americans named their Moons when they were Full. The season or time of year would help assign the name of the Full Moon. In August, the Natives of North America, specifically New England states, would call this Full Moon the Green Corn Moon, since the corn was ready to harvest. Or it was called the Grain Moon when the grain was ready for harvesting. Natives surrounding the Great Lakes would name this Full Moon the Sturgeon Moon, when sturgeons were mostly abundant. Occasionally, the Full Moon of August would be called the Full Red Moon, because of the amazing hue it would have while it rose above the horizon in the evening.

 

 

Super Moons

There are many questions regarding what a Supermoon is and how it affects folks here on the big blue marble. A Supermoon is loosely defined as a Moon that comes closest to the Earth during a New or Full Moon. The orbit of the Moon around the Earth is elliptical, so there are perigees when the Moon is closest and apogees when it is furthest away. Supermoons occur when the New Moon or Full Moon happens to be in its perigee to the Earth – technically called a perigee-syzygy. The opposite is called a Micromoon or an apogee-syzygy. The term syzygy is used when there is an Earth-Moon-Sun alignment, like during a New Moon or Full Moon event.

 

During a Supermoon (perigee-syzygy), the gravitational force upon the Earth is greater and has a reputation of causing more havoc and chaos than normal, although it has not been proven. However, it has been noted that the Moon’s gravitational forces are stronger during a syzygy than any other time of the elliptical orbit.

 

 

Venus enters Leo

Tuesday, Aug 12, 2014 – 3:10 am EDT

Testing the waters of independence can be the energy of the moment. Venus enjoys her hedonistic charm, but she requires a partner to share that energy. When in Leo, she gets to spotlight herself and she will show off her talents.

 

 

Mercury enters Virgo

Friday, Aug 15, 2014 – 12:31 pm EDT

Mercury finally comes home again in its Rulership Sign of Virgo. Communications should become rather comfortable. Open discussions promote practical conversations. When speaking, make sure you say exactly what you need to say – short and sweet. Offer simple answers that avoid clouding issues. Stay on topic.

 

 

Sun enters Virgo – Happy Birthday, Virgo!!

Saturday, Aug 23, 2014 – 12:34 am EDT

Logical thinking and sound judgments come easily for you when the Sun enters its ride thru Virgo. Unfortunately, the whim of putting off until tomorrow what you could do today is overwhelming. It will be easy to analyze situations and come up with multiple solutions. It’ll be a better time to make the right choice that best fits your interests. Stress and nervous tensions could be tentative. Remember to take time out for you to reduce stress and tension. Find a quiet place and try to meditate over the past summer and see where you need to go forward into the Fall.

 

 

New Moon in Virgo – 2 degrees

Monday, Aug 25, 2014 – 10:11 am EDT

Emotional energy seems displaced and chaotic, but truthfully, it is always where you put it. And you know exactly where that is. The motherly instincts that you adhere to the most seem to be lost in confusion. However, when the clouds clear, you begin to shine in the magnificent glow of your truth. Nobody ever realizes the depths of your being until they watch and learn from you.

 

 

No Planets go Retrograde this month.

 

No Retrograde Planets go Direct.