ahhtherapy ~newsletter ~july 2024

Living Better. Living well. It begins with the exhale ~"Ahh"

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Dear Kindred Soul,

A Wee Myth for Your Mid-Summer Musings:

In the ancient land of Éire, where the hills rolled green and the mists whispered secrets of old, there was a fortress called Tara. It stood as the heart of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of gods and heroes who ruled with wisdom and strength. Among them, a young warrior named Lugh sought to claim his rightful place.

Lugh was the son of Cian and the grandson of the great Dagda, but he was not content to rest on the laurels of his lineage. He had traveled far and wide, mastering many arts and honing his skills. His heart burned with the desire to serve his people and prove his worth.

One bright morning, Lugh approached the gates of Tara. The guard, a burly figure with a stern face, stepped forward to bar his way. "State your name and purpose, stranger," he demanded.

"I am Lugh, son of Cian," replied Lugh with confidence. "I have come to join my father's people and offer my service."

The guard eyed him skeptically. "Many seek to enter Tara, but only those with a skill we do not possess are granted entry. What can you do that we cannot?"

A smile played on Lugh's lips. "I am a warrior and a healer, a poet and a smith. I am skilled in music, magic, and the art of strategy. I am Samildánach, the Master of All Arts."

The guard raised an eyebrow, intrigued but unconvinced. "Prove it," he said simply.

And so, Lugh began to demonstrate his talents. He drew his sword and performed feats of combat that left the guard breathless. He sang a melody so sweet that it brought tears to the eyes of those who listened. He healed a wounded bird with a touch, forged a flawless blade from raw metal, and wove spells that shimmered in the air like a tapestry of light.

By the time he had finished, a crowd had gathered, and murmurs of awe filled the air. The guard, now humbled, stepped aside. "Enter, Lugh, Master of All Arts," he said with a bow. "You are indeed worthy of Tara."

Lugh entered the fortress, his heart swelling with pride and deep understanding. He knew that none of us are truly the Master of All Arts. We all have our unique skills and abilities that help us make a living and create a life. This diversity fosters community and abundance. We all possess the capacity to learn and grow our own unique gifts, becoming artists in our own right and generating a sense of abundance for those around us.

This is mirrored in the abundance of the mid-summer harvest. The seeds of our plantings finally bear fruit, allowing us to enjoy the sweetness of our efforts and share them with others. Thus, Lughnasadh, or Lammas, was born—the festival of the first harvest. This sacred time represents the land's abundance, the fruits of labor, and the promise of sustenance for the cold months ahead.

As Lugh became aware of this metaphor of effort, art, and harvesting, he reflected on the challenges his people faced and the skills and talents that, when nurtured and harvested, could bring prosperity and strength to his people.

Inspired by the spirit of Lughnasadh, he led his community in rituals that honor the harvests of our lives, sharing the bounty of grains and fruits, celebrating the abundance that hard work and unity had brought them.

Whether in times of peace or strife, each of us can discover and hone our unique talents, contributing to the strength and resilience of our community. We can celebrate Lughnasadh not just as a time of physical harvest, but as a time of gathering the fruits of our skills and efforts.

And so, the legacy of Lugh, the Master of All Arts, lives on—not just in his extraordinary abilities, but in the spirit of learning, growth, and abundance. Through the festival of Lughnasadh, we remember that by nurturing our talents and coming together as a community, we can always harvest the abundance that life has to offer.

As the Wheel of the Year turns, I invite you to join me in celebrating Lammas (or Lughnasadh—Mid-Summer Celebration), a time of gratitude, harvest, and community. Lammas/Mid-Summer marks the First Harvest, Breaking Bread, and Abundance. This sacred festival is rich with traditions and deep significance, which we will honor together through a special ceremony on August 5th.

Discover the Hidden Aspects of Lammas:

1. First Harvest Celebration: Lammas marks the first harvest of the year, specifically the grain harvest. It’s a time to appreciate the abundance of the earth and the fruits of our labor.
2. Astrological Influence: This year, Lammas coincides with the New Moon in Leo. This powerful alignment enhances creativity, self-expression, and the courage to pursue our heart's desires. The energy of Leo, ruled by the Sun, invites us to shine our inner light brightly and to lead with warmth and generosity.
3. Cross-Quarter Day: Lammas is a cross-quarter day, falling halfway between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox, signifying a pivotal moment in the seasonal cycle.
4. Feast of Bread: Traditionally, bread baked from the first grains is shared, symbolizing sustenance and community. It’s a way to honor the earth’s bounty and our interconnectedness.
5. Mythological Roots: Named after the Celtic god Lugh, Lammas is steeped in mythology. Lugh was known for his many skills, and this festival celebrates craftsmanship, skill, and the first fruits of the season.

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Journal Prompts to Deepen Your Reflection:

1. What am I harvesting in my life right now—emotionally, spiritually, or physically?
2. How can I spread generosity and abundance within my community during this season?
3. What dreams or intentions can I plant now, under the New Moon in Leo, to nurture my growth in the coming months?

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You Are Invited:​
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• Date: August 5th
• Cost: $35
• Time: 6pm-8:30
• Location: TBA

Join me for a sacred ceremony where we will create sigils using and making blackberry ink, bake bread imbued with our intentions, and participate in meditation and energy healing. This gathering is an opportunity to connect with like-minded souls, set powerful intentions, and celebrate the gifts of the season.

Event Highlights:

• Sigil Making with Blackberry Ink: Craft your own sigils to carry your personal intentions and blessings.
• Bread Baking Ritual: Infuse your baked bread with symbols of abundance and community, sharing the fruits of our collective energy.
• Meditation and Energy Healing: Ground and center yourself with guided meditation and receive healing energy within a supportive circle.

RSVP:

Please let me know if you can join us by 7/29. You can confirm your attendance and receive further details by replying to this email at info@brilliancewithinmap.com. The event will be held at a private home in the Huntington/Smithtown area, and I will send you the exact location once your attendance is confirmed.

Let’s come together to honor the turning of the wheel, the blessings of the harvest, and the power of our collective intentions under the New Moon in Leo. I look forward to sharing this sacred time with you.

Warm blessings,

Shana

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