Per my usual, I spent this year's Lughnasadh up at the lake. It was delightful as the full moon coincided with the sabbat. Each of the 3 nights of the full moon I excitedly watched as the moon crept over the mountain before bathing the campground and lake in glorious and brilliant light. I didn't even need the flashlight I took down to the lakeside the first night because the moon was that bright! Breathtaking and wondrous.
As for the sabbat itself, I woke that morning and did the typical camping morning routine of hygiene and coffee before sitting down to ponder the deeper meanings of Lughnasadh. If you don't know, this happens to be the first harvest of the sabbats and it is in essence the Wiccan thanksgiving. You can read more about the Celtic God Lugh who lends his name to the sabbat here or on the festival itself at this entry.
I spent some time talking with my husband about what the sabbat means and reflecting on what we felt was going well this past year. Some time after that I composed a list of what I believed improved over the last year and what still needs to get moving. This is one of the suggested methods to reflect on your own personal harvest. Pleasantly I noted that my list of "Needs More Time" was far shorter than my "Wow This Is Awesome."
- I am extremely grateful that for the first time in several years my husband got to camp with me the whole week of our vacation. For the last few years, he's either been there for a few nights or not at all.
- I am also grateful for my husband having found a job that does not require him to travel for weeks or months at a time.
- This summer I received an offer for a part time online tutoring job which along with my regular job and my husband's job means that we will be free of some major debt by this time next year. Whew! The end is near.
- I received a bailout of my very own this year as well which will absolve me of a portion of my student loan debt. This makes it that much easier to pay off that previously mentioned debt.
- I am reading even more than I used to if that is possible. I am reading a large variety of books as well, which is what I had hoped for this year. For example, I read Stranger in a Strange Land while camping. I can cross that off my "Classics to be Read" list.
- I am more fit than I have been in a long time and I have maintained my weight loss and lifestyle changes that helped me get back into single digit clothing. You should see my arms. Seriously--I cannot believe how fantastic they look. They are strong and lovely and still feminine.
- We have the most amazing garden that is providing an abundance of vegetables for the winter. I wanted to devote more time to the garden and it has paid off in spades!
- I continue to be more honest and open with my parents and other people about myself. I am a major introvert and a very private person, but I set a goal to be more open and to answer as honestly as possible any questions about my beliefs. So far, so good.
- My husband and I remain close physically, emotionally, and philosophically. I cannot tell you how much I value the fact that even when no one else seems to get it, he does.
- Bellydance remains my creative and performance outlet. I have been at it for about 5 years now and it still amazes me to watch my fellow dancers develop their abilities. I love the camaraderie and the opportunities I have had because of this artistic expression. I set out to go to a national bellydance festival this year and viola! I will be doing that in about a month.
Not a bad harvest eh? Therefore, I was moved to write my own Lughnasadh words of celebration.
Radiant Sun,
Through your warmth our garden thrives.
As your time each day wanes,
We thank you for your bounty
And wish you safe journey
Toward winter's embrace.
Gentle Moon,
Remind us of life's cycle.
As your lover weakens,
We thank you for these lessons.
Content in your presence,
And joyful harvest.
Grant us your wisdom with every bite,
Sow within us nature's rhythm with every sip,
I am thankful.
No comments:
Post a Comment