We have arrived at a deliciously abundant point in the Wheel of the Year. Known as Lughnasadh, Lammas or First Harvest, we celebrate the beginnings of the harvest season in the northern hemisphere. Traditions in the UK & Ireland include the harvesting of grain, making bread, feasting and games with community, and markets to sell wares and foods.
Not as many of us today are in tune with the rhythms of farming as our ancestors were. My mom grew up on a farm in Manitoba, and I grew up in the city of Winnipeg and now live in very urban Toronto. I have no idea how to grow many foods, live a farm-based life. I don’t even go fishing.
I have learned about herbal medicines and grown some here at my home, and I enjoy cooking healthy meals and supporting local farmers, organic farmers and sustainable, earth-friendly living. I love to immerse myself in nature and craft things that reflect the Earth Mother’s beauty and energy. This abundantly earthy season reminds me of how much more I want to do to live in harmony with the earth and support its well-being.
Unlike farmers, I haven’t been toiling too much on the land. But I have been doing a lot of inner work. Our harvest may not be such an external one, but an internal one, where we heal old wounds, come to a new perspective or place within ourselves.
I just want to soak up and receive the earth energies, knowing that they are short-lived and help me get through the winter. This is also my Balancing Season (the season opposite our Power Season- read my blog- ‘What’s your Power Season?’ here). During our balancing season, we are in receiving mode, working behind the scenes and balancing out our energy, rather than shining our gifts into the world.
This is one of my favorite times of year because I always find it does bring a harvest of some kind, and it feels rewarding. I got married in this season, had my daughter in this season, bought a house during this season. It brings a culmination, accomplishment or closure.
The harvest season can sometimes come with a bittersweet note. Maybe our harvest isn’t all that we’d hoped it would be, or needs some more time to mature. We may need to invite acceptance and realism into our harvest basket. Sometimes achieving what we set out to do brings a bit of grief, or sadness as we must let go of the journey and look towards a new future, even if it’s positive. Sometimes we realize what we’ve been toiling for wasn’t the total end game. There is more work to do, or some adjustments to be made.
Even if this is the case, there is always something to be proud of and grateful for. It’s important to take stock this season and appreciate how far we’ve come! Soak up a sense of pride and accomplishment for all the wins or strides you’ve made this year, no matter how small. Appreciate the greater awareness you have now, the deepened capacity, resilience, knowledge and any other things that maybe only you know has changed or shifted for the better. The outside world’s recognition doesn’t decide our worth or the value of our accomplishments, only we do.
First Harvest is not only about outcomes but about gratitude! Every night before bed I list the things I am grateful for. The more I do this, the more I invite bounty into my life, and the more I feel loved, nourished and protected. In a world that promotes a scarcity mindset, fear and constant self-criticism, living in a state of gratitude is a balm of healing that I feel we could all practice a bit more of. That, and some self-appreciation as well.
Other energies that are strong this season are integration, processing and discernment. The Summer Solstice season brought something (or several things) to light, truth and fullness. We have now absorbed that information/energy and are ready to process it into new structures in our lives. This is where we can get creative! We can channel our experience into art, we can help our physical body process with nourishing foods, new daily habits or projects. We can channel our energies into more aligned activities or pathways for the future.
It is time to resource ourselves and solidify our strength. To appreciate how far we’ve come. To take stock and reflect. To enjoy and savor. To show appreciation and gratitude to others, to ourselves, to the Earth, to Spirit, and all that have helped us get here.
We soon prepare for the deepening of harvest season as we head towards the Fall (which includes the 2nd and 3rd Harvest festivals- Equinox & Samhain), where we will be called to shed and release more layers of what no longer serves us as our authentic self emerges more empowered.
Some First Harvest Season reflection questions:
What are you grateful for?
What have you been working on?
What have you learned from the journey you’ve been on?
What are you harvesting?
What do you want to bring with you forward into the harvest season and what needs to be left behind?
Ways to celebrate First Harvest Season:
- Support local farmers and artisans at markets
- Craft and create your own handmade items
- Hold a potluck gathering
- Enjoy time with food and loved ones
- Tend your garden, community garden
- Harvest local herbs and flowers, create something with them- a tea, bouquet, incense, tincture, oil or craft.
