August Tarot Inspiration

Harvest, Reflection, and Sacred Turning Points

As the golden days of August unfold, we find ourselves standing at a threshold—the first whispers of autumn mingling with the lingering warmth of summer. This is the season of the first harvest, a time to gather what we’ve sown, to reflect on our journey so far, and to honour the cycles of growth and release. The wheel of the year turns, inviting us to pause, give thanks, and prepare for the subtle shift ahead. Welcome to August Tarot Inspiration!

August is rich with sacred dates and ancient celebrations, each one offering its own unique energy and wisdom. Whether you follow the rhythms of the land, the moon, or the stars, this month offers the opportunity to deepen your connection with yourself, your intuition, and the world around you. Below, you’ll find the spiritual meaning behind each key date, simple rituals to anchor the energy, and themed tarot spreads to guide your reflections. Even if you don’t use tarot, there are journal prompts to help you harvest insight and inspiration as summer draws to a close.

Lammas / Lughnasadh (1 August): The First Harvest

Meaning & Energy

Lammas (or Lughnasadh) marks the beginning of the harvest season—the time when the first grains are cut, and the fruits of our labour begin to manifest. It’s a festival of gratitude, abundance, and the recognition that all growth comes with effort and patience. Traditionally, communities would gather to bake bread from the new grain, share feasts, and honour the Celtic god Lugh, patron of skills, crafts, and the sun’s power.

Spiritually, Lammas is a moment to celebrate what you’ve achieved so far this year, to acknowledge the seeds that have flourished, and to release what hasn’t come to fruition. It’s about balance: giving thanks, letting go, and preparing for the next cycle.

Three Rituals for Lammas

1. Bread Blessing Ritual

Bake or buy a small loaf of bread. As you slice it, offer gratitude for all you’ve harvested—big or small—since the start of the year. Share it with loved ones or break off a piece and return it to the earth as an offering.

2. Sun Candle Gratitude

Light a gold or yellow candle. Hold a piece of wheat, oat, or a small crystal (citrine or amber is perfect). As the candle burns, list aloud or in your journal the blessings and growth you’ve experienced. Let the candle burn down safely as a symbol of the sun’s sustaining energy.

3. Abundance Jar Spell

Fill a small jar with dried herbs (rosemary, basil, or bay), a coin, and a slip of paper with your intentions for the rest of the year. Seal the jar, holding it to your heart, and say: “I honour my journey, and I welcome abundance in all forms.” Place it on your altar or a sunny windowsill.

Tarot Spread: Harvest Reflection

1. What have I successfully cultivated this year?

2. What is ready to be released or left behind?

3. What can I do to nourish the seeds I wish to grow next?

Celtic Tree Month of Hazel Begins (5 August): Wisdom & Inspiration

Meaning & Energy

The Celtic Tree Month of Hazel ushers in a time of heightened intuition, learning, and creative inspiration. Hazel trees were sacred to the ancient Celts, symbolising wisdom, poetic insight, and the flow of divine knowledge. This is a beautiful period for seeking clarity, studying new subjects, or connecting with your inner muse.

Spiritually, Hazel energy encourages us to look beyond the surface, trust our hunches, and open ourselves to flashes of insight. It’s a time for journaling, divination, and creative pursuits.

Three Rituals for Hazel Month

1. Hazel Water Intuition Blessing

If you have access to a hazel tree, collect a twig or leaf (with permission). Place it in a bowl of water overnight. In the morning, use the water to anoint your forehead, inviting wisdom and clear sight.

2. Wisdom Candle Meditation

Light a pale blue or white candle. Sit quietly, holding a clear quartz or amethyst. Ask for guidance on a question or creative project. Journal any ideas, images, or messages that arise.

3. Creative Writing or Drawing Ritual

Set aside 15 minutes to free-write or sketch whatever comes to mind. Don’t censor or judge—let Hazel’s inspiration flow. Afterwards, reflect on what emerged and how it connects to your current path.

 Tarot Spread: Wellspring of Wisdom

1.What wisdom is ready to surface in my life?

2. How can I best access my intuition and inspiration?

3. What message does my inner guide want me to hear now?

Full Sturgeon Moon in Aquarius (9 August): Vision & Community

Meaning & Energy

The Full Sturgeon Moon, named after the abundance of sturgeon fish in late summer, shines in the sign of Aquarius this year. This lunar event is charged with themes of vision, collective well-being, and breaking free from the ordinary. Aquarius encourages us to think outside the box, nurture our unique gifts, and consider how we can contribute to the greater good.

Spiritually, this full moon is a powerful time for releasing old patterns, embracing your individuality, and connecting with like-minded souls. It’s also an ideal moment to set intentions for the future and celebrate your place in the wider community.

Three Rituals for the Full Sturgeon Moon

1. Moon Bathing Release

Spend a few moments outside under the full moon. Hold a piece of selenite or moonstone, and visualise any tension or outdated beliefs dissolving in the moonlight. Breathe deeply and let the moon cleanse your energy.

2. Aquarius Water Blessing

Fill a bowl with water and add a few drops of lavender or rosemary oil. Swirl your fingers through it, focusing on what you wish to release. Pour the water onto the earth, saying: “I let go and make space for new visions.”

3. Community Connection Candle

Light a white or silver candle and place it near a photo or symbol of your community (friends, family, groups). Send a silent blessing to those who support you, and ask for guidance on how you can give back or strengthen connections.

