August Moon Magick: Diana’s Mirror
On August 11th, we celebrate our 8th full moon of the year.
August's moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon, Corn Moon, Barley Moon, and Ricing Moon. Since this month marks the start of harvest season, August's full moon is an excellent time to do just that – roll up our sleeves, stretch, and begin the process of reaping what we've sown. Perhaps it's a tangible piece of fruit if we're plant people, or a request, dream, manifestation, or something conceptual that has reached maturity.
In ancient Rome, August's full moon was dedicated to Diana. Like her Greek counterpart Artemis, Diana is a huntress. A moon goddess through and through, Diana is sometimes called the Queen of Witches. She knows of cycles, wild medicine, and the push and pull of earthbound living. Although most closely associated with the full moon, Diana knows that plants root, humans grow, and our consciousness evolves with equal amounts light and dark.
In olden times, Diana's 3-day festival was known as Nemoralia or the Hecatean Ides. This event took place from the 13th-15th of August, although many claim Nemoralia aligned with whichever three days were closest to the full moon. It was also called the Festival of Torches, as women and girls would march to Diana's shrine at Lake Nemi. They would pass through the sacred grove of trees before reaching her sanctuary at the lake, a volcanic crater nicknamed “Diana's Mirror.” After paying homage to the Great Mother through prayers written on ribbon and handmade offerings of food and animal statues, observers would wash their hair in the lake and adorn themselves with flowers.
As a goddess of forests, Diana has an affinity for woodland creatures like the bear and stag, but also more domesticated spirits like dogs and house cats. She is famous for appearing as a woman standing alongside her loyal hunting hounds or in the shape of a black cat. Some historians believe it was Diana's association with witchcraft and cats that led to the suspicion and mistreatment of these creatures (originally considered holy) during the Middle Ages and beyond.
Traditionally, women partaking in the Festival of Torches might ask Diana to protect their crops and watch over their daily bread. Right now, the plants that will hopefully sustain us through winter are on the brink of harvest. If anything were to happen to them – whether a summer storm, pest infestation, or drought, the results would be tragic. Today, our situation might look different, but we can still ask Diana for insight during harvest season.
So in honor of the first harvest, Nemoralia, and our beloved Queen of Witches, a full moon spell:
Anytime we seek guidance from the goddess, and especially if there is a manifestation on the verge of maturity, we can recreate Diana's Mirror.
In place of an ancient lake, take a small or medium-size bowl and fill it with water. If possible, choose a bowl that is white, silver, transparent, or another color that speaks to the moon. Add a few seasonal flowers to the bowl, as well as any crystals you'd like to include.
Get comfortable in front of the bowl and decide on your intention. Make sure there is ample moonlight touching the water, then ask yourself the following:
What do you require of Diana? Why? What does your request have to do with harvest season – a time reserved for honoring but also taking from the Great Mother? How would receiving this blessing make you feel? Would it influence your daily habits, spiritual understanding, or life trajectory? What will you offer in return?
Both Diana and harvest season remind us that magick can be found through persistence and consistency, but also that we are often one decision away from a completely different life.
Etch Diana's name into a candle and then light the wick. In a clockwise motion, move the candle around the bowl as you repeat the following:
In the name of Diana, Hecate,
Artemis, Selene,
Show me openings, opportunities,
That which seeks me.
Continue this process until the candle wax begins to melt, then allow it to drip into Diana's Mirror. Spend several minutes deepening your breath, meditating on your intention, and relaxing your Third Eye to receive messages from the moon goddess.
Once Diana's Mirror feels adequately charged, turn your attention to the wax that has hardened in the bowl. Do the shapes mean anything to you? Allow your intuition to lead as you write a translation for this message. Complete the ritual by bidding farewell to the goddess and using the moon water to feed your plants.
Happy Full Moon, Witches! What did Diana's Mirror share with you?
