The Harvest begins, truly. After years of challenge, waiting, turning tides and re-composing the world around us, I and my family have finally made our common dream come true - we have a home of our own. Having successfully relocated, it is now time to enter this new space and start shaping it into a hearth that will be tended by our family for years to come.
What could be more fitting than a rite of passage at Lughnasadh to honour our work, the guidance of our ancestors and the benevolence of the Land - and be happy and humbled to take on the responsibility that comes with becoming a harvester of happiness.
Lughnasadh ritual to be performed at home, amongst our closest ones.
Altar set in its new place, decorated with young apples, berries, summer flowers and ribbons.
Consecration of Time
3 x bells
This is the Time of the Turning!
At Summer's End, we begin the Harvest
Long and fierce was the year's path
And yet here we are, so much nobler and braver
Ready to cut the first grain, at last!
Calling of the Quarters
Let there be peace in the East, where the Sun is born
Let there be peace in the South, where the Fire bursts
Let there be peace in the West, where the Kindred rejoices
Let there be peace in the North, where the Stars dance
Wardens of Space and Time, grant peace to my Grove.
Casting the Circle
I cleanse this Grove and all that it holds with Air [walk around the circle clockwise and purify it with wormwood smoke]
I cleanse this Grove and all that it holds with Fire [light candle, walk around the circle clockwise and purify it with the altar's candle]
I cleanse this Grove and all that it holds with Water [sprinkle fresh water walking around the circle clockwise]
I cleanse this Grove and all that it holds with Earth [take handful of salt and cast it around the circle clockwise]
Let us all be welcome to the sacred Festival of the First Harvest in honour of Tailtiu in thanks for her generosity and sacrifice, as declared by Lugh to be held at Lughnasadh. Behold, here we are, at home at last, and there is much to be done. Let us enter this sacred space and swear to each other to build the hearth that we need, before Summer is over.
Invocation
Hear me! Oh, Wise Gods of Sacrifice and Generosity!
Hear me! Oh, Benevolent Ancestors!
Hear me! Oh, Spirits of this Land!
[face South, where the Sun is at its strongest]
It is here and now that we must be thankful for the symbolical crops we have been tending to as the Land has been generous. It is here and now that we must have courage and accept the hard work that lies before us - in our hands lies our own fate, and we are to make sure that nothing goes to waste.
[Turn towards the altar]
Guide us, Ancestors and Gods of Plenty, at this Beginning of Harvest, towards a path of wisdom, courage and steadfastness. May these grains, offered tonight under the Summer's Blue Moon to rest on our home altar, inspire us in our daily work and challenges, and be a promise of plenty when the Harvest ends.
Great and Skillful Lugh, in whose name we gather, bless this house and its dwellers with your numerous gifts, of which every one is needed to build a long-lasting and healthy hearth.
This, we offer to you [offer mead into cup, flowers and grain on altar]
Great and Generous Tailtiu, in whose honour we gather, bless this house and its dwellers with the fruit of your sacrifice, of which every part is needed to build a long-lasting and healthy hearth, This, we offer to you [offer mead, fruit and grain on altar]
This, we offer - to all the spirits of this Land, those who already dwell in this house and those who would accept our invitation; join us peacefully and in friendship [leave grain in the corners of the flat]
[meditation and accepting the blessings, using the power - this time in the form of a long and spontaneous dance with my daughter - she leads as she feels is best]. Partake from the offerings in the feast. Thanks to the Gods, Ancestors and Spirits]
Deconsecration of Time and Space [put out fire]
Final benediction: Awen.
End.
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