Lion, Gecko, and Goose are three spirit animals for August. Keep reading to find out what are the meanings and symbolism of these distinct animals. And more importantly, what benefits do they bring to August babies.

August x Spirit Animals

The month of August is a great time to create an environment in which you and others can thrive in. The themes of this month revolve around the idea of community, your impact on others’ lives, and how you fit within a social space. Your spirit animal can help you explore this theme and how it relates to you.

August is also about being open to giving and receiving. And being open to contributing to others’ lives however you can. This could be volunteering in your local community, giving a helping hand whenever you can, or being more present in the lives of your loved ones.

This is a great month to connect and rekindle with your spirit animals if you struggle in connecting with others, building honest relationships, or just expanding your network. These animal spiritual guides will guide you to have an open heart and a non-judgmental mind, which will attract likeminded people into your life.

August Animals

Meditation is one of the ways you can try to connect with a spirit animal or find out which spirit animal has been assigned to you at birth. Another way to explore this is by setting an intention before going to sleep. Your intention can be for the spirit animal to appear to you in your dreams.

Connecting to your spirit animal may take some practice, but do not give up. Carry on trying and experiencing amazing qualities will awaken within you.

1. Lion

The lion symbolizes leadership, wisdom, protection, community, and royalty. This is a spirit animal that teaches you to appreciate the little things in life. Such as the beauty of the sunrise. The lion spirit guide also shows you that you are here for a reason.

The lion spirit guide encourages you to create a better tomorrow for yourself and your loved ones. It motivates you to push harder and to remember the reasons behind your hard work. For example, if you’ve been experiencing imposter syndrome, the lion will remind you of your true capabilities by bringing up your past achievements.

Furthermore, the lion is symbolic of the Leo zodiac sign. Leos are all about shining a light on themselves and their talents. They also bring light into others’ lives. This energy embodies the month of August, of which you can use the guidance of your spirit animal to benefit from.

2. Gecko

As spirit animal, one of the gecko’s symbolisms is rising fortune and prosperity. The gecko’s guidance helps you to overcome obstacles and guides you to climb up the social or personal ladder.

The gecko also teaches you humility and modesty, which may seem counteractive to the energy of this month. However, it is complementary to August’s themes. Yes, this is a perfect month to show off your talents and to be open to receiving. However, it is also a time to self-reflect on how you can be of value to others in your community.

For example, if you are constantly distracted by your own life or are always on the move, you may forget to cater to your loved ones. Another example is if you are somebody who is always in the spotlight, is always receiving help or are highly respected. Then must have the social capital available to also help others.

If you decide to try to connect to the gecko spirit animal in August, then you can expect an inner transformation. This swift animal guides you to be willing to give your time and energy to others.

The gecko may push you to be a mentor to others too, by helping others to see the positives in themselves and their environment.

Overall, the gecko symbolizes rising fortune, luck, peace, transformation, and positivity.

3. Goose

The goose symbolizes family, connections, cooperation, peace, community, and universal love. This is a spirit animal that celebrates when you are an active member of your community. Similarly, to the lion, the goose pushes you to create abundance for yourself and your family.

The goose is also associated with Eros, the Greek god of love. This is the Greek god that shot people with arrows so that they could fall in love. The goose as a spiritual guide similarly pushes you to actively love others, but not to your own detriment.

Due to its symbolism of universal love, it is no surprise that this waterfowl spirit animal celebrates connections between people. The goose shows you how love can help you fulfill your destiny. However, the goose does not want you to lose yourself in others.

This animal guides you to be strong in your convictions, and do not allow outside voices to sway you. It’s also a guide that always makes you be prepared for anything. It kicks in your survival instincts!

The goose is a great guide to connect to in the month of August. It will shine a light on all the positives in your life and it will help you attract loving people. Overall, the goose celebrates you when you go above and beyond for others in a way that does not jeopardize you.

Conclusion

In both the northern and southern hemispheres, August is a month where there is more sunlight during the day, albeit it is cool and dry in the Southern hemisphere. Because of this, August symbolizes the light that shines into hidden parts of your life. Such as the subconscious, draining environments, or negative people.

Our external circumstances come into focus in the month of August. This is a month of transforming ourselves to allow more positivity into our lives and spiritual animal guides can help make this process easier and more effective.

