On August 1st, a Sturgeon Full Moon will grace the skies. The Sturgeon Moon is the Algonquian name for the full moon in August, when the sturgeon were easiest to catch in the Great Lakes. Other traditions named this month's moon the Full Red Moon, for the late summery haze that can tinge the moon red, and the Corn or Grain Moon, as this is a time to start gathering the late summer harvest in preparation for the fall. This year's Sturgeon Full Moon aligns with the day of celebration of Lammas, the first harvest of the season.

The Full Moon Altar

An altar is a collection of items which create a hum in your being whenever you are near. It's a reminded of where you are in the turning of the year - and a soulful expression of who you are in its turning.

Assembling an altar for a full moon is like giving yourself an anchor in the midst of swirling energy. With an energetic focus, your awareness becomes fine tuned, unearthing a path in a time when it feels like sparks are flying between you and everything else out there - is immensely helpful.

There are no rules, only suggestions based on those who have come before us.

Colors

white, silver, iridescent, dove gray, pale lavender

Nature

seashells, pearls, camphor, willow branches, sea salt, mushrooms, rain, seawater

Symbols

mirror, cauldron, chalice, circles, coins, egg, fertility, womb, mothers, children

Botanicals

jasmine, lotus, anise, lavender, moonflower, sweetgrass

Stones

moonstone, opal, selenite, lapis lazuli, white quartz, okenite

Spiritual

deities, amulets, talismans, images, all personal to you

Elemental

earth | soil, air | feather, fire | candle, water, feminine & masculine symbolic items

Atmosphere

passion, release, mystery, intuition, knowledge, wisdom, trust, purification

The placement of your altar can be wherever you will see it each day and night as you journey through this cycle of the moon.