Augustus

Named after Caesar Augustus, Rome’s first emperor, August symbolizes maturity, expansion, and the full expression of potential. The reign of Augustus began a roughly 200 year long era of imperial peace (the Pax Romana or Pax Augusta). Augustus, whose name literally meant "majestic" or "venerable," transformed Rome from a city of bricks into a city of marble. His reign embodied confident outward expression and flourishing achievement, a powerful metaphor for this stage of the seasonal cycle.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, August marks the zenith of summer, a time when fruits ripen fully, fields overflow with abundance, and nature boldly reveals itself in vibrant colors and expansive growth. Like nature itself, Augustus understood that true power manifests in unapologetic expression—not through force, control or dominance, but through an authentic unfolding of one's inner essence. This month invites us to do the same: to embody our authenticity boldly and fully, expressing outwardly what we have carefully nurtured and claimed within.

The Superficial Back Arm Line

“The Reacher”

The Superficial Back Arm Line (SBAL) is the anatomical embodiment of confident, expansive outward expression. It begins at the fingertips, traces upward along the back of the forearm, moves through the elbow, ascends along the triceps muscle, over the shoulder, and finally anchors into the upper spine and neck. Functionally, this myofascial line governs movements involving pushing away, reaching outward, extending our arms in celebration, openness, or invitation, and embodying full expression of intention.

When we engage the SBAL, we physically manifest the confidence to reach beyond perceived limits, to express ourselves boldly, and to push aside whatever obstructs our authentic expression. A strong, open SBAL correlates to emotional openness and clarity—qualities that emerge when we feel safe enough to authentically communicate who we are, what we want, and what we stand for. Conversely, tension or restriction in this line often reflects internal hesitations, fears of rejection, or reluctance to reveal ourselves fully. Cultivating awareness and openness along this pathway thus becomes an embodied practice of aligning inner clarity with outward expression.

Expressiveness

Expressiveness is not to be conflated with speaking or acting boldly, but rather, doing so from a place of inner coherence and authenticity. It necessitates courage, clarity, and vulnerability—recognizing that our fullest expressions may risk exposure but ultimately foster deeper connection and meaningful interactions.

August teaches us to fully step into true life, revealing our carefully cultivated inner self outwardly, unapologetically, and clearly, with both awareness and regard for the outer world. As the season reaches its height, the principle of Expressiveness invites us to cast off lingering doubts, embrace our capacity to move freely and expansively in the world, and trust that authentic expression is both our birthright and responsibility. Let August be a time of expansive reach, of sharing openly, and of confidently connecting.