For example, the gecko can help you visualize a better future for yourself. The goose will give you the strength to establish boundaries. Those that do not respect those boundaries will be left behind, so that you can attract more loving and like-minded people into your life. The lion spirit guide will also guide you to be open to optimism and advancing yourself and your loved ones.

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The post August Animals: A Guide to the Spirit Animals of August appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

August & Zodiac Signs

In the Gregorian calendar, the eighth month of the year is August. The name August is derived from the founder of the Roman Empire, Augustus Caesar.

Two star signs and a cusp are observed in the month of August, they are:-

1. Leo ♌ (July 23 – August 22) – The Lion
2. Virgo ♍ (August 23 – September 22) – The Maiden
3. Leo-Virgo Cusp ♌ x ♍ (August 19 – August 25) – The Cusp of Exposure

August Zodiac Signs

What sets these signs and cusp apart? Do they share anything in common at all because they rule parts of the same month? Let’s find out.

1. Leo ♌ Zodiac Sign (July 23 – August 22) – The Lion

People born between July 23 to August 22 are said to be born under the Leo zodiac sign. It is the fifth sign in the astrology chart, sandwiched between Cancer and Virgo. Because it rules more than half of August, Leo is said to be the Major August Sign. 

Leo’s ruling planet in Astrology is the Sun. The Sun’s heat and warmth give rise to Leo’s charismatic and charming personality. The sign of the Lion is a mutable fire sign. The fire element keeps Leo individuals young at heart and drives them to achieve great things in life.

Leo is well known for doing things their way. They tend to have very powerful, determined, and authoritative personalities. Some of the prominent Leos are Kylie Jenner, Megan Markle, Jennifer Lawrence, Jason Momoa, and Shawn Mendes.

Leo Characteristics

Be it a Leo man or woman, these individuals tend to possess strong and masculine characteristics. Leos are known for their affinity for the spotlight. Since they are active, outgoing, artistic, and extroverted, they love to be the life of the party. They have a deep sense of loyalty and pride.

Due to the influence of Sun, Leo shows their passionate side when it comes to stage performances, rock concerts, and sports events. They also demonstrate expertise in assuming leadership roles, authoritative positions, etc. In a word, Leos can be summed up as “Performers”. They rock the party or any talent show with their charisma. They can also be great influencers.

Leo’s Strengths

The greatest strength of Leo is that they can handle the most challenging situations and emerge victorious. These individuals are known for making life-changing decisions that can lead to monumental success. Leos are very determined and they know what they want. They are also very loyal partners and passionate lovers.

Leo’s Weaknesses

Since they have fire as their zodiac element, Leos can be too wild and adventurous. This trait can sometimes be problematic.  Since they are very determined and authoritative, most people might find Leos to be a little intimidating. Leos have great confidence and great pride in themselves, and they hate to be corrected when they are wrong.

Leo Articles

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2. Virgo ♍ Zodiac Sign (August 23 – September 22) – The Maiden

People who have their birthdays between August 23 to August 31 come under the reign of the Virgo zodiac sign. Preceded by Leo, the Virgo is positioned in the sixth place of the Zodiac wheel. Since its rule is considerably shorter than the other August sign, Leo, Virgo is considered the Minor August star sign.

Mercury dominates the zodiac sign as the ruling planet. Since Virgo is an earth sign, the individuals are very patient, humble, and kind.

Virgo is represented by a Maiden holding grain in her hand. This depiction originated from the Babylonian culture from the Goddess Shala, representing growth, prosperity, harvest, and fertility. The most famous Virgo natives are Michael Jackson, Cameron Diaz, Melissa McCarthy, Lea Michele, and Dave Chappelle.

Virgo’s Characteristics

Being a feminine sign, the Virgos tend to possess very calm, soothing, and down-to-earth characteristics. They are sagacious and intelligent people. The Virgo natives tend to learn very quickly and love to experiment in the field of their passion. Since Mercury rules this zodiac sign, Virgo individuals excels at communication and analysis. They can usually find successes in analysis or research-oriented careers.

The Virgo zodiac sign is considered to be very stable and steady in a relationship. This is partly thanks to the Earth element in their birth chart. Usually they aren’t the type to add drama and emotional turbulence to their relationships. The sign of the Maiden is known to exhibit a calm and composed demeanor. They always keep their composure and this helps them make informed and rational decisions. Virgo folks prefer to live in a stable environment. A volatile environment is detrimental to their mental health and productivity.

