Celebration for Lughnasadh, the Summer Festival
Opening Poem
Suggested reading: “Under the Harvest Moon” by Carl Sandburg
The Summer Festival and the Meaning of Lughnasadh
We have gathered here to celebrate Lughnasadh, the Summer Festival. Lughnasadh also marks the beginning of the annual harvest season, when the first crops are brought in from the fields. Some celebrations on this day focus on bread or corn, others on the first fruits of the season, but they all mark the time when we see the early results of our labors since the end of winter. It is a time to appreciate what we have accomplished and prepare for the hard work that is yet to come.
The Celts called this celebration Lughnasadh, which means ‘the Festival of Lugh.’ Lugh was a god who embodied human skills and ingenuity rather than the primal forces of nature. He was also associated with games of strategy as well as athletic contests. So it seems fitting to invoke him as we honor our own skills and accomplishments and have fun in the long, warm days of mid-summer. The Wheel of the Year turns, and we look forward with hope to a bountiful harvest in our own lives.
At this time, we celebrate our strength of mind. In the face of life’s challenges, we strive to understand where we came from, how we got to this point, and where we need to go. By understanding our circumstances, we maintain our equilibrium and can choose wisely among the paths that diverge before us. We can set our goals and intentions in the light of self-knowledge and find the resolve we’ll need when the road gets rocky.
At this time, we celebrate our strength of body. In spite of our many illnesses and infirmities, we strive to find those deep reserves of inner strength that we harbor within us. In this way, we carry on even when our adversities seem insurmountable. Our strength enables us to bear those burdens that we must carry and to cast off those that only weigh us down. Whatever troubles life brings us, we find the strength to endure and continue to seek joy.
At this time, we celebrate our strength of spirit. When darkness looms on the horizon, we strive to rekindle our inner light, and we draw together with our families, friends, and communities to find comfort and inspiration. We know that the storms will come and those long, dark nights are never far away, but we hold out for the days when our hearts will be light and our minds will be at ease. Despite the fear and uncertainty, we persist, and we remain true to ourselves.
In many ways, the previous twelve months have been a time of trouble and strife. We recognize that each day we walk the Earth with our loved ones is a day that should be cherished. In recognition of our resolve, inner strength, and persistence, we light these candles to dispel the darkness.
Candle Lighting
I light this candle in the name of the Ancestors, the Guardians, and all the holy ones who walk the world. May its light guide all the kindly spirits to bless this place.
I light this candle in the name of learning. May its flame remind us to look towards the unknown with curiosity and an open mind.
I light this candle in the name of creativity. May its glow inspire us and give us the confidence to share our true selves with the world.
I light this candle in the name of friendship. May its light continue to bring us together, so that we might offer each other joy, comfort, and company.
I light this candle in the name of the sun. May its flame warm our spirit and stay with us in the months to come.
I light this candle in the name of the Earth. May it illuminate our path through the coming year and remind us to walk with peace and compassion for all Gaea’s children.
Closing Thoughts
Lughnasadh is a time for celebration, for honoring our skills and achievements and the work we do to be our best selves. It is also a time for reflection, to keep ourselves on track as we are buffeted by life’s challenges. In this way we prepare for the waning half of the year, for the work that still lies ahead, and for the coming winter. But in truth, the cycles of time have no beginning and no end. Time is a process, forever unfolding, forever spiraling forward. As we assess our progress over the previous year, we ready ourselves for what is to come. We start from this place of fellowship and move forward together to meet the world with fortitude and grace. The Wheel Turns. Blessed be. Blessed Lughnasadh.
Closing Poem
Suggested reading: “Burning Nettles” by Gillian Clarke
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