Lughnasadh | The Portal of Abundance
Refinement and Generosity
Lughnasadh—pronounced loo-naw-sah—marks the beginning of Summer’s end and the time when we move away from the fire element and into the water. It also means that in only three months, when we reach the gateway of Samhain, we end this turning of the wheel for the year.
Lugh
Lugh (pronounced ‘loo’) is the Celtic sun god celebrated at Lughnasadh. There’s debate about the translation of his name, possibly meaning “flashing light” or “binding oath.” Either way he was a 3-fold deity meaning he is present in all three worlds (sky, land, sea) and has the power to look into the past, present, and future. Also known as Lugh Samildánach (skilled in all arts) and Lugh Lámhfhada, (of the long arm) these names reflect his skill in all areas of creating, and the long arm of the magical spear that never missed the mark. He is the reflection of the high vibration, doing-energy present within all of us that brings focus, motivation, courage, commitment, innovation, capability, confidence, and the ability to accomplish our goals.
We can call upon Lugh at any time to support us in developing these aspects of ourselves.
He is the reflection of the masculine doing energy we access in order to focus on and skillfully accomplish our goal. We can call upon this deity to support the development of our motivation, focus, courage, and commitment.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
What is Lughnasadh?
Lughnasadh is the first of three harvest festivals, the second being Autumn Equinox, and the third being Samhain. Lughnasadh is the fire festival in honour of the Celtic sun god, Lugh the god of light and the masculine energy at its peak. It is also the marking of the Sun’s descent.
For the Ancestors, this harvest festival was a time of celebration as they welcomed in the great abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains ready to be reaped. It was also a time that meant an end to hunger and the joy of enough nourishment to get through Autumn and the dark of Winter.
In our own conscious journey through Life, the Spirit of Lughnasadh (the harvest) has much to teach us and therefore it’s an important time to pause and align with its energy. At this sacred threshold we celebrate the immense abundance of Mama Earth and make time to examine and winnow the results of our labours. It's the season to look at our life, review it, keep what's working and prepare to release what's not. It's the time to celebrate all of our hard work, savour our success, and indulge in play and rest.
Lughnasadh is the herald of Autumn, and Autumn is the season of truly taking stock and facing the truth. It’s the season where the Earth teaches us how to look at the things that are alive and need tending, and those that are beginning to die so we can prepare to let go with love. You only need to look to Nature to see the same lesson over and over as the tree is stripped bare, the fields rest, and the forest floor turns endings into nourishment.
Because we live in a culture that avoids closure and endings, where being in control is rewarded, the impermanence that Autumn reminds us of can be uncomfortable. At the same time, when we learn to let go lightly, we get to experience the freedom of surrender, the liberation of anxiety and what appears in our field is peace and sustainability.
Celebrate Your Accomplishments
Lughnasadh is the time to celebrate all your wins. Life can get busy and it can be easy to overlook our accomplishments. So, take some time to create space and celebrate! Savour your wins, acknowledge your achievements, and congratulate yourself for all of your hard work.
Writing Prompts:
Make a list of your top 5 accomplishments this year so far. What are you most proud of? How do you feel about yourself when you think about them? What do you think these achievements say about you as a person?
There are certain victories in life that taste a little sweeter because of how difficult they were to attain. What is the greatest obstacle that you were able to overcome this year so far? Why does this stand out for you? Describe the process of evaluating the challenge and creating a plan to resolve it. How have you used that knowledge moving forward?
Some Ideas for a Celebration Alter:
An orange candle to reflect the joy after hard work that comes in the Harvest season.
Corn or any kind of grain.
Any items that reflect your accomplishments. You want to be able to stop at your altar this season and say, “Yes! I did that!” and savour your success.
Read more about Autumn and enjoy an Equinox Ritual of Renewal
In bright connection,
LB