- Bake bread or another nourishing food in celebration of the harvest season
- Soak up the earth’s bounty and allow yourself to feel nourished
- Get creative, and do something that brings you joy
First Harvest Oracle Reading:
Looking for some insight on your path right now? I am pleased to present a new oracle deck I’ve brought into my collection called The Magical Spirit Oracle by Alexis Rakun. I just love it! It really embraces the feeling of life being a journey.
Take a moment to breathe a deep breath to clear your mind. Then ask ‘What do I need to know now?’ and choose a card. Remember that number and scroll down for its description. Descriptions are by the deck’s author.
Remember that number! Scroll down to find it and your card…
- The Awakened Dead- resilience, nirvana, self-appreciation, future
Affirmation: “I honor all of me. My past, present, and future selves.”
This card can mean it’s time for you to have a powerful moment of self-realization about the life you are leading. As if you have already lived it. As if your future self is talking to you. This card also can mean that you have been self-critical and that it’s okay. You are on the right track, even if it’s not going as you planned.
Point of view: Imagine you are reflecting on your life from the afterlife. You’re so proud of yourself because you were always doing so much better than you thought you were. Yeah, you can see it now; you know it now. But you wish you could’ve known it then. You wish you could have seen yourself the way you see yourself now. God, you are so beautiful!
You realize it was always a choice that you decided to make, over and over. Even when you didn’t want to. You didn’t have to. It would’ve been easier, you know, not to. But you did. You chose to empower yourself. To begin again. To believe again. To pick yourself back up after you feel so hard. Nose in the dirt. Tears in the soil, hands grasping the Earth.
And it’s okay if you sometimes lay there, in that cold darkness, a bit longer than you should have. You were in pain. You were tired. And it’s okay if you judged yourself for that. You wanted the best for yourself. Because you believed: you chose to believe. Because even after your weakest, aching I’m-so-dead-inside moments, you called for a rebirth and a reckoning after the chaos ensued. You summoned those faintly lit and seemingly dormant powers to come out from deep within your soul. And finally they did. (Sometimes you weren’t sure though and that’s okay.)
It’s just incredible that even through all the craziness of this world and people, you did it. Ya know? You did it. Just wish you could’ve known you always could’ve trusted yourself. You always could’ve trusted yourself.
This card is a testament to the times we thought we were broken but instead were awakened. Transformed and alchemized through darkness. A salute to all the lessons ahead and how much grace we deserve to give ourselves.
2. Truth: Honor, knight, empress, integrity
Affirmation: “Abundance happens when I honor my soul and live in truth.”
The honest path, the honorable knight. The noble empress. The liberation of Self. The highest view can be seen once we have reached the mountain peak. And what a breathtaking view it is. A grueling climb that requires strength and perseverance can lead to a feeling of total freedom. This is what it feels like to set yourself free by the power of truth. Fulfillment on the level of soul and wholeness of Self. Regardless os what the world may see, you have earned your own sight.
The path to authenticity is not an easy one. There are temptations all around. The Witches’ lair calls you near. Dark forces seek to make you stray from the path. To neglect your true Self, discard your values and dishonor your soul. Some people will even choose the ‘easy path’ selling their soul in exchange for a shortcut to the top. This never works; this is the false Self. The starving ego. For when they reach the peak, their view is obstructed by thick fog and mountain mist. They become cursed by the one who lured them in. They will never see the view. Only living truly can earn this gift of sight and fulfillment.
The Truth card is about living with honor, integrity and authenticity, and having goodwill towards humanity. Being a real gem in a world of fake stones. Shining by your own light rather than relying on the reflections of others. It is to validate yourself, fully. It is to honor the callings and highest truth of your soul, even when faced with temptation.
Drawing this card can be a sign that you are currently navigating this path. You are indeed on a quest for truth. Living authentically has become a core value of yours. If you continue in search of this highest honor, you will surely be rewarded. In priceless ways. Perhaps, if you continue to live within the space of truth, you will achieve an abundance you never could have imagined. It is not dishonest to wish for true wealth in the metaphysical and physical world.
3. The Red Rose- Overcoming obstacles, finding joy, Buddha energy, carefree
Affirmation: “I freely flow and find my path. I nurture my joy.”
