A Lughnasa Ritual
Lughnasa or Lúnasa in modern Irish, is the Gaelic word for the month of August.
August is a divine time to acknowledge your journey so far, to harvest what you have learned. And as the god Lugh did, to honour your mentors.
Venture with me now as we explore the meaning of Lughnasa and I share a beautiful harvest ritual with you…
The Shining God Lugh
Lugh as a child by Maud Gonne from The Coming of Lugh: Celtic Wonder Tales, Ella Young, 1909
Lughnasa gets its name from the ancient god of the Tuatha Dé Dannan, Lugh Lámhfhada ("Loo lahv-ah-da"), 'Lugh of the Long-arm', or long-hand.
Lugh is likely an ancient Sun God, an Irish expression of the Gaulish, Lugus and the Roman, Mercury.
Although Lughnasa is named after Lugh, it is a festive time in honour of his foster-mother, the primaeval Goddess, Tailtiu "Tal-tyuh".
An Otherworldly Mentor
Tailltu, Queen of the Fir Bolg by Jim Fitzpatrick
Fosterage is a central theme in Celtic mythology and is reflective of the practice in early Irish society. Children were fostered by a powerful mentor who would teach them skills to amplify their gifts and often, their supernatural capacities.
What Tailtiu teaches Lugh is how to clear the plains to prepare the land for tilling. It is said that Tailtiu cleared the forests of Ireland to make way for agriculture. When her feat was complete, she lay down and died of exhaustion.
Lugh, grief-stricken honours Tailtiu’s dying wish by creating Óenach Tailten (‘Tailtiu’s Reunion’), funeral games on the land she has cleared, to celebrate her life as his mentor and her great endeavours.
Harvest by Thien Bao
Honouring Tailtiu
A contemporary way to honour Goddess Tailtiu is to create a ritual to honour your own mentors in your life.
Like Tailtiu was to Lugh, who in your life has supported you to see what already exists within you? To foster your own power within?
I have been blessed with many mentors who never took me outside of my own body but helped me go deeper within myself to metabolise new skills and ways of making meaning for my life, in my own unique way.
Who have been these mentors for you?
How have they supported you to activate your own mentor within?
Mentor Ritual
Create your own ritual to honour your mentors.
You can light a candle inviting in the light of Lugh and as you journal, send your mentor(s) your heart in gratitude through your intention.
You could also call, send them a message, email, or invite them to meet. Post them a gift. Or where like Tailtiu they have passed on, write them a letter and hold it as a keepsake - or burn it, bury it in the soil, or let it dissolve in water.
Reflections to consider:
Who have been my greatest mentors in life? And, or in recent times? What have they helped me see within myself?
What did each of these mentors dream for me?
What archetypes do these mentors embody? E.g. Witch, Wise Old Woman, Sage Old Man, Alchemist, Advocate, Healer, Seer, Rebel...
If they were in front of me now, what would I say to each of my mentors about their impact on my life?
Question 3 is magic as when you see your mentors as archetypes this will illustrate how you've had a full team of energies that have been supporting you in your life!
My Mentors
In the spirit of community I share mentors who I am honouring this Lughnasa:
My feminine embodiment teacher, the exquisite Jenna Ward, who supported me to reskill in the art of my own feminine expression.
The divine mystic Michelle Lynne who has guided me as I fully embody my sovereign power.
The phenomenal Jennifer Armbrust and Ainslie Young who in their own potent ways have helped me articulate the WILD passion within me to do leadership and business differently. To see new possibilities for a feminine economy… it’s happening!
The incredible academic and activist, Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin who introduced me to the study of women in Celtic Studies, and planted a seed for the Celtic School of Embodiment, 20 years ago!
My grandmother, the Bean Feasa, Frances O’Sullivan who is long passed but continues to mentor me through my heart and her lineage.
And finally, I’m celebrating YOU and all who have supported you on your path.
