the fullness of MidSummer-part 2

 Back then there was cool breeze and gentle winds.
Tornadoes and severe weather not yet on the horizon.
First harvests just beginning.

Now the air is hot and mostly still.
Crickets entirely fill the night soundscape.
Flowers and tomatoes are abundant.

Such is the season of MidSummer.

Lughnasah approaches and we long for rain.
Gentle sustained rain,
not necessarily these crazy storms,
though whatever is is needed.

Having finally watched the video of our MidSummer ritual,
fixed camera no additional microphone,
I see the gentle organic ceremony of our grove.

It's easy to be here to honor the Kindreds.

Everyone participates to their need and desire.

 Earth Mother
with great abundance and nourishment
 solid foundation

 orientation with the directions
and the actual sun path
and the emotional associations of space

the well and the tree and the fire
powerful portals
tuning forked
"let this fire be a good fire"

Mananan
Walker of the Ways between the Worlds
"let the gates be open"

 unintentionally synchronized women
walking away to give outsider offerings
walking back together.

Dear Goddess Bridget,
patron of our grove,
insider friend,
compassionate healer, shining light,
giving voice and spark
to our hearts

Ancestors- those humans now dead
who know what this life is like,
who have struggled and succeeded and show us how

Spirits of Nature and Place- all the flora and fauna,
animals wild and domestic,
plants wild and domestic,
insects and birds and fish and fungi
and rocks and water
and Sun and Moon

Gods and Goddesses- givers of great gifts,
shining ones
with special powers
existing simultaneously
with us and our honored dead

lots of flowers

 joy and inspiration in the seemingly random
bird calls or airplanes or chimes.

silent prayers
so much to not say

the omens not always easy,
but always clear and a gift

From the Ancestors: Fehu or Fee, what things cost
figure it out, pay attention, think about paying the price
From the Spirits of Nature & Place: Ehwaz or the relationship and partnership between horse and rider
it not necessarily where you are going but how you get there
From the Gods & Goddesses: Hagal or Hail, disruption
prepare for power outages and falling trees, be flexible and aware
For the Season: Othala or Sacred Enclosure
tend your home and gardens, protect what you care about

FEHO!

Sharing the blessings
supporting each other
the Waters of Life

so refreshing

gratitude gratitude gratitude

An amazing feast of many foods all around the table
eating in the full sun
not yet oppressive
though strongest and bright.

And there was champagne and vegan cake.
MidSummer, our Anniversary, Father's Day.

Love