A look at Lúnasa when away from home.
(Image description: A photo of grain in a field, with the sun setting in the sky. Buildings can be seen in the distance.) Credit: Photo by Marigna Roth on Unsplash
With not being at my main shrine, my celebrations are going to be somewhat abridged, but they’ll also be done over the first half of August. Doing so prevents me from being overly stressed about shoving seasonal festivities into one or two days.
I began my flamekeeping shift at sunset by changing the wallpaper of my phone to a candle photo, in place of my usual lantern. I haven’t had a chance to get any candles or incense, so food offerings were envisioned. I gave Brighid a blackberry bannock and a glass of milk. I also offered Her a prayer, listed below:
Sorrowful Joy/ Harvest Prayer
Wild grains blowing in the field,
The Earth weighs heavily with sorrow,
so has my heart.
There is joy to be had in the present,
But the year’s losses are felt too.
Lift up my spirits, Harvest Maiden,
that I may taste the season’s bounty
and experience the bliss of summer’s warmth.
The laughter and mirth of those who welcome me,
that I may find hospitality in their presence.
May I remember the satisfaction and joyful blessings
in our contract this day and every day, this night and every night!
Afterwards, I did my three month ogam draw for what I should focus on until the next fire festival during Samhain. I received Onn, Beith, and Dair.
Onn is related to travel and movement, which is relevant to my current living situation. It can be linked with pilgrimage. I currently have no holy sites on my schedule to visit, but the town I’m in could become a holy place for my hearth to reside in, as it goes wherever I go. A couple of the word kennings can relate to horses and the implements related to riding. It could also tie in with knowledge and the confidence of being able to drive one, so that you can maintain the course of your journey.
Beith calls into question new beginnings and preparation. The place I’m in is likely preparing me for the next transition in my life, but I have to ensure that I’m prepared to continue onward in my monastic path. Additionally, with some books I bought in the past few months, I can add to my knowledge of skills and how I specifically want to apply these skills in the future. The use of tools can connect with an artist or writer’s implements, pushing me to continue with writing on this blog.
Dair’s appearance makes me think this is a continuation of Beith’s mention of skills that I can see Brighid wanting me to learn about, pertaining to grief and hearthcraft. Dair’s word kennings indicate not only skill, but specifically the mastering of skills. Obviously, the course of three months is not enough to be an expert in anything, but it’s enough time to lay the foundations for such things.
Beith and Dair are letters I strongly associate with Brighid, so I feel strongly these are the indications She’s giving me. As time goes by, the reading’s messages will become clearer.
In the coming days, I hope to get in some meditation and artistic endeavors in place of sports or games, since they bring me joy and also harken back to the learning of skills.
Until next time, may you have a wonderful and blessed harvest season!
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