Virgo’s Strengths

Emotional intelligence and stability are some of the Virgo’s positive traits. They are brilliant and skilled people. Having extensive knowledge in multiple fields is what these people love the most. They also tend to possess analytical intellect. Thanks to Mercury’s planetary influence, Virgo natives are also great in communication and problem solving.

Virgo’s Weaknesses

Virgos are considered to be emotional and sentimental, which can affect their day-to-day routines. Some Virgo individuals tend to overthink, and this can lead to increased anxiety and insomnia. Self-care is essential for people born under the Virgo sign. Although they know their self-worth, sometimes they’re affected by criticism more than they rationally should.

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3. Leo-Virgo Cusp ♌ x ♍ (August 19 – August 25) – The Cusp of Exposure

Individuals born between August 19 – August 25 are said to be born on the Cusp of Leo and Virgo. The Leo-Virgo Cusp or The Cusp of Exposure is the gray area found at the boundary shared by Leo and Virgo signs. These individuals have a combination of Leo and Virgo traits. Considered to be one of the complicated combinations, the Leo-Virgo cuspers are a little challenging to handle. The amalgamation of Sun and planet Mercury makes them very different from the others.

They have a very strong opinion and logical thinking but are more prone to change their decision when convinced in the right way. The Virgo in these individuals also makes them humble and grounded. The prominent Leo-Virgo Cusp-born people are Blake Lively, Chris Pine, Sofia Richie, and Keke Palmer.

Leo-Virgo Cusp’s Characteristics

The influence of the earth and fire elements gives these individuals unique personalities. Archetypically, they are very determined, energetic, and have grand ambitions. They are resolute in achieving success irrespective of the field they choose. They possess a very steady and logical business trait. The cuspers also pay a lot of attention to detail and perfection.

The Leo influence in the cusper birth chart pulls them towards the spotlight, although the Virgo in them keeps them humble and down to earth. They are very friendly, charismatic, versatile, and possess the trait of inborn leadership. These people tend to have an artistic side to them. Some of them even have the hobby of gardening.

Leo-Virgo Cusp’s Strengths

Being empathetic, understanding, and philanthropist are some of the strengths of Cusp-born individuals. They are great communicators. The majority of Leo-Virgo individuals are also excellent listeners. They tend to help others in distress. The Leo-Virgo Cusp are natural leaders and tend to possess top managerial posts in their careers. Some may also work for the government.

Leo-Virgo Cusp’s Weaknesses

In some cases, the combination of both Leo and Virgo traits can be a little too much. There might be a lot of flip-flopping during decision-making. The outgoing Leo and introverted Virgo make the Cusp-born more of an ambivert person. Sometimes they might appear to be headstrong and difficult to handle. Occasionally, these individuals also overthink and refrain back to solitude.

Zodiac Signs of August

Two zodiac signs are found in the month of August. Leo is the limelight-hogging sign that is backed by solid leadership skills. Virgo is analytical and forever calculating but they’re empathetic and dependable. And then there’s the Leo-Virgo cusp which is a hybrid astrological phenomenon that combines varying degree of strengths and weaknesses from both Leo and Virgo.

Facts about August

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Above: August birthstone poem. Background photo credit: See sardonyx section.

There are three unique gemstones that represent the month of August. In this article, find out what are these August birth stones and what are their meanings and symbolism.

August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar. Originally it was named Sextilis, but it was later renamed as August to honor Roman Emperor Augustus. In the northern hemisphere, August is part of summer; whereas in the southern hemisphere, it is the middle of winter. August is host to two zodiac signs: Leo and Virgo. The birth flowers for August are Gladiolus and Poppy.

The tradition of designating one’s birthday with gemstone has been going on for centuries. However, it is important to understand that it’s an evolutionary concept. The list of birthstones that represent a particular month or year or date of birth is flexible. And it is different across cultures and at a different time. For the purpose of this article, we’ve picked three gemstones to represent August: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. Let’s take a closer look at these gems to find out what they truly are and what do they mean.

1. Peridot

Photo: Cut Pakistani Peridot. Credit: Dave Ault @ Flickr 

Peridot is a modern August birthstone. Its history as an August gem is relatively modern. It was first recommended as an August gemstone around the end of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century.

Peridot is a variety of olivine. If you think the word olivine sounds a lot like the olive that’s because the two are, in fact, connected: olivine is named after its olive-green color.

