It's August, and the gardens and roadsides are brimming with color. Zinnias, tall phlox, and cosmos brighten flower beds. Black-eyed Susans gleam along roadsides, spreading their golden hue. It's a harvest of color. Everywhere you look, there's a color celebration going on. This informal ritual encourages you to bring this harvest of colors indoors.

You'll need some cut flowers and containers. For containers, use your imagination—vases, jars, jugs, mugs, or old coffee cups are some possibilities. If you have no garden flowers of your own, no problem. Buy some at a florist, grocery store, or farmers' market. When ready, display your flowers around your home. Don't forget to place some on your altar. When you're done, say:

In this house there is no darkness or gloom,
Because August flowers brighten each room!

Enjoy your flowers. As they fade, compost them or throw them out.