The wheel turns swiftly as we approach the eve of the sabbat, a joyous seasonal festival known as Lughnasa, marking the beginning of the three harvest celebrations. It always seems to be a focused time of year for me. I often find myself deeply immersed in the everyday hustle and bustle of the year, recognizing that I should be devoting more time to celebrating and respecting each occasion. While I do acknowledge these moments quietly within my subconscious, the demands of work and my creative pursuits often consume me, hindering me from establishing a consistent and devoted routine. Then Lughnasa arrives with its subtle whispers of autumn approaching. I feel drawn to this sacred sabbat, urging me to center my thoughts and intentions. As the warm, oftentimes humid breeze dances through the trees, I find solace in simply observing the natural tapestry around me, a perfect moment to express gratitude to both the Divine and Mother Earth for their abundant blessings.
I only recently noticed how fitting it is that I often find myself slipping into this introspective state of mind at this time of year. Realizing and embracing my profound connection to Pagan beliefs, the ancient festival of Lughnasa invokes a sense of reverence within me. This celebration was a time fraught with a blend of hope and trepidation for our ancestors. They were hopeful for a bountiful harvest and an abundance of food, but feared the potential scarcity and hardships that the colder months could bring. I understand and embrace this concept, as I find absolute clarity in why this particular time of year resonates so deeply with me. It always seems to be the time of year where I appreciate every single experience that has shaped my journey thus far and eagerly anticipate reaping the rewards of the seeds diligently sowed. However, alongside this juncture, I find myself balancing a sense of excitement and apprehension. Will this moment of acknowledgement mark the beginning of sustained success and fulfilment? Or will my efforts merely provide temporary respite before facing further challenges down the road? How fortunate are we that the wheel keeps turning. Even in the midst of desperation and despair, we can rely on the certainty of moving forward. Reflecting on this moment, I acknowledge that as we progress on our life's path, we scatter our seeds throughout. While some seeds may falter or wither away, others will take root and flourish, allowing us to eventually enjoy the rewards and build the life that we dream of. As I pen down this blog entry, I come to the realization that this act is akin to planting a seed in itself. The outcome remains uncertain. Will this blog entry ever make an impact? Will it ever be discovered by someone other than myself? The answers remain elusive. Nonetheless, what truly matters is the present moment and the dedication we have invested in our endeavours thus far.
So, to you, the reader, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a truly blessed Lughnasa season, overflowing with abundance from your bountiful harvest. May you find a sense of tranquillity and serenity as you ponder the memories of yesteryears and gaze optimistically towards the prosperity that awaits you in the near future. All while embracing the imminent transition as we journey towards the upcoming autumn season.
