Augustus is a month of strength, vigilance, and the Emperor’s justice. It honors saints who exemplified leadership, protection, and divine judgment, alongside celebrations of the Imperium’s power and unity. This is a time for preparing for war, fortifying defenses, and renewing the faithful’s resolve.
1st Day:
Dies Spes Invicta (Day of Unconquered Hope)
- Dedicated to Saint Spes, a martyr who upheld the Emperor’s light during the Age of Apostasy. Ceremonies involve pyres to symbolize enduring faith and strength in the face of adversity.
3rd Day:
Supplicia Canum (Sacrifice of the Dogs)
- An ancient and obscure tradition carried forward as a symbolic rite. The faithful offer prayers to Saint Juventas, protector of the young and vulnerable, while sacrificial rites of canines involve the blessing of defenders and guardians.
5th Day:
Dies Salus Publica (Day of Public Salvation)
- Honors Saint Salus, a figure of mercy and deliverance. This day is marked by rituals to protect the Imperium’s cities, with orbital defences and Arbites precincts receiving blessings for their vigilance.
9th Day:
Dies Sol Indiges (Day of the Native Sun)
- A day of celestial reflection, celebrating the Emperor as the beacon of light and order. Pilgrims offer prayers at shrines of the Astronomican, and sermons remind the faithful of His eternal vigilance over the Imperium.
13th Day:
Diana Martialis (Feast of the Martial Huntress)
- Honors Saint Diana, a legendary warrior who brought divine judgment upon xenos and heretics in the wilderness of uncharted worlds. Imperial Guard regiments and Scouts conduct ceremonial hunts in her name.
17th Day:
Portunalia Sancta (Day of the Gatekeepers)
- A day dedicated to the guardians of the Imperium’s gates, both physical and metaphorical. Adeptus Custodes receive blessings, ensuring the Emperor’s protection as they safeguard humanity’s borders.
19th Day:
Vinalia Rustica (Feast of the Harvest)
- A celebration of the Emperor’s provision, with agri-worlds holding feasts to thank Him for abundant harvests. Citizens pray for strength in the coming trials, offering grain, water, and other symbols of sustenance at shrines.
21st Day:
Consualia Imperialis (Day of the Emperor’s Storehouse)
- Focused on securing and protecting the Imperium’s resources. Rituals are held to bless storage facilities, forges, and manufactorums. Administratum officials give thanks for the Emperor’s providence in keeping the Imperium supplied.
23rd Day:
Vulcanalia Sanctus (Day of the Sacred Forge)
- Honors the Techpriests and artisans who craft the Imperium’s weapons and tools. Rites of consecration are performed in forges and manufactorums, and titans receive blessings to ensure their purity and functionality.
24th Day:
Luna Tenebris (Night of the Dark Moon)
- A solemn observance marking a mysterious celestial event from the Dark Age of Technology. The faithful reflect on the dangers of hubris and pray for the Emperor’s guidance in the trials of the void.
27th Day:
Volturnalia Sancta (Day of the Storm-Warden)
- Celebrates Saint Volturnus, a defender of void-faring pilgrims during the Great Crusade. Pilgrims light torches on their ships, symbolizing their journey under the Emperor’s watchful gaze.
28th Day:
Circus Maximus Solis et Lunae (Day of Sun and Moon Unity)
- A feast celebrating balance and harmony in the Emperor’s dominion. Nobles and Ecclesiarchy share meals and recite prayers, reinforcing the unity of Imperium’s elite despite its vast and diverse nature.
Significance of Augustus
Augustus is a month of preparation and fortification, emphasizing the Emperor’s role as the eternal protector and provider. It calls upon the faithful to defend His vision, honor His guardians, and strengthen their resolve for the trials to come. From the forges of manufactorums to the gates of fortress worlds, the Imperium renews its strength under the Emperor’s guiding light.
Ignis Aeternus WH 40K campaign notes 