New Harvest Moon and Lughnasad

The Chinese call the eighth new moon the Harvest Moon. I found one source that suggests that Lughnasad, the Celtic first harvest festival, may have been held at the August new moon. Today it's usually observed on August 1st, but since I was unable to celebrate it earlier, I'm going to do it now.

Lughnasad (loo-na-sa) is the time to share the products of the first grains- corn, bread and ale- and give thanks and honor to gods and goddesses of the grain harvest- Adonis, Tamuz, Demeter, Ceres, Freyja, Odin, and Lugh (Loo). They are sometimes generous, sometimes not; they are always aware that they will die, and be reborn to another lush summer next year, in the circle of life.

This is a hot, lazy, delicious time of the year; the air is still, and the force of the sun is strong. I have the week off from teaching, so I will spend my days in harvesting tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, beans, peppers, and the first fall kale.

The new moon is my monthly time for “seeding” intentions. I write down what I hope to focus on in the next 30 days or so, and then give my ideas a period of gestation, like seeds in the soil, before I take action. Having this regular time each month to focus my goals has helped to give me clarity of purpose.

Agenda for today: 

1. Altar: Add dried corn, red and yellow flowers, straw figures, fruits, vegetables, herbs.

2. Journal:
How can I be more openhearted and generous?What might give my life more wholeness?What am I hungry for?What are my next steps in life?

Self, Friends and Family, Teaching, Artwork, Writing, Home and Garden, Work/Business, and Volunteer work.

List my intentions for the month of September in these areas-

Today my focus is on harvest, sacrifice, and thanksgiving. This is the time of year I like to begin to keep a Gratitude Journal, to list my daily joys, my bounties, what I have to be thankful for this season, and what nourishes me.
What have I sacrificed this year and what fruits have I gathered? 

3. New Moon Meditation:
Light a small white candle. Center, and feel myself fill with thankfulness for all I have now in my life.

4. Plan:
As the moon waxes, I expand-- plant seeds, make connections, and begin new projects. Today I will plan my first small steps.

5. Make bread:

Make bread- biscuits, muffins, corn bread, a gingerbread man, or popcorn... In ancient tradition, the grains of the Earth are the body of the God, sacrificed at the harvest, ground to flour, baked into bread and then consumed to keep the tides of life flowing. Sometimes the first loaf is made into the shape of a man to represent the God. 

6. Make a new cornhusk doll:

Make a cornhusk doll from fresh husks, thinking about this year’s harvest. Put her on the altar to bring plenty and luck throughout the rest of the year (burn the corn doll at Imbalc). 

Supplies: Corn husks, tub of water, liquid bleach, towels, string, scissors, clipboards, fabric, yarn, clothespins

1- Bleach mildewy husks in a tub of water with 1/4 c. liquid bleach, for 1/2 hour. Rinse and dry on newspaper.

2- To make the head & body: Pick out 6 nice pieces of husk, and dip them in warm water to make them pliable. 

Arrange the 2 biggest pieces with narrow tops together and back-to-back (curving to outside). Add other 4 more pieces in the same way. Tie them tightly 2” from the top.

Wrap the top part with strips of husk until it is round like a head. Fold husks down over it making the face smooth and pretty. Tie at neck. 

3- Make arms: Dip 3 long, thin pieces of husk in water, tie together at one end, and braid. Insert under neck.

4- Chest: Pad the chest with husks and tie at the waist with string, raffia, or yarn.

5- Legs: Braid 3 long pieces and tie at both ends (use a clip board to hold). Insert the leg pieces then wrap with raffia to form hips. 

6- Clothing: Shape, trim, and pin. Dress with scraps of cloth.

7. Harvest Meal:

I plan to celebrate with my family and friends, with homemade bread, corn, potatoes, apples, berry pies, hard cider and beer.