August 1st is the traditional Gaelic festival of Lughnasadh (aka Lammas). It marks the time of the first harvest of the season. The summer sun is waning as he distributes his life-giving energy into the fruits, vegetables and grain that we are harvesting to last us through the cold, long winter. Traditionally this day was celebrated by baking bread with the first of the harvested grain, partaking in grand feasts (wonder why this day was often referred to as the Witches' Thanksgiving?!) and holding hand-fastings. A simple way we can keep this celtic tradition alive is to bake bread (or corn bread) in the shape of the sun, signifying God, and "sacrificing" or eating it and giving thanks for all he offers. Make sure to leave a small offering on your altar or outdoors, showing thanks for all the blessings nature and the fae have bestowed on us throughout the year.
...As I look out my window today, I see the first of the turning leaves already speckling my yard with yellow and orange. (Living in a very wooded community, I am relieved that we got a leaf blower last year as I can already tell that it will be getting a lot of use pretty soon.) Reflecting on the year thus far, I cannot believe how quickly it has passed. It seems as if the solstice just occured, when indeed it was 6 weeks ago! Sitting outside last night, the oppressive humidity seemed to have let up at least for the time-being and the stillness in the air I felt was like the earth Mother taking a deep breath, and holding it in before releasing, much like how we figuratively have one foot in summer and one foot in autumn. It is quite magnificent to sit and enjoy this resting period as it only lasts a short time, and soon the harvest season will be in full swing, and we will all be wearing hoodies and scarves, and making trips to the local pumpkin patch and planning for Thanksgiving!... For now though, I will take in the offerings of the season, as it is best to live in the moment without dwelling too strongly on the past or future. I urge you all to do the same and have a festive and relaxing first harvest. ~*Blessings of the wee folk to you and your's today*~
Showing posts with label Harvest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harvest. Show all posts
Monday, August 1, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Full Thunder Moon blessings! A garden meditation...
This morning I did something I don't normally do. I got up early to watch the sunrise. Simple enough. And it wasn't planned. It actually came from me being a neurotic and paranoid mother of a 4 month old who has just recently began sleeping the through night in her own crib, in her own room... and after checking on her repeatedly and seeing she was in a very deep sleep and knowing I wasn't soon to follow, I decided to just go make a cuppa tea and relax. As the tea steeped... Moroccan mint, soooo delicious... I looked out our back window and thought, "Well Cindy, you're up now, might as well make the most of this. I mean really, how many sunsets do you ever get to witness?" Not many. Usually life is far too hectic with work and sleep schedules and other duties to even think about waking up at 5 a.m. just to do something as "silly" as watching the sun rise. I thought of it as a gift from the Goddess and quickly took heed to go enjoy this time that's been given to me. Had to slip on a hoodie this morning, since it was only about 60 degrees, unseasonably cool but reminded me of those early fall dawns when the crispness starts to take hold of the morning air, transitioning the season to autumn... ahh, it was just lovely. I sipped my warm tea while I strolled through my front gardens, greeting all my plants and beloved gnomes for the day. I saw the last twinkling stars from the night sky above slowly fade as it brightened with each passing minute. The chirping crickets were soon being outvoiced by the waking birds. Everything was a muted version of its bright daytime colors, just the perfect setting for watching the faeries flit by and seeing the richness of the auras of the all plants surrounding me. Sensing this vitality but being reminded that the apex of the year has already came and went, it was if the Universe was gently reminding me to reflect. So I did. I thought about all the things that have come to fruition this year and how I am blessed to have all that I do. I showed the Earth my gratitude during my silent meditation. It also made me think of what things, people, etc. no longer served me that needed to be cast off, much like the ripening fruit, vegetables and herbs that needed harvesting from the Earth. Everything is closely reaching its peak as the wheel of the year slowly but surely turns to the season of harvest. This is when we reap what we sow, literally and figuratively. What relationships have you nurtured and which ones have you cast off? Which aspects of your personality have been brought to light and which ones have been thrown into darkness? Are you nurturing your physical self as well as the spiritual? All of these reflections are necessary to steer us where we need to be, as we all have some weeding to do in our personal lives. Without a strong physical and emotional body, we cannot garner a strong spiritual one. But all of these bodies must come into balance. And that is what the Universe has shown me today, with this garden meditation and it made me feel quite energized and uplifted, so that is why I am passing it to you. As the sun rises through our tall, strong poplars in the backyard, I spend a special moment with my handsome boxer, Brutus.
He has a gentle, healer's soul and I gave him a bear hug to thank him for being with me today. I am filled with gratitude. I hope you all can find the balance in your lives and heed the call of the Goddess when she asks you to take time for yourself, as well. ~Many fae blessings upon you today and always!~ xxxxxx
Labels:
Fae,
Full Thunder Moon,
Goddess,
Gratitude,
Harvest,
Meditation,
Sunrise,
Universe
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