As an ally and guide, the Red Rose represents a being that blooms even in impossible situations. This particular rose grew from the concrete of the sidewalk. She had an all-seeing eye at the center of her petals. Sha has used her insights and magic to overcome all odds and obstacles in her way, even when others didn’t believe it was possible.
Her spirit is surprisingly lighthearted, playful, and colorful for such a resilient and spiritually connected being, who chooses to be stubborn and still seek joy, magic and meaning despite circumstances. This results in her ability to continue growing, and even uplift and inspire others as they try to do the same.
There is a carefree and fluid energy behind this card. The card and guide invite you to stop being so serious. To trust that you will make it through whatever it is that you need to. As you have in the past. You are not permanently ‘stuck’, so lighten up. Relax the worry, overthinking and doubt; it isn’t helping you or anybody. It only blocks what you want or where you’re trying to get to.
If you have pulled The Red Rose, it could also mean that a mentor or guide will come into your life to help you overcome an obstacle. Or a person who is already in your life could greatly assist you at this time. Is there someone who always seems to stay joyful and light? Observe and learn from these people. The most enlightened teachers on the planet are those who seem to always be giggling. The buddhas of the world. Learn from them. How they are, not just what they say.
4. The Alchemist- Empowerment, pain, sorceress, heart
Affirmation: “I light the spark of power and strength within my heart.”
The hero’s path. The gaining of strength. The path of empowerment.
Heartbreak, challenges, trauma, being underestimated, failure. Why should we let these things keep us down, instead of seeking to use them them as opportunities to overcome> To make ourselves proud? To strengthen our minds? To become a higher human and learn from them? This is the path of the hero.
Instead of letting the darkness win, the hero chooses to pursue the ultimate alchemy: turning pain into power. Not everyone is capable of this level of sorcery. For some, pain is very great and penetrates the darkness to the core of their being. Only soul and stubborn persistence can undo a curse like that. But the power does indeed exist within all of us.
A hero can still grieve, fall into darkness, give up, fall again, lose hope, seek help, or honor their natural emotions. The difference is they don’t stay there. In that darkness. Why would they? What would come out of it? What good would that do the hero or anyone else?
So they keep trying. They persist. They light up the darkness within their heart again, even if little by little, bit by bit. With the magic of faith and sometimes the aid of others, they choose to fight on for the light of the world, refusing to let the dark side win and become more powerful. This is how we change the world. Healing ourselves heals others, which heals the soul of the world.
At the end of the day, finding meaning in what happens and having a prpose is unbelievably empowering. This is what fuels our power. This is a love spell that we cast upon our own hearts. It is healing. There’s a big difference between having self-compassion and endlessly feeling sorry for ourselves. Falling into the bottomless pit of victimhood is to become the soul that is lost in the place where no light can reach, no tree can grow.
5. Goddess of the Sea- Abundance, purification, ego, treasures
Affirmation: “I am coming home to where my soul calls me.”
The fisherman has been on a long and challenging journey. He has been casting his net for fish but the fish do not come. His soul is starving and he longs for more. Suddenly, he sees a shining light in the distance. A soft purple glow that he decides to follow.
He is led to the Goddess of the Sea, her ruling element being the forces (and symbology) of water. Her purpose is to help us remember where the real treasures are. She can show you what it is that you need, not just what you want. And if you are willing to know, she can show you what is soul vs ego. She takes you beyond your false needs and false Self. She shows you a world of true spiritual abundance.
The fisherman symbolizes the ego and its endless desires and and hunger for more. Yet he is searching in the wrong places, and it’s never enough. He plunders the sea and gets lost in its vast expanses. After all his searching for more, he has never felt less small, insignificant, empty. Even though an abundant sea lies beneath hum and all around him.
The Goddess of the Sea dissolves everything that is not true or rooted in soul. This can be painful, as we all have our vices. She is powerful and represents the endless abundance of water, its purification power and the cleansing it can bring.
Pulling this card is an affirmation of her awakening within you. You’re starting to notice more of what is not true. You’re realizing more often when you are casting a net for false treasure. The things that used to sparkle have become dull and undesirable. You feel called toward what is real for you. You’re becoming less and less like the fisherman.
This card can also be a sign to watch extra closely where you are fishing. The Sea Goddess calls you near and has much to show you. You are so close to her. It is time to come now. Release your net. You won’t need it much longer.
