🌾 A First Harvest Gift: Sneak Peek of Our 2026 Lughnasadh Zine 🌾

The Wheel is turning once again, and we’re delighted to share the first glimpse of Asheville Raven and Crone’s 2026 Lughnasadh Zine.

This free sneak peek includes the first nine pages of this year’s beautifully crafted seasonal guide. Journey into the history and mythology of Lughnasadh, explore the story of Lugh and Tailtiu, discover the deeper meaning behind Lammas, and reflect on the ancient wisdom woven into the First Harvest.

Later this season, we’ll be releasing the entire zine as a FREE digital download, featuring over 40 pages filled with correspondences, rituals, recipes, magical crafts, herbal wisdom, altar inspiration, seasonal reflections, and practical ways to celebrate the First Harvest in your own home.

Whether this is your first Lughnasadh or you’ve been walking the Wheel of the Year for decades, we hope this preview helps you deepen your connection with the season and inspires your own harvest celebrations.

The History

Lughnasadh, sometimes called Lughnasa or Lammas, marks the first harvest and falls midway between the Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox. Celebrated around August 1st, it is one of the oldest seasonal festivals of the Celtic world and signals the beginning of the harvest season.

Unlike the abundance celebrated at Mabon, Lughnasadh exists at a more subtle turning point within the year. The fields remain green and the sun still shines warmly overhead, yet the observant eye can already see the first signs of change moving through the landscape. Grain bends heavy in the fields, berries ripen on the bramble, and seeds begin to form where blossoms once stood. The earth quietly begins its preparation for autumn.

The festival takes its name from the Irish god Lugh, a deity known for his mastery of many arts and skills. Warrior, poet, craftsman, musician, king, and magician, Lugh embodied excellence, ingenuity, and the power that comes through dedication to one’s craft. Yet the origins of Lughnasadh are not centered solely upon Lugh himself, but upon an act of remembrance and gratitude. According to Irish tradition, Lughnasadh was established by Lugh in honor of his foster mother, Tailtiu.

Tailtiu was a great queen and earth goddess who cleared the forests and wild lands of Ireland so fertile fields could be cultivated for her people. Through tremendous labor she transformed wilderness into farmland, creating the conditions necessary for future generations to thrive. The work was so demanding that it ultimately cost her life.

Following her death, Lugh established funeral games and seasonal gatherings in her honor. These assemblies became known as the Aonach Tailteann, bringing communities together for athletic competitions, trading, matchmaking, storytelling, music, and celebration. While these gatherings honored Tailtiu’s memory, they also acknowledged a deeper truth: every harvest requires sacrifice.

This theme remains at the heart of Lughnasadh today. The grain harvested during this season symbolizes more than food alone. It reminds us that abundance comes through effort, patience, and devotion. The first harvest is not simply a celebration of what has been gained, but an acknowledgment of what was given in order for that harvest to exist.

As the wheel of the year begins its slow turn toward autumn, Lughnasadh invites us to notice the subtle shifts unfolding around us. It is a season of gratitude, preparation, craftsmanship, and reflection—a time to recognize the fruits of our labor while beginning to prepare for the changes that lie ahead.

The Etymology and Linguistics of Lughnasadh

The name Lughnasadh comes from the Old Irish word Lugnasad or Lughnasa, meaning “The Assembly of Lugh“ or “The Gathering of Lugh.” The first portion of the word refers to the god Lugh, the celebrated Celtic deity of skill, craftsmanship, sovereignty, and many arts. The second portion, násad or nasadh, refers to an assembly, gathering, fair, or ceremonial meeting.

The modern pronunciation of Lughnasadh is often rendered as “LOO-nah-sah,” though regional pronunciations vary throughout Ireland and Scotland. The shorter form, Lughnasa, remains commonly used in modern Irish.

Now as I took a deep dive into the history of the word Lugh, I found myself wondering: why the word Lugh, and where else in the world does this language appear?

As it turns out, the story of Lugh stretches far beyond the shores of Ireland. The deity we know as Lugh in Irish mythology appears to be part of a much older and far-reaching tradition that once spread across much of Celtic Europe. Long before the medieval Irish stories were recorded, a deity known as Lugus was honored throughout regions that now encompass Ireland, Britain, France, Spain, and parts of Central Europe.

