As light changes and daytime lessens
and the trajectory of the sun
moves to due
East West;
this season of changes
is strong
as are we.
never forget
and
never again
are phrases
not of nature
but of circumstance
and human tragedy
always forgotten;
but in the ever-present
now
we love.
Lughnasah is powerful
and bright;
a time to honor the harvests
and the efforts
and the heart
of fostering and nurturing
to fruition.
Grief and Joy
exist side by side,
like the ripening and rotting peaches
on so many bent or broken branches.
I breathe in, I am alive.
I breathe out, I am alive.
meager notes and pictures from then
in not much order
with some thoughts from now:
gathering of beloveds
for days
so many things
constant steady motion
neverending
gardens and blossoms
just let go.
Bill & Lugh's Spear
Processional & Recessional
such a beautiful day
relaxed accomplished day
the path of the sun
renewal
start amassing good harvests
whatever they may be
relax
nothing is ever in control
popcorn seed sacrifice from MidSummer
growing gloriously
moving our ritual to the five-circle fire
a significant number
of regulars
and others
could not show up
so there were only six of us humans + a small dog
including someone who had been brought here years ago
randomly reconnected with recently
at the library
and someone who was with Bryan in his first Grove
in Jersey City
35 (or more) years ago.
Circles upon circles upon circles
release
and hit the target
ground wasp sting-stung in the East
my middle finger
swollen
aceto cholene cascade
rising defiance
2 different delicious
lemon themed desserts
long and detailed
pre-ritual
the process of repeating the practice
the Birch Spirits of Life
the healing charm
a poetry charm
the healer and the wound
bone marrow
or specific poultices
the Reed, the tool for the physician
NgETAL REED
the Primordial Wound
it's strength lies underground
under the water
it bends with the wind
keyword-healing
frog in the South
leaping away
rolling the wheel of cheese
(afterwards left out all night and partially nibbled on)
there will be gifts of vision to use and to share
remember our Ancestors' work
there will be tools of wisdom to craft and shape
cauterize and clear the way with Nature
there will be destruction or disturbance to awaken our piety
the Gods demand we focus
there will be light to encourage and give us courage
this Season will allow us to shine
stand tall and firm
hold onto what is good and true
heal through love
walk through fear
joyfully gather and embody
strength
