Welcome August (Almanac 2026)
Dates and seasonal traditions to bring you closer to Nature in August
WELCOME AUGUST
August is a beautiful time of the year with Nature still flourishing in the fine weather and sunny days when we can still enjoy the Swallows busily collecting food for their second brood. Their breeding season can continue until August because they are here to raise two - sometimes three - successive clutches during the season with broods spaced about 51 days apart.
The first of August is known as Lammas Day when cattle are traditionally returned to the fields to graze after the mowing of the hay. This ancient harvest festival marked the beginning of the cereal harvest and its name derives from the Old English hlāfmæsse or loaf-mass, referencing the Christian tradition of bringing a loaf of bread made from the first grain to the church to be blessed.
August is a time to find a place in Nature to watch butterflies dancing as a gentle breeze blows Dandelion and Thistledown seeds into the air. These pretty seeds have the same whitish, feathery appearance similar to Milkweed whose iconic seed pods ripen, dry and burst open, releasing silky, tufted seeds into the air. This is while Sycamore seeds begin to form inside their dense, green spherical pods which ripen, turn brown and mature completely by mid-to-late Autumn, remaining on the branches through the Winter. The winged seeds are dispersed by the wind in late Winter or early Spring.
August is the absolute peak bloom for Heather, transforming the hillsides across the British Isles into brilliant sweeping carpets of purple and pink. the perfect place to experience this wonderful hardy flower is
Dartmoor National Park. The open moorland, particularly around Haytor and Yarner Wood, bursts with vibrant purple Bell Heather in August. The tiny, bell-shaped mauve and pink flowers showcase this hardy plant which thrives in acidic or peat soils across heathlands and moorlands.
Moon phases
- Tuesday 14 August - NEW STURGEON MOON in Leo
- Wednesday 29 August - FULL STURGEON MOON in Aquarius
Sunrise and sunset (Devon, British Isles)
- Saturday 1 August - Sunrise (5.41 am) - Sunset (9.00 pm)
- Monday 31 August - Sunrise (6.27 am) - Sunset (8.02 pm)
Zodiac Signs
- Leo - 23 July - 22 August
- Virgo - 23 August - 22 September
August's flower - Poppy
Poppies were a feature in Greek mythology, when Demeter created the flower to bring sleep so that she could forget her grief after Hades abducted Persephone, the ancient Greek goddess of Spring and queen of the underworld. During the harvest, the ancient Greeks offered Poppy seeds to ensure a bountiful corn harvest. They also made garlands by weaving Poppies among barley.
Poppies grow particularly well in disturbed soil which explains its link to farmland and battlefields which is why it is associated with remembrance, peaceful rest and resurrection. In folklore, the Poppy relates to dreams, visions, sleep and pain relief due to its sedative properties.
August's birthstone - Peridot
August’s birthstone is Peridot, a yellowish-green gemstone which is a rare gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. This beautiful, vibrant stone (often mistaken for Emerald) symbolises positive energy, radiance and serenity. The ancient Egyptians believed its earthy green shade harnessed the power of Nature and it was called the Gem of the Sun.
Peridot is one of the few gemstones formed deep within the Earth's mantle rather than the crust. It is brought to the surface by volcanic activity and has been found in the debris of fallen meteorites. For this reason, it was used to drive away darkness, releiving feelings of guilt and obsession, along with helping to calm feelings of fear and anger. It has been thought to open up the ability learn new things by increasing focus and cognitive ability, and with giving one the strength to persevere in challenging times and situations.
August's Folklore
- Dry August and warm, doth harvest no harm.
- A wet August never brings dearth.
- August rain gives honey, wine and saffron.
- When it rains in August, it rains honey and wine.
- If the twenty-fourth of August be fair and clear, then hope for a prosperous Autumn that year.
- August ripens, September gathers in.
- August bears the burden, September the fruit.
- If the first week of August be warm, the Winter will be white and long.
August's Quote
This morning, the Sun endures past dawn. I realise that it is August, the Summer's last stand.
Sara Baume
I hope you enjoy making the most of Nature through August for your good health, happiness and wellbeing. I look forward to seeing you here for the next Almanac on 1 September 2026.
Sue Cartwright
Spiral Leaf
Thank you for sharing!
for you, for me and for Mother Nature
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