the in-between of the in-between.
ritualising Lughnasadh
Today, August first, is Lughnasadh.
The moment on the Wheel of the Year that marks the point between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.
A transition moment. If you’ve been around here awhile, you know that we are big fan of those.
This is one reason why I love orienting my life around the Wheel of the Year. The Wheel of the Year is a way of marking the seasons. It takes us through the eight key moments in the year, the solstices, equinoxes, and the moments in-between. Living in accordance with the Wheel of the Year is a key way that I live seasonally, in connection with nature.
Nature is all about in-betweens.
The Wheel of the Year doesn’t just prioritise the peak moments, such as the solstices. It doesn’t even just acknowledge the moments of perfect balance in-between those, such as the equinoxes.
It goes even further to recognise the in-between of the in-between.
The points of transition.
The points where we’re neither here nor there. Where there is uncertainty and perhaps some instability.
Balance is not yet found, clarity is not yet gained.
Lughnasadh, specifically, is a celebration of abundance and gratitude.
Highlighted not only by the abundance evident all around us, but the knowing that that abundance will soon grow barren and retreat.
Shedding season is coming.
With that knowing, comes an invitation back into presence.
Seasonal living reminds us of what’s to come, and therefor reminds us of what is here, right now, and how to suck all of the juice out of the present moment.
So, we sit with what is right now. —> The fruits of our labor. The blossoming and blooming flowers we have lovingly tended to, watered, nourished. The season we are in that has finally brought activation, evidence of growth, energy and action.
We are celebrating this present moment, what has come of all the hard work we have put into our lives.
We are honouring the energy of the sun. The energy that shines a spotlight on us. That asks us to show up and speak out The light that fuels and sustains us.
This time is also about celebrating the Wild Women archetype. We are leaving the summer solstice portal, which was about the mother archetype - that which nourishes and sustains us. The energy that allows us to blossom, bloom and grow with abundance. Now, with that support and foundation in place, we are able to flow freely. To embrace our full power with confidence and safety. So ask yourself - how can you go out into the world completely wild, free, unrestricted? Do you feel safe to do so?
We discussed this more in last month’s ritual post, if you want to read more and create an in-depth ceremony around this energy, or weave in some rituals for yourself. In that post there is a step by step guide to create a ceremony or ritual for yourself to honour this time. It consists of altar suggestions, herbal companions, yoga therapy tools, and so much more to tap into that energy. Although that post is for the Leo New Moon, it is equally as relevant here.
Still, we are in Leo season. Lughnasadh highlights that point.
Lughnasadh asks us to connect to the fully aligned and authentic version of Leo energy for us.
To be ready to take centre stage in our own life, in whatever way we need to right now.
This is also a time to share our abundance and creations with others, and to celebrate the abundance and creations that others have brought to life. This is a time to connect with others, to notice all the ways in which abundance overflows around us, in our circles, in our communities.
Lughnasadh asks us to turn away from scarcity mindset and competition. To recognise that there is enough abundance to overflow into each of our cups. To trust that we are uniquely designed to be us - and no one else could ever compete.
To recognise see that competition and comparison is a waste of our time. With that knowing, we are free to fully lean into our desires and to follow our path with energy, confidence, clarity, and renewed capacity.
Of course, this moment on the Wheel of the Year brings our awareness towards the moments to come. Although the Wheel of the Year invites in deep gratitude and presence, it also invites us into reflecting, preparing, and setting intentions for what’s to come.
This is a time to pause. To get clear on how this present abundance will sustain and support us as we slowly move forward into the darker months ahead.
This is a time to set our intentions and gain clarity on our priorities that will allow us to have a steady foundation for future moments.
We revel in our abundance now and find safety in it - knowing that it is what will hold is in months to come.
Ask yourself —
What abundance is around you right now?
What creations have you brought to life in this summer season?
What is your relationship like with abundance? With being in the spotlight? With scarcity? Competition? Comparison?
How are you feeling in this current season of your life?
How does presence feel for you right now? Does it come easily? Does it feel challenging?
What is your current abundance revealing to you about the support you may need in the future?
Know that I am honouring and celebrating your abundance right now. I am sitting with you in presence and in gratitude. Let’s celebrate our abundance together.
