Lughnasadh (pronounced Lew-nah-sah) comes halfway between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox. It is the first of three annual autumn harvest celebrations in the Celtic Wheel of the Year.
This is the time of year when baskets are brimming with late summer berries, gardens are full of a wide range of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers, and grains grow heavy in the fields. We give thanks for the foods on our table.
At the same time, Lughnasadh marks the beginning of autumn. So even as we celebrate the joy of life, we recognize that the hot summer days will soon come to an end and winter will begin its approach. In gladness we take in the warming rays of the Sun and store their power for the times coming. As we celebrate the first fruits of harvest, we also look back to see how the desires that we had at the start of the year are unfolding. We consider the fruits of our labors, and center our meditations and rituals around this.
WAYS TO CELEBRATE
- Take a nature walk that focuses on gratitude
- Walk through fields and orchards
- Spend time along springs, creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes reflecting on the bounty and love of our Earth Mother, Gaia
- Give back to the earth (feed the birds, plant natives for bees, or pick up trash)
- Plant a tree or plant with love as a symbol of your connection with Mother Earth and Father Sky
- Buy bread at a local bakery
- Bake bread and/or fruit pies (this can be fun for your kids, too)
- Share a feast with family and/or friends
- Give to other people by donating to a food pantry
- Join us in the Shrine Room at Heartwood at 6PM on August 1 for our seasonal inward Journey
May your harvest be bountiful and sustain you through the cold winter months ahead.
May the love of friends and family warm you always.
[display-posts post_type=”practitioners” include_content=”true” display-posts wrapper=”div” image_size=”full” id=”22750″ order=”ASC” orderby=”name”]