Among green gemstones, peridot’s popularity is second only to emerald. While emerald and peridot are both green gems, emeralds are usually deeper in color and peridots are usually in olive green and on the lighter side. Scholars suggest that many emeralds in legends and historical records may actually be peridots.

Nobody knows for sure how peridot got its name. It’s been suggested that it might have originated from classical Latin pæderot (some kind of opal) or Arabic word faridat (translates to gem).

It is believed that peridot has been mined since approximately 300 BCE. The ancient Egyptian people mined the yellow-green stone from an island with conditions so harsh that it was given nicknames like “The Island of Death” and ‘Snake Isle.” Even though the conditions were treacherous, the stones that came from Zabargad were so large and luminous, it was deemed worth the risk. Many of these stones can be found today in museums across the globe.

Egyptian legend says that peridot was sent to earth from the stars. And that it had heavenly powers which promote healing and drive away bad energies. While its healing power remains unverified, it is true that peridots are found on moon and even Mars–yes, the red planet—and from meteorites that fall on earth.

Diamond and peridot belong to the exclusive group of gemstones formed in earth’s mantle. Other common gems are formed in the crust, which is the outermost layer of earth.

The vibrant green peridot symbolizes balance, peace, calmness, regeneration, rejuvenation, nature, and growth. Its color and clarity bring to mind bright summer days. Peridots promote positive emotions and also balance out negative emotions. Peridot has been used as talisman against nightmares for centuries. It is believed to promote restful sleep.

2. Sardonyx

Photo: Sardonyx polished and carved into the shape of a seashell. Credit: beautifulcataya @ Flickr

Sardonyx is a traditional August birthstone and it is also considered the ancient birthstone for August. Sardonyx is a semi-precious stone that belongs to the chalcedony family. In terms of appearance, sardonyx is distinctive. Its signature look of white bands on orange-red body is unmistakable among its peers.

The name sardonyx is a compound noun made up of sard and onyx. That is because sardonyx is a red variety of onyx, and the redness comes from containing sard. Etymologically, the word came from Greek word sardonux via Latin.

Sardonyx is the August gem with the longest recorded history. References to sardonyx can be found as far back as the original text of the Bible. Throughout history, these stones have been a popular choice for broaches and cameos due to their different colored layers. They were often carved into signet rings (also known as seal rings) because they were not only lovely but also has the characteristic of not sticking to hot wax–a much-required criterion when it comes seals and seal rings.

Sardonyx is a symbol of strength, courage, and protection. It is also associated with happiness, health, and longevity. These bold stones have long been symbols of power and their owners are encouraged to wear them if they need extra charisma that doesn’t overwhelm others. Not only are sardonyx conductors of strength, but they are also believed to bring their owner clarity and are often used when meditating to help with blockages between the chakras.

Spinel

Photo: Gem-quality red spinel crystals. Credit: Robert M. Lavinsky @ Wikimedia

Spinel is a modern August gemstone. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) suggested spinel as a designated August birthstone in 2019. While the association is new, spinel has had a long history in human civilizations.

Spinel is available in a variety of colors, but it is best known for its red stones. Other popular spinel colors include purple, lilac, pink, and blue.

Its name came from French spinelle which might have come from Latin word spina. Spina means “thorn” which could be an analog to the spinel pointed crystals.

Like many red gems, spinels are believed to promote devotion and passion in their wearers. Red spinels are associated with the root chakra and are often used when their owner needs help feeling grounded. Blue spinel is also a powerful grounding agent and is recommended for people who are anxious or feeling stressed out. All colors of spinel are thought to protect against negative energy.

Throughout history, spinels have been mistaken for rubies. Some of the largest and most famous rubies from antiquity have turned out to be spinels. One of England’s most famous Crown Jewels is a stone known as the Black Prince’s Ruby and is actually red spinel. This enormous stone passed from hand to hand down a line of Moorish and Spanish kings until being won by Edward of Wales and eventually being set into England’s Imperial State Crown. During the 18th century, jewelers began to distinguish between spinels and other gemstones. Spinel is set apart from other stones by their sharp, thorn-like crystalline structures.

Wrapping Up

In this article, we discussed three unique gemstones for the month of August: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. These stones run the gamut of colors from bright green to orange to blood red. Their colors are not the only factor that differentiates these beautiful gemstones. Their history, meaning, and symbolism make them unique and desirable. Which of these August stones is your favorite?

