I explained on one of my earier blogs that I had grown up in the north east of England, in an industrial town, in a house like this one.
The “garden” at the front was paved over and I grew up yearning for plants, for the countryside and to make a connection to Nature.
Now, I am very fortunate and so grateful that I have a garden to call my own. At this time of year, harvest time, or Lughnasadh, the garden is vibrant with colour.
Here are a couple of apple trees in our tiny orchard. Such a thrill to be growing apples to eat. There is something truly magical about apples – no wonder they are associated with the Goddess.
The vegetable beds are full of kale, onions, squash, salad leaves and Brussel sprouts.
Parsley gone to seed
Chamomile ready for harvest
Flowers!
Borage!
Calendula
Such great bounty to be had at Lughnasadh. Some flowers have passed the peak of their beauty but there are others just reaching theirs. Seeds are ready for collection and with the autumn light everything seems golden.
Lughnasadh is Irish for August and marks the beginning of Autumn. It is a cross quarter day on the Wheel of the Year and is a time dedicated to Lugh the Sun God.
He was a Shining Warrior and a Master of All Crafts. In the past, Lughnasadh was celebrated with communal games, crafts, races and feats of strength and in giving thanks to Lugh the Sun God for the abundance of the harvest.
The garden at Lughnasadh is also a wonderful place to celebrate, not only the harvest but also all the things that make life wonderful; our loved ones, the security of our homes, our health, the things that make us happy and fulfilled. It is a good practice to stop for a moment and just think of all we have, of all that we have “harvested”. I also like to encourage people to think of all the things that they have mastered in life, whether it be playing an instrument, being good at art or at practical crafts, being a good listener, gardening, teaching, being a kind friend. We are all masters at many things but tend to dismiss our talents through a misguided false modesty.
In my spiritual journey I associate the goddess Airmid with Lughnasadh. She is the Irish Goddess of Herbalism and with so many herbs in abundance at this time it seems fitting to think of her too.
Happy Lughnasadh everyone, may the bounty in your life ever increase.