The traces of his name remain scattered across the landscape like breadcrumbs left behind by history. Ancient settlements, hills, and sacred places bore his name. Perhaps the most famous example is the city of Lyon, France, known in antiquity as Lugdunum, meaning “Fortress of Lugus” or “Hill of Lugus.” Similar place names appear throughout former Celtic territories, suggesting that Lugus was once among the most important and widely revered deities of the Celtic world.

But what did the name itself mean?

The answer is not entirely certain, yet many linguists trace the name Lugus to ancient Indo-European roots associated with brightness, radiance, and shining light.

At first glance this may seem to point toward a solar deity, and indeed early scholars often described Lugh as a sun god. However, modern interpretations reveal something far more nuanced.

In many ancient cultures, light was not merely physical illumination. Light represented wisdom, inspiration, intelligence, creativity, and divine insight. To be “bright” was to be skilled, knowledgeable, and capable. This understanding aligns beautifully with the Lugh of Irish mythology, who is remembered not for ruling the sun, but for mastering every art he encountered.

Lugh, Vega, and the Lights of Lughnasadh

As I explored the history of Lugh, I found myself looking not only toward the fields and harvest traditions of the Celtic world, but upward toward the night sky itself.

While no surviving evidence directly connects Lugh to a specific star or constellation, the heavens surrounding Lughnasadh offer some intriguing parallels. During the first harvest season, the brilliant star Vega shines high overhead in the constellation of Lyra.

One of the brightest stars visible in the northern hemisphere, Vega dominates the summer sky much as the first harvest marks a pivotal turning point within the agricultural year.

The symbolism becomes even more interesting when we consider the qualities associated with Lugh. His name is often connected to brightness, radiance, and brilliance. He is remembered as a master of many arts—a poet, musician, craftsman, warrior, and king. Likewise, Lyra has long been associated with music, inspiration, and divine artistry in many cultures.

During the era when Lughnasadh traditions emerged, the seasonal first harvest aligned much more closely with the actual constellation of Leo than it does today. Whether coincidence or meaningful symbolism, the themes associated with Leo—sovereignty, courage, leadership, creativity, and radiant power—echo many of the qualities found within the mythology of Lugh himself.

A Star Between Ages

One fascinating astronomical detail surrounding the season of Lughnasadh involves the brilliant star Vega, found within the constellation Lyra. During the first harvest season, Vega shines prominently in the evening sky, making it one of the most noticeable stars visible across much of the Celtic world.

While there is no historical evidence directly linking Lugh to Vega, the symbolism is intriguing. Both are associated with brightness, prominence, and a commanding presence within their respective realms.

Even more remarkable is Vega’s place within a much larger cosmic cycle. Due to a slow movement of the Earth’s axis known as precession, the position of the North Star changes over thousands of years. Around 12,000 BCE, Vega served as the pole star—the fixed point around which the heavens appeared to turn. Over millennia that role shifted to other stars, including Polaris today.

Yet the cycle continues. In approximately 12,000 years, Vega will once again become the North Star.

Whether viewed through a scientific, symbolic, or spiritual lens, Vega offers a beautiful reminder that the rhythms of nature extend far beyond a single season or lifetime. As we celebrate the first harvest and witness the subtle turning toward autumn, the stars above continue their own ancient cycles, moving through spans of time almost beyond human comprehension.

Like the harvest itself, they remind us that endings and beginnings are often part of the same sacred process.

Lammas, Wyrd, and the Turning of the Wheel

While Lughnasadh carries us into the world of Lugh and the ancient Celtic assemblies, the name Lammas emerges from a different cultural stream. Rooted in the Anglo-Saxon traditions of early England, Lammas comes from the Old English word hlāfmæsse, meaning “Loaf Mass.” The word combines hlāf, meaning loaf of bread, with mæsse, meaning mass or religious service.

Historically, Lammas marked the blessing of the first bread baked from the newly harvested grain. The first sheaves gathered from the fields were milled into flour, baked into a loaf, and offered in gratitude for the harvest. Though Christian in form, the festival remained deeply connected to the agricultural rhythms that had shaped the lives of the people long before Christianity arrived.

As I explored the roots of Lammas, I found myself drawn to another ancient Anglo-Saxon concept: Wyrd.

