All posts by : Siri Karta Singh

August 1st Lammas / Lughnasadh

The beginning of August heralds the first harvest, Lammas, Lughnasadh. Sacred tot he Celtic Sun god Lugh, the man of many skills, this is a day to enjoy the first fruits of one’s labors that began at Imbolc. Reflect on the story of Lugh’s arrival at the gates of Tara. Tara accepted those with special skills. Every skill Lugh listed was already held by someone within the gates; but no one else embodied all – that’s how he entered.
This first harvest is a time for celebration, for traditional games, and friendly competition. Spend time with friends and family, playing and celebrating in the joy of the outdoors and the still warmth of the summer Sun.
What skill have you acquired during this growth cycle? What do you need to celebrate? Is there anything you’ve done recently that needs to be cut away? Harvest is not only a time of gathering, but a time of cutting back. What do you need to cut back on in order to move forward?
Prepare your favorite cornbread recipe. Shape the loaf like a man. Bake it, share it and eat it, to signify the duality of a bountiful harvest and the need to cut back. by Cerridwen Iris Shea, Llewellyn Worldwide

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his botanical name of Lady’s Mantle, Alchemilla mollis, means “the little alchemist”. This hardy perennial has soft, fuzzy leaves with pleated edges that collect drops f dew, which explains how it earned the folk name of “dewdrop” and “dewcup”. This plant bears gorgeous yellow-green, loose and frothy- looking clusters of flowers in the summer, making it very popular in bridal bouquets and floral design. If you gather the dew that collects on the leaves of this herb, add it to spells and potions for a boost. Or touch a dewdrop to your forehead for an herbal blessing. This herb was originally sacred to the Goddess, but as time went on it became a popular plant in Monastic gardens and later became connected to the Virgin Mary. This easy-to-grow herb is a wonderful addition to the magickal garden. Work the flowers and leaves into spells for women’s magick, the earth goddess, healing, and turning up the volume n your own herbal spells. The elemental correspondence for lady’s mantle is water. The planetary association is Venus. In the language of flowers, this herb signifies the comfort of protection.
by Ellen Dugan

The Full Moon is undoubtedly a time of magic and heightened creative inspiration. All around the world we find traditional rituals, gatherings and celebrations surrounding the lunar energy.

Here’s a simple “exercise” you can do if you are wanting to make some changes in your life, let go of habits or self-sabotaging thoughts that no longer help in your personal growth, etc.

Full Moon Healing Ritual

Some believe that magic done under the powers of the Full Moon is intensified in a huge way, and so one of the many things people do during this time is practice healing.
Healing begins with cleansing. This simple cleansing ritual can be done before any other type of healing session, or just as a purging exercise.
If you find yourself feeling fear and insecurity then this is a good way to start letting go of it and prepare the mind for more positive and fulfilling feelings and thoughts.
When we clear and let go we make room for new and refreshed energy. Scientifically speaking, our blood contains iron, which information can be recorded into. When we focus on clearing out the unhealthy thoughts or feelings, this information is picked up and recorded into the iron in our blood which then goes into our cells and now our entire being is vibrating the instructions of clearing out, letting go and making room for new, positive, forgiving and expansive energy…
So, onto the ritual..

what you need:

– Fire proof cauldron or cooking pot to toss the burning paper inside
– Candle with matches or lighter
– Salt – in a small bowl or cup
– Water – in a small bowl or cup
– Sand (to put out the fire afterwards)
– Smudge sticks/incense for cleansing.
– Magickal Paper and pen

On the night of full moon, or any of the 3 nights, prepare yourself mentally and spiritually to have a moment with your Self.
Select a time where you wont be interrupted for at least 15 min.
Create a sacred space (indoor or outdoor), smudge incense and place water and salt where you feel they should go. Be creative, your sacred space can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be, as long as you stay focused on the goal of the exercise.
Light a candle and sit quietly for a moment, observing your breath. When you feel centered and connected invite angels, guides, healers and energies you feel comfortable with to join your healing circle…and allow.
At this point, begin to contemplate why you are offering this moment, think of your intentions of healing and release, make them very prominent in your awareness and when you are ready write down what habit, way of thinking, or whatever it is you want to let go.
If in a group, you may want to take turns reading your papers out loud and then burn them with the candle flame and casting them into the cauldron, one at a time. if anyone chooses to read to them selves its ok, just as long as everyone says out loud the words “be gone!” when casting the paper into the cauldron.
Give thanks, and celebrate your renewal.

In the Greatest Degree of Love,
Sat Nam & Blessings Be

Rev Adriana Hari Gobind Kaur