The Traditions of Lughnasadh, the First Harvest

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*~

Sun Salutations

One of my favorite ways to relieve stress is yoga. Yoga is also beneficial in creating a meditative state for me, where my breath and body are linked and I am completely "in the moment," present in the here and now. During the summer solstice is a very popular time to perform sun salutations to soak up the energy from the sun to carry with you through the rest of the year, for now until the winter solstice the sun's energy wanes and the days slowly become shorter and shorter...

But for now, the sun reigns high in the sky and below I will share with you a sun salute/meditation and mantra to perform outside, in nature, barefoot, completely connected to our Mother Earth.

I started facing South in Mountain pose, but whatever direction calls you is the best direction for you to start in. You will perform one sun salute facing all 4 directions, to call the energies of all the elements. With arms raised into the sky, bring your hands to namaste at your chest/heart chakra and say "I thank you for today." Circle arms out and upward arching your back ever so slightly, then swoop down and say "I thank the Mother Earth..." while laying your hands upon her and then bring your hands upward moving into Chair pose. With arms upward and hands cradling the sun say "...and I thank the Father Sun for all the blessings that have come my way." Then ease upward and out of Chair pose into Mountain pose again, bringing hands back into namaste at your chest. Repeat "I thank you for today" and send your gratitude out from your heart into the universe. Repeat for the other 3 directions, moving in a clockwise manner.

After performing this, I felt full of energy and love. It was invigorating! I recommend it to all who are able to perform it. And if for some reason you cannot, just repeat the mantra with your regular meditations, it is a great way to send your gratitude for all you have been blessed with and by sending it out, it will surely return to you! ~Fae blessings!~