August New Moon

This is week 52, and as you may have sorted out I am going to keep this Blog rolling. As a small note that I neglected on the 14th, on April 15th with the Full moon was a Lunar Eclipse, part of what is called "The Blood Moon" which is a series of four lunar eclipses expected in a single year, an occurrence roughly every 20 years and something to make note of in timing spells.

On the Celtic Tree Calendar this is the Holly Moon, a Warrior Moon to promote inner strength.

Like the Sabbats, this is less about writing the ritual and more about what sets the ritual apart. For the Esbat title the page.

The Holly moon  is one of water. For our ancestors, water was vital to ensure a bountiful harvest, which would secure their future, their survival. This is true for us too, but if we have a drought in our area, food can be brought in (and usually is anyway) from other areas. Summer showers give us respite from hot afternoons, and water more than anything else, deeply quenches our thirst. In this ritual the chalice is used to enjoy a drink of cool, clear spring water. The Celts referred to this month as Tinne.
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In the Ogham, it was stated that the Holly was "best in the fight," since it helped balance both the positive and negative aspects of the self, thus revealing a new direction. It was believed to restore lost energy, bestowing the strength needed to continue toward a resolution.

The Holly Moon is associated with the recent coronation of the Holly King at Midsummer.


Talismans

As with most other trees the Holly was revered for its protective qualities. When planted around the home it protects the inhabitants and guards against lightening, poisoning and mischievous spirits. When confronted by wild animals throwing a stick of Holly at them would make them lie down and leave you alone. A piece of Holly carried on your person is said to promote good luck, particularly in men for the Holly is a male plant (the Ivy its opposite female). As a charm to enhance dreams, nine Holly leaves gathered on a Friday after midnight, wrapped in a clean cloth to protect against its needles, and tied up using nine knots was placed under a pillow to make dreams come true.