The word wyrd is often translated as fate or destiny, but its deeper meaning is far more mysterious. Linguistically, it is related to the Old English verb weorþan, meaning “to become.” Rather than describing a fixed future, Wyrd speaks to the unfolding of events, the weaving together of actions and consequences, and the continual process of becoming.

In the Germanic worldview, life was not viewed as a straight path but as an ever-unfolding pattern. Choices, deeds, relationships, seasons, and circumstances all became threads woven into a larger tapestry whose full design could rarely be seen from a single moment in time.

When viewed through this lens, Lammas takes on a deeper significance.

The loaf blessed at Lammas is not simply bread. It is the visible result of countless unseen processes. Seeds were planted months before. Rains arrived or failed to arrive. The sun crossed the sky. Hands tended the fields. Time worked its quiet transformations. Potential has now become reality.

In many ways, this is the very essence of Wyrd.

The grain has become bread.

The seed has become harvest.

The unseen has become visible.

The Wheel of the Year itself reflects this same mystery. Each season emerges from the one before it. Imbolc becomes Ostara. Ostara becomes Beltane. Beltane becomes Litha. Litha becomes Lughnasadh. Lughnasadh becomes Mabon. Mabon becomes Samhain. Samahin becomes Yule. The wheel turns endlessly, carrying within it the consequences of what came before and the possibilities of what has yet to unfold.

Perhaps this is why Lammas feels so reflective despite arriving amidst the abundance of summer. It reminds us that every harvest is the result of countless choices, actions, and circumstances woven together through time.

We stand not only among the fruits of the season, but among the manifestations of what has been becoming all along.

Whether viewed through the Celtic lens of Lugh’s mastery or the Anglo-Saxon understanding of Wyrd, this season asks us to pause and witness what has taken shape. The first harvest is more than a gathering of grain. It is a revelation of the patterns we have been weaving, often without realizing it, since the wheel began its turn once again.

If you’re preparing your altar or gathering supplies, we’d love to welcome you into the shop. From herbs and candles to ritual oils, incense, crystals, books, and our curated Sabbat Collection, we’re here to help you celebrate the season in a way that feels meaningful and authentic.

And if you’d rather celebrate in community, there’s still time to join us for our Lammas/Lughnasadh Witchcrafting Workshop on Saturday, August 29th from 2:00–4:00 PM. Together we’ll explore the magic, folklore, and practices of the First Harvest while crafting seasonal ritual tools and honoring this sacred turning of the Wheel.

The harvest has only just begun, and we’re so grateful to share this season with all of you.

When we first shared the opening pages of this year’s Lughnasadh Zine, our hope was simple: to spark curiosity, inspire reflection, and invite you into the magic of the First Harvest.

Today, we’re delighted to say...

The wait is over.

The complete 2026 Lughnasadh Zine is now available as a FREE digital download! Follow the QR Link above or find it directly on our website by following the link: tinyurl.com/kazt4b5p

Inside, you’ll discover more than forty beautifully crafted pages exploring the rich mythology, folklore, history, correspondences, rituals, recipes, crafts, and seasonal wisdom of Lughnasadh. Whether you’re learning about Lugh and Tailtiu for the first time, baking your first harvest loaf, weaving a corn dolly, crafting ritual oils, or simply seeking a deeper connection to the turning of the Wheel, this guide was created to accompany you every step of the way.

We hope this zine becomes something you return to year after year; a companion for your harvest celebrations and a reminder that every season invites us to grow a little deeper into ourselves.

If this preview inspires you to celebrate, we’d also love to welcome you into Asheville Raven and Crone. Our shelves are filled with thoughtfully curated herbs, candles, ritual tools, books, handcrafted products, and seasonal treasures to help you create a meaningful Lughnasadh celebration. Whether you’re building your first harvest altar or continuing a long-held tradition, we’re honored to be part of your journey.

Thank you for allowing us to walk the Wheel beside you.

May your harvest be abundant, your hearth be warm, and your spirit forever nourished by the magic of the First Harvest.

Blessed Lughnasadh from all of us at Asheville Raven and Crone.

August arrives as a liminal space, a time between the height of summer, and the impending promise of winter. Change lingers hot and heavy in the last sundrenched days of the season. We feel this shift, as Leo season peaks, and find ourselves busy with every possible occupation.

