I intended to start this morning with a small personal ritual out in the gardens. For me, Harvest is a celebration of earth and fire, and this morning, the natural expression of that came in the form of tending home and hearth.
I'll get outside later and harvest some of the bounty from the gardens while doing my ritual, although my thoughts on that have changed somewhat. I have made phone calls regarding health care for a family member, cooked scrambled eggs fresh from the Cottage chickens, had breakfast with a loved one, and responded to eight AWR hotline calls in the first hour of my two-hour shift. Earth and fire have been present all over the place, reminding me that while the Elements appreciate acknowledgment, we're going to do their work together whether I plan for it or not.
Death has made her presence known; a deer that was hit by a car and a sick raccoon. I am grateful for people who care enough to seek help for our wild neighbors, and for the folks who choose to do the work that brings comfort or relief from suffering. We cannot move into the harvest season without acknowledging the lives that fall, methinks.
Hoof and horn, hoof and horn, all that dies must be reborn.
Corn and grain, corn and grain, all that falls must rise again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZmrjl5J0kE
Sometimes, asking for help takes remarkable courage. Sometimes, accepting it takes even more. I think we cannot underestimate the importance of understanding and acknowledging this truth as we move forward into the changes taking place in our communities, countries, and the world. The seeds of compassion and understanding that fall during this process will grow into an incredible harvest of peace, love, and hope.
Blessed Lughnasadh, peeps. May you never hunger. May you never thirst.