Birthstones by Month

January Birthstones | February Birthstones | March Birthstones | April Birthstones | May Birthstones | June Birthstones | July Birthstones | August Birthstones | September Birthstones | October Birthstones|  November Birthstones | December Birthstones

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

Aries Stones | Taurus Stones | Gemini Stones | Cancer Stones | Leo Stones | Virgo Stones | Libra Stones | Scorpio Stones | Sagittarius Stones | Capricorn Stones | Aquarius Stones | Pisces Stones

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What are August’s Birth Flowers?

There are two birth flowers August is commonly associated with. What exactly are these flowers? What are the meanings of these flowers? Why do these flowers represent August babies? Find out the answers to these questions in this article dedicated to the August flowers.

August is the eighth month of the year and the last month of summer in the northern hemisphere, the last month of winter in the southern hemisphere. The month was named after Augustus Caesar, the grandnephew of Julius Caesar. Just like the primary birth flower of this month–the gladiolus–Augustus showed the strength of character as he defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra which prevented anarchy in 31 BC Rome. Now let’s get to know the birth flowers of the month August and be inspired by their stories.

Gladiolus

Gladiolus is the primary birth flower for those born in August. Gladiolus communis is the scientific name of this strikingly tall cormous floring plant with upright spikes. The prominent beauty of gladiolus comes in a variety of colors including white, red, purple, pink, and yellow. Its beauty has inspired great artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. Van Gogh’s “Vase with Gladioli” in 1886 portrays the striking beauty of gladiolus in this impressionistic style of painting. No wonder why gladiolus is more popular as cut flowers to beautify a space. A vase of gladiolus can last up to 12 days and it has an elegant long stem that never fails to catch anyone’s eye. Gladiolus is also a notable flower that represents a marriage milestone. It is the flower associated with a couple’s 40th wedding anniversary. Showering your partner with gladiolus on that day would signify your unfading love.

The gladiolus is perceived as a fortune flower for those who were born in August. In ancient Roman, gladiolus was used to represent the gladiators and since then became a symbol of the strength of character. Just like the gladiolus, people born in August are also known to possess strong character, integrity, intelligence, and are natural leaders. White gladiolus symbolizes purity and spirituality. The long-stemmed red gladiolus is symbolic of love and sincerity. Purple gladiolus can be a way to express your high regard to the recipient. The pink hues symbolize luck, compassion, and motherly love. A bouquet of pink gladiolus would be a perfect gift for mothers on their special day. Yellow gladiolus represents positive energy and friendship. The gladiolus is one of the most beautiful flowers that you can adorn your home and your garden. They can last a long time in a vase and are easy to grow in the garden as well. Giving a gladiolus bouquet to an August-born would be a great idea because they are not only strikingly beautiful, they are also believed to attract good luck.

Poppy

Poppy is the second birth flower for those born in August. Papaver rhoeas is the scientific name of this cup-shaped and long-stemmed flower. This annual flowering plant can produce seeds that can remain alive in the ground for a century. In the absence of light, these seeds will not germinate and will be subjected to dormancy until the conditions are met. The poppies became a significant symbol of the First World War when they suddenly grew by the thousands on the Western Front. In this ravaged theater of war, over four million soldiers died and these flowers mysteriously blossomed in the graves of the fallen. Aside from being a symbol of remembrance, the poppy also plays a vital role in medicine. Its seeds have traces of opiates used to create morphine which is a powerful pain medication. For the same reason, poppy seeds are banned in some countries including China and Singapore.

In general, the poppy flower is symbolic of imagination and sleep. Dreaming of poppies indicates the arrival of new love. If you dream about a field of poppies, it means that you will be successful in the near future. Red is the most popular color of poppies and it signifies pleasure and contentment. White is usually given to show moral support to a person who lost a loved one. The yellow poppies symbolize wealth and success. Poppies blossom rapidly in August which makes it a thoughtful and convenient gift for those born in this month.

The gladiolus and poppy are also birth flowers for August Leo and August Virgo.

Birth Flowers by Zodiac Sign

Aries Flowers | Taurus Flowers | Gemini Flowers | Cancer Flowers | Leo Flowers | Virgo Flowers | Libra Flowers | Scorpio Flowers | Sagittarius Flowers | Capricorn Flowers | Aquarius Flowers | Pisces Flowers

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January Flowers | February Flowers | March Flowers | April Flowers | May Flowers | June Flowers | July Flowers | August Flowers | September Flowers | October Flowers | November Flowers | December Flowers

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