Lughnasa: A Celebration of Inspiration
As we once again move towards the dark half of the year, we revel in the height of summer and the coming bounty of the harvest. Lughnasadah is the first of the three Harvest festivals followed by Mabon and Samhain. We are now halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. The holiday honors Lugh, the Celtic god of light. Also known as Lammas, Lughnasa, or First Harvest, the name Lughnasadh is Irish Gaelic for "Commemoration of Lugh". Lughnasadah is also associated with Lugh's foster mother Tailtiu, who is said to have cleared the way for agriculture in Ireland, linking Lughnasadh to the land and the harvest.
The Forest's Edge gathered together to celebrate the god Lugh and the first of the Harvest. It was also the first time that Ayda and I hosted an event ourselves and we were both nervous and excited.
We started the evening making and decorating personal Corn Dollies that will be charged with energy and intent during the ritual. We also had a large tradition dolly that was filled with herbs, written wishes, and intention for the growth and unity of the Tradition. Everyone then tied wishing ribbons around her skirt filled with their intent and wishes for the Tradition.
Some of the Dollys before decoration
After Decoration
The Tradition Dolly and the Corn Dollys
The ritual was wonderful and full of a unifying and coming together for the local members of The Forest's Edge. It was a beautiful night for some magic, ritual, and community! One of the Tradition members brought some awesome Beer that we used in the place of wine for ritual toasting. We stood round the fire under some truly beautiful stars as we celebrated the Harvest and Lugh, god of many skills.
Then we feasted on some truly delicious foods from the harvest and talked about future rituals and tradition business. We were all starving so the food tasted even better!
An amazing assortment of Sauteed Vegetables, Jalapeno Corn, Vegetable Gumbo, and Challah Bread with honey butter.
Celtic Knot Challa Bread
And Blackberry Pie!!
We could not have asked for a more beautiful night or better company to share this festival with. The wheel continues to turn and we now begin the countdown to Mabon, the second of the Harvest Festivals. We hope everyone had a wonderful Lughnasadh and we will see you all at Mabon!
