Loaded with drums, rattles, blankets and a couple of loaves, thirty of us gathered at Arbor Low on the eve of Lammas this year.
Baffled by the torrential rain on our approach we took comfort in knowing that we had been guided to hold this celebration, and that the extraordinary downpour would clear. Right on cue it did, just thirty minutes before we were due to start. We find we are always blessed with the most perfect weather – just as it needs to be.
With the land fully cleansed from the heavy shower we set up our mandala and drummed to gather. Gorgeous people from all generations, and many different paths formed a tight circle high up on the Derbyshire hills, the sun gently setting in the west. Together we gave gratitude for the things we love, welcomed in the elements that make up life and then settled into our ritual space.
It was a beautiful still evening, and as the small crescent of the waxing moon rose we spent some time in quiet reflection. What in our lives are we harvesting at this time? What projects, which we embarked on in the spring, have come to fruition? What seeds are we gathering to take into the winter for incubation, ready to bring forth once more next year?
The Spirit of Arbor Low spoke loud and clear to me. I am harvesting three beautiful bounties right now, in my marriage, my work and my spiritual path. These are the seeds that I am going to harvest and carry carefully with me into the autumn, to nurture and grow into something even more amazing next year.
We shared our insights and then held a ceremony to the Earth, for her endless giving. A deep appreciation flowed from our hearts as we each offered beer to the land in thanks for all that is given to us, and we celebrated through singing, chanting, drumming, rattling and dancing, and receiving back through the sharing of the Lammas Loaves.
Yet again I was transformed, from a tired and drained Nicola to a Nicola bouncing full of the joys of life. Honouring the cycles in this way with gorgeous like minded souls through ceremony is for me one of life’s true joys. Thank you friends… and the Spirit of Arbor Low for a superb evening, and to Jason and Keli for holding such a beautiful ceremony.
We are gathering again in the Peak District, deep in the Derbyshire hills, around the Autumn Equinox for a one-day workshop on Sunday 21st September. For details please click here.
