Path: Hindu

This 10 day festival marks the annual homecoming of the legendary and benevolent Raha/King Mahabali from Patla Loka where he was sent by Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar. He was a demon but was known for being generous and kind-hearted. Popular belief is that his spirit returns to his kingdom to see his subjects happy and prosperous on the occasion of the auspicious harvest festival. The celebrations include boat races, colorful masks, music, song, dances and flower arrangements.

Path: Astrology/Kabbalah

Rosh Chodesh translated from Hebrew means “Head of the Month” and is the first day of the lunar month marked by the new moon. Once again, the universe provides an opportunity to tune into the unique energy of each month. It’s a clean slate to tap into the full potential of the days ahead and leave behind what did not work for you in the previous months. The first day plants the “seed” of all that can be grown/manifested. New moons remind us to be optimistic and have trust in the timing of events in our lives; to always be on the lookout for new light/potential to connect to the positive aspects and have the strength to resist or transform any negativity. The special energy of Elul is one of introspection and renewal. It is a time to reflect on your life, reevaluate who you are and how you show up in this life. Where can you improve? Who needs an apology? What relationships can you heal? What can you do to live each day and ultimately each month and year as your highest self?

Path: Astrology

The Virgo sign starts on August 23 and ends on September 22. Ruled by the nurturing, orderly and rule-abiding Virgin, Virgo energy focuses on control, purification and organization. However, perfectionism may prove to be an issue when nothing actually gets finished because of the countless details, organizing (and reorganizing). Tap in to the positive energy of Virgo by focusing on loyalty, tenacity, excellent work ethic and resourcefulness. However, do not get overwhelmed with details, self-imposed anxiety and criticism. Be kind and give yourself a break. Be patient with your significant other, family and friends who are less perfect than you ;-)

Path: Christianity

The Assumption is honored as the holy day that marks the occasion of the Virgin Mary/mother of Jesus’ bodily ascent to heaven at the end of her life. The Assumption refers to her being “assumed” - body and soul, physically and spiritually. It is by the power of God that Mary was assumed and went straight to heaven.. The day is celebrated by attending mass, lighting candles, praying for peace and blessing the summer harvests.

Path: Kabbalah/Judaism

Celebrated on the full moon (Av in the Hebrew calendar) this holiday is also known as the “Day of Love” or the “Jewish Valentine’s Day” is one of the happiest days of the year. It is the only day of the year where the sun and the moon are equally dominant in the universe (Leo, ruled by the Sun shines on the Full moon) This cosmic balance gives us the opportunity to connect to our complete, perfected selves. Regardless of your religion or background, take this day as an opportunity to practice unconditional love; for self, family and community. “Love thy neighbor as thyself” and the Golden Rule applies to everyone. Give your kids extra hugs, call your parents, reach out to a friend you haven’t connected with recently, help a neighbor or do a community service project…all in the name of Love. 

Path: Hindu

Raksha Bandhan (Bond of Protection) is one of the most ancient festivals celebrated in India during the full moon of Shravana. This festival celebrates the special bond that exists between brothers and sisters, and the love and honor that is shared between them. Traditionally, sisters tie a rakhi or raksha bandhan (sacred bracelet made of interwoven red and gold threads and amulets), around their brother’s wrists as a mark of affection and protection while offering prayers for his long life, happiness and prosperity. Brothers, in turn, give gifts to their sisters. 

Path: Astrology

The Lion's Gate Portal is open every year on August 8th when Sirius (the brightest star), Orion’s Belt, the Earth and the Sun align. With the sun in Leo, this symmetry creates a unique and powerful portal harnessing the positive, courageous and uplifting energy of the Lion to manifest deep desires, and help humanity to evolve positively. This is a time of accelerated transformation. In numerology the double “8” (August 8th - 8/8) is a powerhouse number connecting the physical with the spiritual realms (infinity symbol) to manifest prosperity, abundance, strength, leadership and love. 

Path: Islam

On the 10th of Muharram, many Muslims mark Ashura which commemorates the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad and pays tribute to the day Noah left the Ark, and the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God creating a path in the Sea. Many celebrate this day as National Martyrs' Day and it is considered to be a major holy day and observed by making pilgrimage and fasting. 

Path: Kabbalah/Judaism

Also known as the Fast of the Ninth of Av, it marks the end of a 3-week period of mourning and is a fast day commemorating the date on which a number of tragedies befell the Jewish people.. These include the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Neo-Babylonian Empire (586 B.C) and the Second Temple by the Roman Empire (70 A.D) in Jerusalem, expulsion from England, France and Spain and the Holocaust. Many consider it to be the saddest day in the Jewish Calendar as it reflects on the suffering of the Jewish people throughout history. The day is observed by fasting, chanting the book of Lamentations and reciting mourners’ prayers, while sitting on the ground.

Path: Pagan, Wiccan, Druid

Summer is the union of Sun and Earth that come together in order to produce the First Grain Harvest. As one of the eight major annual sabbats/festivals of the Wheel of the Year, it is a time for gathering with family and community to give thanks for abundance. “Lammas” is derived from “Loaf Mass” and highlights the importance of the first grain and loaves of the harvesting cycle as well as appreciation of the continuity of life. As the present harvest feeds the community through the long winter months, it is celebrated and recognized for its role in the cycle of life as it also contains the seed of all future harvests, rebirth and regeneration.