Lughnasadh - Time of First Harvest
On this cross-quarter day of Lughnasadh, we gather in the first harvest. In our practice, this refers not only to the physical harvest of grain, but also to the gathering in of all we have been preparing for since Samhain. This is the time of reaping what we have sown. It is also a time to remember that, throughout the year, it is important to sow what we need to reap.
This year, with so many wildfires in Ireland and across the world, we are sadly seeing another kind of harvest, the result of the destruction and dishonouring of the Earth that comes with society’s separation from the sacred. That is why this path of indigenous spirituality is so important. It is not something we do only at times of festivals, or in ceremonies; it is woven into how we move through the world in our daily lives.
The festival of Lughnasadh is named for Lugh, our god of light, honourable warrior, the Many-Skilled, and inspirer to honourable action. It is he who, in fulfilment of prophecy, defeated and slew the Fomorian leader Balor of the Evil Eye, who was his grandfather. Lugh, saved from the murderous actions of Balor as a newborn infant, by the druid Biróg, was placed in fosterage with Tailltiu, Queen of the Fir Bolg. It was Tailltiu who created the conditions for agriculture, by clearing the plains of Ireland. In so doing, she expended all of her life force, and sacrificed herself to create sustenance for the people. It is because of her that we have the harvest.
Lugh established the festival known as Aonach Taillteann in honour and remembrance of his beloved foster mother. The festival of Lughnasadh, therefore, is as much about honouring Tailltiu as it is about Lugh.
There is another figure we must remember at this time of Lughnasadh. Eithne/Eithlinn, the mother who gave birth to Lugh. It is she who carried him and who brought him into life. With his father being Cian, of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Lugh is mixed-race, Tuatha and Fomorian, and fostered by Tailltiu, also learns the skills and culture of the Fir Bolg. He is also fostered by Manannán, who bestows upon him magical gifts. Lugh is a shining figure of inspiration, from whom we can draw courage in these times. He can support us in dealing with the collective shadow in today’s world, as he dealt with the shadow of Balor’s evil and control.
Apples ripening in the COIRE SOIS Wild Garden
COIRE SOIS Priestess bringing through an oracle of Lugh
Lughnasadh Eve Sunset, West Cork