The land begins whispering a truth modern life often encourages us to ignore: there is a season for striving, and there is a season for gathering. Lughnasadh initiates the change to step away from endless productivity and back into our Relationships. Now is a time to acknowledge our deep relationship with the Earth, with our community, with the ancestors who first watched the grain ripen beneath this same summer sun.

The energy of the month focus’s heavily on both our relational growth and our personal growth and evolution, with multiple planets moving towards authentic relationships, authentic truth, boundaries, self-care, and reciprocity. Later in the month, Virgo’s energy will bring increased focus on what we are harvesting, how we assess our own identity, our gifts of discernment, and offers an invitation to surrender all that is not aligned.

This month brings profound transitions; transitions that begin in the radiant confidence of Leo, pass through the lions gate and two eclipses that reshape our sense of identity and purpose, and concludes in the practical wisdom of Virgo. Throughout these weeks, the heavens repeatedly return us to a single lesson: authenticity is more sustainable than performance.

This month will not be easy but it will bring increased clarity as the transits insist that we shed old stories, old identities, and illusions which may blur our sense of clarity. This month asks us to stop pretending to be someone we have already outgrown, and tend to our own becoming.

Week 1: August 1- Gratitude and Grounding

August starts with Lughnesadh.

Lughnasadh, in pagan tradition symbolizes the First Harvest. Traditionally, this was the season when the first sheaves of grain were cut and communities gathered to honor both abundance and sacrifice. Here we take time to fully receive nourishment from the Earth, while acknowledging that every harvest comes as a completion of a cycle and a beginning of another.

Lugh reminds us that mastery is cultivated through devotion.

The grain gives itself so that the village may endure another winter. August reminds us that there is a defined relationship between gratitude and surrender. That they are not dis-separate, but two sides of the same coin. We are meant to both see the loss, and also to be grateful for the beauty of the harvest.

Lughnasadh also asks us to consider what actually grew throughout the year, rather than what we hoped would grow.

We are learning that abundance is not found in doing more, but in truly nurturing what is already blooming within our lives. Like the first sheaves gathered at Lughnasadh, this is the month we recognize which efforts have truly taken root and which lessons were meant to push us forward.

While Lughnesadh is a beautiful time to notice our harvest, its also an important time to reflect on where we have been pouring our energy without adequate return. We can not force our wishes to bloom, but we can stop watering plants that are clearly dying or dead. Rather than mourning the loss, take the time to look at all that has bloomed this year and pratice gratitude for the reality that is emerging.

Do: Work with Wheat, Bread, Honey, Amber, Calendula

Week 2: August 2-8- Relationships and Authenticity

The second week of August brings opportunities for deep healing, as well as stability and harmony to our relationships. For the remainder of the year, Chiron will station retrograde (August 3 until January 6, 2027) bringing a deep awareness to our deep core wounds, vulnerabilities, and the capacity to heal ourselves and others. If you have not yet dedicated your energy to a self-care regimen, now is a good time to practices awareness of your personal needs and to develop a sustainable system of self care. Pluto also stations retrograde this week (August 6th) turning the focus inward and helping us to heal old intimacy fears, shift our self-worth, and release unhealthy relationship patterns. The energy supports the ability to resolve underlying tension smoothly by leading with emotional depth, authenticity, and calm poise.

With the waning moon in Taurus this week, expect internal shifts to lead us away from frantic activity, and push us deeper into our own physical comfort, quiet routines, and simple pleasures. Expect to experience a deeper urge to care for your physical self through good food, rest, touch, or time in nature. Tend to this energy by making a conscientious effort to slow down and avoid rushing into major tasks. You may choose to Create a cozy environment at home with good food, soft lighting, or quiet time.

This is a wonderful time to nourish your relationships and commit to things that light you up. Venus entering Libra on August 6 brings an energy of harmony, reciprocity, and peace. This transit will bring some ease to our communication and problem solving. Sun trine Saturn Rx (Jul 31-Aug 14) brings a sense of Magnetic Attraction and increased personal power, making it easier to captivate others or draw positive attention in social and romantic settings.

To do: Light a pink candle, Refresh relationship charms, and sweeten your home

August 8- Lion’s Gate Portal

On August 8, many within the modern spiritual community observe the Lion's Gate Portal, a symbolic alignment associated with the Sun in Leo and the annual rising of the star Sirius. While this observance is a contemporary spiritual tradition rather than an ancient pagan holy day, it offers a beautiful moment to pause and reflect on the themes that have already been unfolding throughout the month.

