One of my favorite sources of spiritual wisdom is the teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. This past Thursday I celebrated the Pagan Festival of Lammas-sometimes called Lughnasadh.
Lammas is the first of three Pagan harvest festivals, and takes place on August 1, right around the time of the early grain harvests. The subtle changes of the waning sun that occurred at Summer Solstice become more evident and bittersweet: the sun rises a little later and sets a little earlier. The days are still warm and golden but the nights are a cooler and already the leaves on some of the trees are changing color. The gardens are full of goodies, the fields are full of grain, and the Earth is thriving around us, but we recognize that the bright summer days will soon come to an end.
Maybe it is because I grew up in rural North Dakota, but I love the harvest, and there is something about this particular Sabbath that has always spoken to my heart. During this time of year I often reflect on my actions and deeds, events and experiences, my gains and losses. There are wonderful spiritual lessons in the harvest. As the summer wanes and the seasons shift from growing time to harvest time we to begin reaping what we have sown throughout the past few months. Here are some quotes I found to help us remember to celebrate the rest of summer and all of it’s blessing.
“What wondrous life is this I lead! Ripe apples drop about my head; The luscious clusters of the vine Upon my mouth do crush their wine; The nectarine and curious peach Into my hands themselves do reach; Stumbling on melons, as I pass, Ensnared with flowers, I fall on grass.” - Andrew Marvell, Thoughts in a Garden
“As in the bread and wine, so it is with me. Within all forms is locked a record of the past And a promise of the future. I ask that you lay your blessings upon me, Ancient Ones, That this season of waning light And increasing darkness may not be heavy. So Mote It Be!”
- Faille, Lammas Ritual
“Once upon a Lammas Night When corn rigs are bonny, Beneath the Moon’s unclouded light, I held awhile to Annie… The time went by with careless heed Between the late and early, With small persuasion she agreed To see me through the barley… Corn rigs and barley rigs, Corn rigs are bonny! I’ll not forget that happy night Among the rigs with Annie!” - Robert Burns
“In August, the large masses of berries, which, when in flower, had attracted many wild bees, gradually assumed their bright velvety crimson hue, and by their weight again bent down and broke their tender limbs.”
- Henry David Thoreau
“Oh that I could see to the Other Realm – that I could learn the magic of the Ancients. Oh that the secrets of the Druids could be whispered in my ears that I might know their beauty and their power – that I might love again this land and hear the voices of the Goddess and the God in the trees and in the rivers.” - Damh the Bard