At Lammas, also called Lughnasadh, the hot days of August are upon us, much of the earth is dry and parched, but we still know that the bright reds and yellows of the harvest season are just around the corner. Apples are beginning to ripen in the trees, our summer vegetables have been picked, corn is tall and green, waiting for us to come gather the bounty of the crop fields. Now is the time to begin reaping what we have sown, and gathering up the first harvests of grain, wheat, oats, and more.
Because of its association with Lugh, the skilled god, Lammas (Lughnasadh) is also a time to celebrate talents and craftsmanship. It's a traditional time of year for craft festivals, and for skilled artisans to peddle their wares. In medieval Europe, guilds would arrange for their members to set up booths around a village green, festooned with bright ribbons and fall colors. Perhaps this is why so many modern Renaissance Festivals begin around this time of year! Lugh is also known in some traditions as the patron of bards and magicians. Now is a great time of year to work on honing your own talents. Learn a new craft, or get better at an old one. Put on a play, write a story or poem, take up a musical instrument, or sing a song. Whatever you choose to do, this is the right season for rebirth and renewal, so set August 1 as the day to share your new skill with your friends and family.
One precedes our founding fathers and finds its roots in the harshness of our puritan past. It is very suspicious of freedom, uncomfortable with diversity, hostile to science, unfriendly to reason, contemptuous of personal autonomy. It sees America as a religious nation. It views patriotism as allegiance to God. It secretly adores coercion and conformity. Despite our constitution, despite the legacy of the Enlightenment, it appeals to millions of Americans and threatens our freedom.
The other vision finds its roots in the spirit of our founding revolution and in the leaders of this nation who embraced the age of reason. It loves freedom, encourages diversity, embraces science and affirms the dignity and rights of every individual. It sees America as a moral nation, neither completely religious nor completely secular. It defines patriotism as love of country and of the people who make it strong. It defends all citizens against unjust coercion and irrational conformity.
This second vision is our vision. It is the vision of a free society. We must be bold enough to proclaim it and strong enough to defend it against all its enemies.
I celebrate the noon of Summer with this rite held in honor of the Blazing God of the Sun... All of nature vibrates with the fertile energies of the Goddess and the God. The Earth is bathed with the warmth, and light and life of the Sun. The Wheel of the Year turns again... ...until today, the middle of the time of light, Litha, Midsummer. Today the Sun is high, the Light is bright, the Earth is warm. As the Lord of the Sun blazes above, the Fires of my celebration shall flame below
Brother Sun and Mother Moon, day is longest now. Energies of the brilliant Sun aid all at work or having fun. Longest day, a blessing is, from rise to set supreme is the Sun. Fueling growth and passions bright, strong and true is the solar light. Bounty grows and river flows, as Earth is warmed and lighted. Creative energy reaches zenith on this day of shortest night. Crops grow high and excitement grows, with each new ray of Sun. Every day, all creatures play and hail the mighty Sun. Ancient solstice, fires burning, honor the Sun and feed the light. Druid, Indian, Norse, and Celt all danced on Summer Solstice, joyously felt. Solar winds and solar flares wash away our hunger and our cares. Mighty Sun, King of warmth, makes humans to frolic and bees to swarm. Keep this day in memory bright, to warm you on long winter nights. May the rays of solstice keep us warm, all through the year. So mote it be.
(Excerpt from My Solitary Litha Ritual! by Abby Willowroot)
Blessed May Eve is right before our eyes Lift your glass of mead, that sacred honey wine To give honor to the union That will revive the land.
The Lord takes his Lady They walk hand in hand The Lilac is blooming Its sweet smell in the air We join in the maypole With maidens so fair The red and white ribbons The fertility within us The sexual energy Enhances our goals for us Charge and enjoy the Fest at hand But don't be pixie led Fuzzy thoughts in the head The Goals are impregnated With help from within To empower your wishes Give them strength to begin As they grow and expound We begin to see The magick of Unions And their energy The Lord of the Shades And the Lady Divine Rejoice with the Golden Moments All of yours and all mine.
1. Find yourself a quiet park, forest, or woodland area. 2. Walk among the trees until you feel comfortable in their presence. 3. Feel the different bark textures with the palms of your hands. 4. Smell the scent of the various woods. 5. Absorb their life's energies as you look upwards to the sprawling branches overhead. 6. Find the perfect tree that fits your mood. You will know which one is right for you. 7. Vertical Tree Hug: Encircle it with your arms while gently pressing your cheek to the trunk being careful not to scratch your face. Squeeze tightly. Sigh deeply. Be one with your tree. 8. Full Body Tree Hug: Sit upon the ground wrapping your legs around the base of the tree and at the same time embracing it with your arms. 9. Up in the Air Tree Hug: Climb a tree. Sit upon a strong limb and straddle it with your legs. Bend forward and place your belly against it while wrapping your arms about it.
Tips:
1. Feel free to hug more than one tree if the mood strikes. Besides, other trees might get jealous. 2. You may like to take home a fallen leaf or nut as a keepsake from your new friend. 3. Be sure to return each season to visit your tree. And don't be afraid to talk to it as trees are good listeners.
Hey, Mr. Faerie Dew Mead guy, thanks for the great tunes at Magickal Hibernation. SONA rocked! Look forward to seeing and hearing you again. Blessed bee-- Cern