Leo further reminds us that the brightest light we carry is not found in achievement or recognition, but in living from the heart. The Lion’s Gate invites us to remember our own inner sovereignty; to stand confidently in our gifts, trust our intuition, and embody the person we are steadily becoming. It asks us to lead with courage, creativity, and authenticity, allowing our lives to become an honest expression of our deepest values.

Coming just days before the transformative Solar Eclipse in Leo, the Lion's Gate feels like standing at the threshold before a great initiation. It is an opportunity to take one final look at the stories you've outgrown before the eclipse begins revealing the next chapter. Spend time in meditation, create something with your hands, greet the sunrise, or simply sit beneath the warmth of the August sun and reflect on this question:

Where in my life am I ready to stop seeking permission to shine?

Like Lugh, whose many talents remind us that mastery is cultivated through devotion rather than perfection, the Lion's Gate encourages us to embrace our unique gifts with confidence and humility.

Do: Greet the Sunrise, Create something purely for joy, Create a solar altar, Spend time in nature, Light a gold, yellow, or orange candle.

Reflect on your harvest.

• What strengths have I cultivated over the past year?

• Where have I been hiding my gifts?

• What would it look like to lead from my heart instead of my fear?

• What am I finally ready to be seen for?

Week 3: August 9-15- Identity and Courage

The third week of August asks us to bring our whole selves to the table. Relationships become mirrors, conversations become catalysts, and authenticity becomes more valuable than perfection. Mercury, Venus, and Mars weave together a week of heartfelt connection, encouraging us to speak honestly, move with intention, and recognize the relationships, values, and inner strengths that have quietly matured over time. This is a beautiful opportunity to choose presence over performance and depth over appearances.

As Mars enters Cancer on August 11, our motivation shifts away from external achievement and toward emotional security, home, and the people we love most. We may find ourselves acting more from instinct than logic, with energy levels rising and falling alongside our emotional landscape. This isn’t a week for forcing productivity or pushing through exhaustion. Instead, honor your natural rhythms, slow your nervous system, and remember that caring for yourself is not separate from the Work—it is part of it. Practice direct, compassionate communication, as heightened sensitivity may make both you and those around you more reactive than usual.

Meanwhile, Venus reminds us that true intimacy requires discernment. As Venus dances between Neptune and Pluto, the veil lifts on relationships built upon fantasy, projection, or self-sacrifice. You may notice where you’ve ignored red flags, abandoned your own needs to keep the peace, or mistaken longing for genuine connection. While this can feel vulnerable, it is also profoundly empowering. Pluto offers the courage to face difficult truths, while Neptune’s retreat clears away illusion, making space for relationships rooted in honesty, reciprocity, and mutual respect.

Mercury amplifies these themes throughout the week, encouraging transformative conversations and inspired breakthroughs. Difficult truths that have lingered beneath the surface may finally ask to be spoken, while unexpected insights offer entirely new ways of understanding old stories. This is a powerful time for writers, artists, teachers, and anyone called to give voice to their heart’s deepest knowing. Speak carefully, but don’t shy away from the truth simply because it feels uncomfortable. Truth offered with compassion has the power to transform.

The heart of the week arrives with the Total Solar Eclipse in Leo on August 12. Eclipses are sacred thresholds- moments when the familiar light briefly disappears so something truer can emerge. Leo governs the heart, creativity, courage, and authentic self-expression. This eclipse asks us to stop playing supporting roles in our own lives. An identity, expectation, or version of yourself that once felt necessary may now be ready to fall away, making room for a deeper expression of who you have always been. While eclipse energy can feel sudden or unsettling, Mercury’s harmonious connection with Uranus reminds us that every ending carries the seed of new understanding. The insights that arrive now may forever change how you see yourself and the path ahead.

As the week comes to a close, the energy expands through Mercury’s conjunction with Jupiter, inspiring bold ideas, meaningful conversations, and a renewed sense of possibility. Dream generously, but remain grounded. Let your vision be expansive without losing sight of the practical steps that will bring it into being. Sometimes the most magical transformation begins not with dramatic action, but with the quiet courage to become a fuller version of yourself.

