Lughnasadh Festival Report
Foundation Centre - Ireland
August 3, 2024
By: Noeleen Watson
Well the gods and Goddesses were certainly shinning down on us today, the sun was beaming with a gentle breeze. The courtyard of Huntington Castle was busy with beautiful harvest colours. It was great to see so many new faces and plenty of returning faces.
From the courtyard we made our way down to the Rose Garden, here the roses were in full bloom and the fragrance was breath-taking. We were all surrounded by love, joy and peace. As we journeyed to the Sacred Grove, I have never seen so many on the trees, nature showing us all such a bountiful harvest.
As we stood under the canopy of trees, the sun peeking through the branches, we all joined Eimear in a chant of 'Imbas'; the unity of all of our voices singing together was amazing. I'm sure the trees enjoyed our chanting, our voices becoming part of nature herself, as does the morning song from the birds.
Moving towards the Abbey, yellow roses climbed high over the window opening. Here our Priestess invoked the Goddess Eriu and the God Lugh. We were reminded of the light Lugh brings and the sovereign strength of Eriu at this time of Lughnasadh.
As we approached the temple, another Priestess invoked the Goddess Persephone. We heard the strong and loud knocks on the temple door asking for permission to enter. Everyone made their way around to the Sacred Brigid's Well. Here I listened to the many Gods and Goddesses being invoked for their assistance. Cait read an oracle; The Goddess Artemis of Greece. Artemis will light our pathway and Her silver arrows will clear our minds and our hearts.
We each received a blessing from the priestesses. I received a blessing from Brigid of joy, love and beauty. We made our way to the main altar where a priestess was waiting to deliver an Oracle. Even though the temple was full to the rafters, you could hear a pin drop as we waited patiently and silently for the Goddess to speak through Her Priestess..
The Oracle was from Sheela na Gig. Powerful words were spoken, reminding us there is no need for competition, to live in a world where everyone is accepted. We are all part of the earth.
Eimear played her harp to bring us into quiet contemplation after the words of the Oracle. There were different creative offerings spoken and shared. We were brought on a wonderful journey with the White Mare to a place where we met the Goddess Tailtiu; here She gave each of us a gold gift to remind us of Her and to ask Her help when we need it. I loved going on a journey to meet Her.
One of the priestesses very generously baked us all a little scone, a harvest blessing was done over the breads and then shared to all.
Healing was sent out to all who needed it around the world and at home.
It certainly was a beautiful and very blessed ceremony. Being grateful for all we have at this harvest time.
The ceremony ended with peace, love and joy in our hearts. We all made our way to the courtyard for tea, coffee and of course caca milis.
Our next ceremony Autumn Equinox is Saturday 28th September 2024 at 11am. (Festivals are by invitation only, to request one please see this page: Events)
