I’m playing catch-up a bit here, since I was on vacation at the end of August and just now realized that I had never done a dark moon post for the month.
Tinne’s tree is Holly, a plant to which (whom?) I’ve always felt particularly close. There were two large holly bushes next to my childhood home, and even now, my workplace is guarded by three or four giant holly trees, who have just set their berries. I do find it interesting that Graves associated Holly with Lughnasadh, and that I in fact drew that card for August’s dark moon.
Holly is another strongly protective plant, but it is also one of consequences. August always seems to be the time of year where everything comes together if things have been laid out well–or conversely, my life explodes and everything falls apart. Happily this year it was the former. Some also associate Holly with crafting deities like Brighid, which is appropriate as my annual August vacation tends to involve a lot of arts and crafts, both learning and doing.
Finally, August was about learning to set boundaries, to say “no” even when I wanted so much to say “yes.” I had to make some difficult choices, but in all, I’ve come through them stronger and more confident. I believe Holly would be proud.
The Druid's Well 