Lammas

Standing halfway between Solstice and Equinox, this time of year is known as the first harvest, the harvest of the grain. It's a little message to us that the Summer is moving along, even though it feels a little like time stands still at this time of year. It's still light when we get up, it's still light into the evening, and we try to ignore the very slight edge to the breeze where it was rounded and full last month. The Sun is still warm, and the energy is still slow and restful.

But the Wheel does turn, and the sacrifice of the grain to feed our bellies is the first sign that Autumn is watching from the sidelines.

Lammas, or loaf-mas, is felt to be Anglo Saxon, but first written evidence is from Elizabethan times. Songs like John Barleycorn show how the cycle of life was observed closely and respected as sacred. The first loaf of bread of the year would be blessed. A corn dolly would be made and offered to the field in Spring - a sign of the continuation of the cycle.

Lughnasadh is named after Lugh, who killed his Grandfather to become King - a tale of the old dying so the young can take over. Again, a metaphor for the cycle of life and death and rebirth.

How can we work with these energies for ourselves?

It's the first harvest, and therefore the first gathering for Winter. Is this something that you need to start to prepare for? We have the remedies of herbs and fruits starting around us now - are there herbs and fruits you need for Winter?

And because we are so lucky to have relative food security, that does not mean we should take this for granted. Gratitude to the land is important to express. How do you feel comfortable to do so? An offering of honey water to any tree that you harvest berries from is always important - so maybe to any fields you may have nearby too. Or simply saying thank you as you pass, especially if the farmer's about!

Take a moment to consider your own " first harvest." Breathe deeply and absorb the energies around you, and reflect - will this cycle progress for you also? Are there parts of your life to harvest, or sacrifice or nurture? Or are you happy to continue with this still, high Summer feeling - needing the pause before the weather shifts further next month? All are valid, and all are valuable.

Take care, and many Lammas Blessings to all xxx