Wheel of the Year – Page 6

Full Blueberry Moon of August

The wheel of the year turns in sultry August. Native Americans called her the Moon When All Things Ripen. The gardens of Massachusetts are parched this season from a long dry spell. The clouds giving rain only recently have returned to replenish streams, brooks and waterways. The summer growing season is on the wane. Sunflowers start to droop their heads down towards the earth. Birds will flock earlier this year for migration. These seeds will fuel their reserves for the long flight ahead. Wildlife struggles in these times, remember the singing of the spring frogs and notice the crooking is missed as a sound of summer nights. Look for maple trees to throw off an abundance of seeds this fall. When weather conditions are uncertain, this is their way to be sure they will return someday. Nut trees will litter the forest floor as well.

The blueberries are ripe for picking. Squash, bean and melon are ready. Peaches suffered this year with a blossom killing frost in early spring. There is not a one in fruit this season in New England. The Green Corn Moon of August celebrates the corn mother. Be especially thankful for what we have at the table. Recognize the gift of corn by eating it and sharing kernels with wildlife. No small deed goes unnoticed by the Spirit of All Things. Now is a good time to ask the garden to give a little more. Native Americans customarily scattered corn meal around their gardens and homes asking the earth to be kind to them. As we approach Hurricane Season, perhaps this ritual can help manifest the karma that encourages the winds to be kind to the home and all the trees that surround us.

The moon is in the sign of Aquarius. There may be a need to be more informed at this time. Air signs always stimulate thinking. Be careful of the shadow of vanity and all about me thinking. Remember others with whom you share your world. Be grateful for kindness and don’t question the why, accept and be happy for the friends you have. Soften words when expressed and consider how you come across. Listen to what others have to say. Refrain from coldness in thinking and words. It only takes a word to tarnish a well meant moment and sour the wine of friendship.

First Harvest – Blessed Lammas

August 1 – Blessed Lughnasadh has arrived. The wheel of the year moves on with the first harvest celebration on the old Gaelic calendar.

Pause and enjoy what the garden has grown. Remember Ceres, Demeter, Pachamama, or good old Mother Earth. She gives us the corn, beans, squash and tomato. The raspberry and blueberry are abundant now. In the Northeast, hollyhock, purple coneflower, Queen Anne’s lace, day lilies and phlox are in bloom. July has been too dry causing many shrubs and grasses to go into dormancy.

Pray to Goldberry asking the blessings of cooling, refreshing rains to fall. She may be a character from the Tolkien legends, nevertheless, a goddess to many. Her gentle care is most called upon now. Make an offering and pledge to conserve water daily. A promise to her is returned to all.

Call it Lammas if you will and weave a sun wheel from wheat stalks. Bake a loaf of fresh bread and remember our oldest friend. Gaia, the great mother of all. Hail the first harvest. Give thanks to a simple meal at the end of each day. Share the crumbs with the birds and critters. Build good karma with all living beings on the earth. Celebrate Lughnasadh and the abundance of first harvest.

Full July Hay Moon

The wheel of the year rolls on to the Full Moon in July. This moon is sometimes called the hay moon. Fields are fragrant with the first cut. Barns and lofts fill with fresh baled timothy and alfalfa in preparation for the long winter months to come. Also called the Thunder Moon, the strong sun and humid days can rouse up the thunder beings to let go a deluge on the land.

The gardens are growing strong now. The goddess Pomona walks among us as the melons, corn and beans ripen. Purple cone-flower welcome the gentle touch of butterflies. Hollyhock and day lilies are in full bloom. Blueberries and raspberries are ready for picking.

The full moon in Capricorn invites our spirits to rise to the occasion and explore our boundaries. Can we go a little farther? Can we try a little more? The summer season is at its height. Enjoy the blessings of a cool swim in a lake. Merge with the water, sun and wind. Feel the forces of nature all around. Be with them and remember we all come from the same good old mother Earth. Cherish her everyday.