The start of August heralds the beginning of late summer, which is marked by the ripening of blackberries and the fullness of fields and orchards as the crops become ready for harvest. Lammas is the name of the Christian and neopagan harvest festival that falls on August 1st in the Wheel of the Year, and is traditionally celebrated by baking and eating bread produced by flour from the Lammas harvests. Symbolically, we can use this time to reflect on what we are harvesting in our own lives in terms of our goals and intentions, and whether we are on track or need to course-correct. Harvest time is also a good time to be thankful, both for the bounty we are reaping as well as any lessons learned. You can reflect on what you have harvested in terms of personal development–how have you worked on yourself and grown as a person over the past year?–and extend thanks to yourself for your commitment to your journey, to yourself, and to your intentions.
During harvest time, stocks are replenished to make sure there is plenty to eat as we move towards the dark winter months. Sometimes winter can creep up on us without realising, and suddenly the clocks have turned back and we are plunged into darkness at 4pm and can struggle to adjust to the physical and mental effects of this. How can you use this time to make sure your stocks are replenished so that you transition into the darker months with more ease? Could you lay the groundwork for healthy habits such as making sure your sleep pattern and circadian rhythms are in order, or start brainstorming ideas for creative or indoor projects to keep you occupied when you’re less likely to want to go out?
The late summer period can also carry a poignant energy as we are reminded of the passage of time and how all things come to an end. However, instead of being despondent about this, we can use this sentiment to help us savour the last few weeks of summer and make the most of our time. We are reminded that with all endings also come new beginnings, and soon we can enjoy crisp autumnal mornings and the beauty of the red and golden leaves. This is also reflected in our lives: if you have experienced any endings this year, including ones that you consider to be sad, remember that they are making space for something new and wonderful to come into your life. Use the bountiful energy of Lammas to remind you that even as the seasons change and things come and go, there is always abundance and plenty to be found.
