Nettles are still flowering but many are now covered in seeds. Herbalist Darcey Blue French and I collected many of them during our HerbCircle study group.

Nettle seeds are a wondrous kidney tonic, especially helpful for those who are run-down, chronically exhausted, or who have had too many years on coffee. Nettle seeds strengthen the adrenals and help restore even energy levels to the body. Paired with Oat top infusions (and good meals and sleep, of course), the body can come back to strength and vitality.

Rose of Sharon Flowers are also an August ritual for me. She is usually covered in flowers by Lammas, making her a perfect outdoor altar for bee-watching, silent prayer, and libations to the Goddess. For many years I have laid plant marc from tinctures, teas and oils at her feet in gratitude, and upon re-locating I'm delighted to again have a big Rose of Sharon at my doorstep, allowing me to continue my simple rituals.

As a member of the Mallow family, the flowers and leaves contain slippery goodness; a deep tonic to the soft tissues of the body. Although good for cooling off anyone on these hot days, rose of sharon can be used similar to marshmallow root or elm to reduce inflammation and increase moisture both internally and externally, and are especially helpful for those with chronic heat or dryness issues. Combine with a little hibiscus (another cooling mallow!) for a very yummy, beautifully ruby summer drink.

My Women's Lodge designated yours truly to call in the directions each month. It's been many many circles now, and it's due time for me to share with all of you a little part of my spiritual practices. This is what I will be toting with me to my Red Tent Temple, to my monthly Women's Lodge, and to each of the Sacred Season Holy-days to create sacred space, align my energies with great spirit, and to honor the plants that are my treasured allies.

Earth honoring traditions the world over have always included aspects like these in their rites; ways to mark the time out of time, to consecrate sacred space, and to bring each attendants energies into calm focus.

Incantation comes with a Sacred Smudge blend with local herbs and ancient resins. an Annointing Oil with Rue, Vervain, Birch, and other magical herbs, A Divining Elixir of enchanted herbs, and a loose blend of herbs: Offering - to be sprinkled in gratitude for all that Earth brings to us.

My Directions prayer comes with it, after many requests from my inner circles to "write something down!". It's a simple, easy to read acknowledgement to each of the seven sacred directions that anyone can use as is, or as a starting point for their own personal variation.

And of course...... a free delicious lip balm!