Walking the Wheel of the Year: Lammas, Connecting with Nature and Honoring the Harvest

As the Wheel of the Year turns and the warmth of summer envelops us, it is time to celebrate the bountiful festival of Lughnasadh (“LOO-nuh-suh”), also known as Lammas (“LAM-uhs”). Lughnasadh is one of the four Celtic fire festivals and one of the eight Sabbats on the Wheel of the Year. It is an ancient Gaelic cross-quarter day festival derived from the Celtic sun god Lugh, celebrated primarily in Ireland and Scotland, where Lugh is revered for his skills in agriculture and craftsmanship.

Lammas, celebrated on August 1st, is a traditional harvest festival. The name "Lammas" is derived from the Old English word "hlafmaesse," meaning "loaf mass." This festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and is deeply rooted in ancient agricultural practices.

During Lammas, people gather to give thanks for the bountiful crops and to honor the earth's fertility. It is a time when farmers reap what they have sown and share their abundance with their communities. The festival involves various rituals such as making corn dollies, baking bread using freshly harvested grain, and creating bonfires.

Lughnasadh is intricately connected to nature's rhythms, offering a chance for deep immersion in the natural world. It serves as a moment to express thanks, celebrate abundance, and pay homage to the cycle of life and the generosity of nature. This festival provides a perfect opportunity to show gratitude towards the Earth, the Divine, and the sustaining energies around us, acknowledging our place within a vast, interconnected web of abundance.

Ground Yourself and Connect to the Earth Mother

Join us for a mindful walk in nature, engaging your senses and allowing yourself to be fully present in the natural surroundings of Haley Farm State Park in Mystic. During our walk, we’ll collect fallen leaves, twigs, acorns, and other natural elements to create a beautiful earth altar together. This ritual is designed to honor the first harvest of the season and set intentions for future abundance. We will offer thanks to Mother Earth for her gifts and express gratitude for all that sustains us.

Each participant will have an opportunity to share their intentions or wishes as we collectively celebrate this time of abundance. We’ll also take time to reflect on the importance of grounding ourselves and connecting with the Earth Mother, recognizing her as a source of nourishment and sustenance. Lughnasadh/Lammas is an ideal time to express gratitude for the blessings in your life. We will offer thanks to the Earth, the deities, and the spiritual forces that sustain us.

Join us for this unique experience of immersion in nature and gratitude, where we will rediscover a deeper connection to ourselves and the natural world around us. Let us acknowledge the land, its inhabitants, and all the gifts it provides. And let us also honor ourselves as part of this beautiful cycle of life. We hope to see you there.

What To Expect

• Opening Circle: We will start with a heartfelt expression of thanks to the land, our forebears, and the present moment, acknowledging our place in the vast cycle of life and its myriad gifts and blessings.
• Mindful Forest Bathing Walk: Engage in a serene and mindful walk through the forest, accompanied by seasonal journaling prompts to help you reflect and connect deeply with nature.
• Creating an Earth Altar: Together, we will gather natural materials and create a beautiful earth altar, symbolizing our gratitude and intentions for future abundance.
• Closing Circle: We will end with a sharing of homemade bread and a seasonal tea, fostering a sense of community and connection as we close our time together.

FAQS

• Please remember to bring your own bug spray and sunscreen, although we will also have some available.
• For your comfort and protection, it is advised to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and socks. A sun hat is advisable.
• Note that we will be seated on yoga mats on the ground, but we do have four pop-up stools available.
• Please remember to bring your journals and a pen for writing.
• You are welcome to bring water and any snacks you may require.
• Please try to arrive by 10:15 so we can start prompting at 10:30 am.
• Kindly pack a light lunch or snack.
• This offering is open to eight women
• There is a composting outhouse in the parking lot.
• $40 investment