6. Flower Child- Self-pollination, momentum, creativity, action
Affirmation: ” I am the beekeeper of my own garden that grows.”
It’s so easy to accidentally live for others; for their approval, praise and validation. The ego thrives off this; it’s easier to exist and make choices that way. But more than ever, now is a time to take your focus off the wants of others and start focusing on the pulls of your soul and heart, even if it ‘doesn’t seem right.’ What does Spirit call you to do? What is it that you really want to do, to feel? Ironically, perhaps channeling your energy there will end up being in service to others. Not desperate attempts to satisfy that come from lack, comfortableness and scarcity.
Dear Flower Child, throwing her seeds and flowers. You are blooming even when you thought you couldn’t. Your sweetness is now attracting the bees. Think of your energy channels as bees that pollinate (nourish) flowers and growth. You have the power to summon them and send them wherever you want. Where will you send them, Queen Bee? Remember this. This card has an energy of royalty behind it. What you say and what you think has great power behind it now.
With so many bees on your side, now is a potent time for creativity, projects, and taking action on whatever it is that you really want to do. Anything you act on or set intentions for has the perfect sacred soil right now, on the physical and metaphysical levels. So plant your seeds magic Flower Child, you are ripe with power and possibility. Use it.
Drawing this card can also be an affirmation of self-love and honoring your own sacred life. You’re at a place of rich soil (soul) nutrients. You planted yourself, watered yourself, and you’ve grown so much because of it. And so you shall continue. Even when it feels like you’ve been buried, you still find a way to flourish.
7. The Mystic- Intuition, high priestess, visionary, self-belief
Affirmation: “I trust that I am a powerful visionary.”
You’re a mystic. Stop doubting your insights, visions, and dreams. Your magic and intuition are on the rise. You are more powerful right now than you might think. Trust that there is a reason you have been given these things at this time. A hidden layer just beneath the surface will soon appear.
Take special note of any visions, peculiar night dreams, new desires, new life goals, or seemingly ‘random’ ideas you’d like to take action on. Have you had any recently? Ponder and pay attention. Perhaps there is one (or more) coming. You are a strong portal of connection.
It’s time to take a closer look within. And when you do, don’t invalidate yourself. Believe. Take inspired action and heed the signs. There are omens pointing the way. Patterns, signs, and repeating themes. Observe. Allow. Listen.
Spirit says: go deeper and be bold in your endeavors. Trust the dreams and desires you are inspired by. There is a reason they are yours. You have magic within and are capable of divine insight. Trust in that and your intuition will grow and deepen every time you do. Every relationship grows with trust and consistency. Your connection to your magic is no different.
8. Harmony- Sweetness, ease, inner child, softening
Affirmation: “I appreciate and attract the sweetness of life.”
The perfect pair. A beautiful harmony. The loving flower that provides the sweet nectar. The generous bee that provides the nourishing pollination. Both of these beings have so much to teach us. They are lighthearted, bring beauty and flow with the natural rhythm of life. They are warm with golden hues. They appreciate the balance and offerings each provides.
Magic happens when true harmony is achieved through delightful processes and the law of least effort. Some of the most beautiful things seem to exist effortlessly and in tune with the forces that be. Is it possible for a human to access this potent elixir, this nectar of life?
What if, like the bee, you were to seek out the sweetness of life? What if you sought out the flowers of the world, leaning more toward what is soft, attracts your spirit, and brings joy? What if that actually led you to more growth, potential and peace rather than the daily grind of forcing, disciplining and controlling?
What if, like the flower, you offered your own natural sweetness up to life itself? What if that would attract the bee (the right people, opportunities, actions, pollination) that your life needs, without having to strain to be what you think the world wants you to be. What if what is truly needed in this world is more softness, kindness, joy, ease and magic?
Perhaps it is our childlike nature, spiritual side, wonder and playfulness that we need to bring out more. To be easily amused by the beauty of the world. To see the miracles in the mundane. To open up instead of closing down. To create, live, and love from playful joy. To nurture the child within us. Maybe that is the best way to receive the honey of existence.
Did your card resonate? I hope it did!
Wishing you all the abundance, support, love and fruition you desire this First Harvest season.
xo
Serena
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