The Story:
~insert story of the Fir Bolg here~
With this new knowledge came the realization that a very large area of land would have to be cleared if they hoped to be able to feed all of the newly freed citizens. For you see, at this time, Ireland was still covered in dense Ancient Ash and Druid Oak forests.
~went to the Fir Bolg, the Men of The Bags, who carried fertile soil from Greece to Ireland. these people knew much about farming~
Tailtiu, the foster mother of Lugh, knew that she had to help her children in this time of great need. She was the daughter of Magh Mor, the Great Plain, after all. Tailtiu summoned up all of strength and knelt in the middle of the woods of Cuan, thrusting her hands deep into the loam and dirt.
With the sound of her words, the forest itself began to shift and shake. Trees lifted from the ground, bushes and ferns skittered like mice, all moving away from Tailtiu to leave a clear grassy plain in their place.
When the sun broke through the clouds to shine on what is now the Plains of Midhe, Tailtiu collapsed. She had given her life to ensure that the people of Ireland would be able to survive and thrive. Lugh, heavy with grief, declared that this day would forever be marked with celebration.
Every year since, on July 31-August 1st, you can see fires lit across the world as the Irish heritage has spread. Mourning keening combine with games and sacrifice of the first harvest to make a very emotional event for all involved. As this is also my birthday, it holds an even deeper meaning.
“I dedicate myself to Lugh and Tailtiu,
It seems as though I am stuck with you.
But then again, in the end,
I guess you are stuck with me, too.”
What you will need:
Gather a small portion of the first harvest of the year from each plant in your garden, or purchase from a local farmer’s market. It needs to be local and as organic as possible.
A cauldron, brazier, or bonfire. The bigger the fire the better, but make sure to keep it safe for your workspace. Outside is best, but near a window to see the sun and moon is also effective.
Bay leaf and pen to write what you want to manifest through the Harvest season. Always be clear with your intentions, Lugh is a trickster God.
A large container of table salt. Other salts work as well, table salt is simply less expensive and easier to find.
Ritual Steps:
This ritual is best preformed at dawn on August 1st, with celebrations, games and feasting occurring both before and after.
Prepare your circle in whatever way you see fit. These are simply the steps I use for my own ritual. Do what best fits your faith.
Begin by placing your materials in the center of the ritual space. Pour salt in a clockwise circle around your ritual space, reciting the following chant. This will focus the energy of the ritual on the words you speak from this point forward.
“By The Power of Three times Three
Vibration, Frequency and Energy
As I will it, so mote it be.”
Next, starting at the northernmost point of the circle, we will open the circle to the Dieties witht the following chant:
“I call to the Guardians of the North, the Gods and Ancestors who govern the realms of Mother and Earth. I bid you welcome to enter this circle and attend this ceremony.”
Repeat this step with each of the cardinal directions with the following associations. East is the realms of Air and Intuition, South is the realms of Fire and Feeling, while the West is the realms of Water and Wisdom.
Once this is done, come back to the center of the circle. Focus on the story of Lugh and Tailtiu to set your intentions as you walk and always move clockwise. Light the fire and allow it to come to a good, steady roar. Take your sacrifices in hand and carefully place each one in the fire so that they will be completely consumed while chanting:
“I give my heartfelt thanks for the gift of this bountiful harvest.
To Lugh, who gives us the sun and storms
To Tailtiu, who gave her life to give us farmland
We celebrate in honor of your sacrifice
Please accept this gift of appreciation.”
Write your manifestation on your bay leaf and carefully place it in the fire while chanting the following:
“As the harvest ripens, may my intentions grow into reality.”
When the fire has burned out, or whenever you are ready to close the ceremony, step into the north position once more. At this point, we thank the Dieties as we did in the beginning, but this time we will go the opposite direction. The chant this time will be:
“I give my thanks and bid farewell to the Guardians, Gods, and Ancestors of the Realms of the ~insert direction here~. “
Once you have completed the final cardinal direction, come back to the North and state the following chant:
“May all who witness go in peace
By the power of three times three
As I state it, so mote it be.”
