Lughnassah

It is time for Lughnassah, and though I say this about all the holidays, Lughnassah really is my favorite. The God that the holiday is named after, Lugh, has been involved in my life for many years. Lugh is a fantastic character: of the Tuatha de Danan of ancient Ireland, he was born to be a peacemaker and a king. When it came time for him to face his rites of passage, one was to uniquely identify himself within the community. Though he was an archer and a swordsman, a horseman and an animal lover, a blacksmith and a craftsman, none of these things alone uniquely separated him from other members of the adult community. So he cleverly (because of course he was also clever and witty) said, "But do you have someone who can do all of those things?" and passed his challenge.

I celebrate by making corn chowder, a recipe I love and adore. It has cream and creamed corn, peppers and onions, and little baby shrimp in it. I also make myself a corn dolly which is saved for a lovely candle holiday next February, Imbolc. And though I've been celebrating with a large group in a city nearby recently, I am sitting Lughnassah out. I have written a special chant just for Lugh and I'm going to camp for a night and have a sort of retreat. My personal life demands a pause for spirituality, and that is exactly what I intend to do.