Tarot Spread: Visionary Pathways

1. What unique gifts am I being called to share?

2. What old pattern or belief is ready to be released?

3. How can I contribute to my community or collective well-being?

Festival of Hecate (21 August): Magic at the Crossroads

Meaning & Energy

The Festival of Hecate honours the ancient goddess who stands at the crossroads, guarding the mysteries of magic, intuition, and the unseen. Hecate is a powerful ally for those seeking guidance in times of transition, decision-making, or shadow work. She is also the torch-bearer, illuminating the way through darkness and uncertainty.

Spiritually, this is a potent time to seek guidance, honour your intuition, and work with the energies of transformation and protection. Hecate’s presence invites us to trust our inner wisdom and embrace the unknown.

Three Rituals for the Festival of Hecate

1. Crossroads Candle Spell

Place three black or deep purple candles in a triangle. At the centre, set a key or a small stone. As you light each candle, ask Hecate for guidance at your current crossroads. Sit quietly, noticing any insights or signs.

2. Shadow Journaling

Write about a decision or transition you’re facing. Ask yourself, “What am I afraid to see or acknowledge?” Invite Hecate’s energy to help you explore the shadows with compassion and curiosity.

3. Herbal Protection Sachet

Fill a small pouch with mugwort, lavender, and a pinch of salt. Carry it with you or place it under your pillow for protection and clear dreams. As you tie the pouch, say: “With Hecate’s blessing, I am safe and guided.”

Tarot Spread: At the Crossroads

1. What crossroads am I currently facing?

2. What shadow or fear needs to be acknowledged?

3. What guidance or support is available to me now?

4. Message from Hecate

New Moon in Virgo (23 August): Seeds of Intention

Meaning & Energy

The New Moon in Virgo brings a breath of fresh, practical energy. Virgo is the sign of organisation, healing, and service—perfect for setting intentions, decluttering, and tending to the details that support your bigger dreams. This lunation is ideal for creating new routines, refining your goals, and caring for your body and mind.

Spiritually, the Virgo New Moon is a time to plant seeds for the coming months, especially those related to health, daily habits, and meaningful work.

Three Rituals for the New Moon in Virgo

1. Intention Setting Altar

Create a small altar with a green candle, a sprig of rosemary or sage, and a piece of paper. Write down your intentions for the next lunar cycle. Light the candle and read your intentions aloud, then fold the paper and place it under the candle.

2. Sacred Space Cleansing

Use sage, palo santo, or rosemary to cleanse your living space. As you move through each room, visualise stagnant energy clearing away, making space for new opportunities and clarity.

3. Well-being Tea Ceremony

Brew a cup of herbal tea (chamomile, mint, or lemon balm). As you sip, reflect on how you can nurture your body and mind in small, practical ways this month.

Tarot Spread: Seeds of Renewal

1. What intention is ready to be planted now?

2. What practical steps will support this intention?

3. What self-care or healing is needed as I move forward?

Vulcanalia (23 August): Honouring the Fire Within

Meaning & Energy

Vulcanalia, the ancient Roman festival of Vulcan, god of fire and forge, celebrates the power of transformation through heat and creative force. It’s a day to honour your inner fire, passions, and the alchemy of turning challenge into strength. Vulcanalia also acknowledges the importance of respecting fire’s dual nature—its ability to create and destroy.

Spiritually, this is a powerful time for creative work, releasing anger or frustration, and fuelling your ambitions with courage and purpose.

Three Rituals for Vulcanalia

1. Fire Bowl Release

Write down something you wish to release (an old habit, fear, or frustration) on a slip of paper. Safely burn it in a fireproof bowl, visualising the flames transforming it into energy for new beginnings.

2. Forge Your Intentions Ritual

Place a piece of iron, a small nail, or even a piece of jewellery on your altar. Light a red or orange candle and focus on your creative ambitions. Imagine the heat of the flame forging your intentions into reality.

3. Solar Plexus Empowerment Meditation

Sit comfortably, hands on your solar plexus (just above your navel). Visualise a warm, golden fire glowing within you, growing brighter with each breath. Affirm: “I honour my inner fire and use it wisely.”

Tarot Spread: The Alchemist’s Fire

1. What passion or creative spark needs my attention?

2. What challenge can I transform into strength?

3. How can I use my power wisely and compassionately?

Journal Prompts for Reflecting on the Season

Not everyone uses tarot, but everyone can benefit from a little reflection as the season shifts. Here are five prompts to help you gather insight and inspiration as summer draws to a close:

1. What have I harvested—tangible or intangible—since the start of the year?

2. Where in my life am I being called to release, let go, or change direction?

3. What wisdom or inspiration has surfaced for me recently?

4. How can I nurture my well-being and creativity as the seasons begin to turn?

5. In what ways can I honour the cycles of growth and rest in my own life?

As August unfolds, may you find moments to celebrate your harvests, honour your wisdom, and tend the sacred fire within. Whether you’re drawing cards, journaling, or simply pausing to breathe in the late summer air, know that you are part of a beautiful, ever-turning cycle.

If you feel inspired by any of these August tarot inspiration rituals or reflections, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to email me and share your insights, experiences, or even your favourite August rituals. And if you’d like guidance or support on your journey, you’re always welcome to book a tarot reading, join a circle, or reach out for a chat.

Wishing you a magical, abundant, and insightful August!