To Do: Mirror Magic, Solar Water, Sunflowers, Lion Energy

Week 4: August 16-22- Discernment

After the profound revelations of the Solar Eclipse, the fourth week of August invites us to slow down and integrate what we’ve learned. This is a week for thoughtful refinement. There is something of Brigid in Virgo season, the sacred keeper of the hearth, the well, the forge, and every craft refined through steady hands and daily practice. Like a gardener inspecting the first harvest, we are asked to look carefully at what is flourishing, what requires tending, and what no longer belongs in the garden we are cultivating.

Mercury’s harmonious connection with Saturn helps steady the emotional intensity of previous weeks, encouraging honest conversations, thoughtful reflection, and practical wisdom. If difficult discussions have been postponed or old projects left unfinished, this is an excellent time to return to them with patience and maturity. Speak clearly, listen deeply, and trust that truth delivered with kindness has the power to strengthen relationships rather than divide them.

At the same time, Venus forms a supportive connection with Jupiter, reminding us that abundance grows best in community. Celebrate the successes of others as readily as your own, offer encouragement freely, and allow yourself to receive support without guilt. There is no need to compete for recognition or prove your worth. The harvest is generous enough for everyone, and joy multiplies when it is shared.

The energy shifts noticeably under the First Quarter Moon in Scorpio on August 19. Every new path eventually encounters its first obstacle, and this lunation asks us to meet those challenges with courage instead of avoidance. Scorpio sees beneath the surface, illuminating the habits, fears, and relationship dynamics we may have quietly tolerated. If something feels misaligned, trust yourself enough to investigate it. This is a powerful time to strengthen boundaries, release unhealthy patterns, and recommit to the intentions planted earlier in the month. Growth often asks us to prune before we can flourish.

As Venus moves into opposition with Saturn, relationships and self-worth undergo another gentle but necessary examination. You may find yourself questioning where you have overextended your energy, sought validation from others, or confused obligation with love. Financial matters may also call for greater mindfulness, inviting practical decisions instead of emotional spending. Rather than interpreting these moments as limitations, consider them opportunities to build stronger foundations. Lasting relationships, lasting abundance, and lasting confidence are all cultivated through honesty, consistency, and self-respect.

Finally, on August 22, the Sun enters Virgo, marking a subtle but profound shift in the rhythm of the season. The fiery exuberance of Leo gives way to the grounded wisdom of the healer, the herbalist, and the craftsperson. Virgo reminds us that devotion is expressed through daily practice. Sweep the floors of your sacred space. Organize your altar. Prepare nourishing meals. Tend your body with the same reverence you offer your spirit. Magic is rarely found only in extraordinary moments- it is woven through the quiet rituals that sustain us every day.

This week reminds us that discernment is an act of devotion. Every boundary honors something sacred. Every choice shapes the harvest to come. By tending carefully to what nourishes your spirit, and releasing what does not, you prepare yourself to enter the coming season with greater clarity, resilience, and grace.

To do: Clean the Alter, Refresh Oils, Organize Herbs, Bless the Pantry, Make a Protection Sachet

Week 5/6: August 23-31- Release and Surrender

As August draws to a close, the pace shifts once again. Like Cerridwen's cauldron, this eclipse asks us to trust the mystery of transformation. What enters the cauldron rarely emerges unchanged. After weeks of reflection, courageous conversations, and careful discernment, we arrive at a place where effort alone can no longer carry us forward. The final days of the month ask for something much more difficult than action; they ask for trust.

The Partial Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon in Pisces on August 28 marks the emotional culmination of everything this month has been revealing. Lunar eclipses are powerful thresholds, illuminating what has quietly run its course and inviting us to release what no longer belongs in the next chapter of our lives. Rather than seeking control or certainty, this eclipse reminds us that some transformations unfold only when we loosen our grip and allow the current to carry us where we are meant to go.

The Pisces-Virgo axis is especially active during this lunation, bringing into focus the sacred balance between order and surrender, logic and intuition, planning and faith. Virgo longs to organize every detail, while Pisces understands that not every mystery is meant to be solved. Together, they teach us that true wisdom lies in knowing when to act, and when to simply listen.

You may notice emotions rising unexpectedly, old grief resurfacing, or stories you’ve carried for years suddenly losing their hold. What once felt permanent may begin to dissolve, revealing where you’ve been clinging to expectations, idealized relationships, or identities that no longer reflect who you are becoming. While this process can feel uncomfortable, it is ultimately one of liberation. The eclipse strips away illusion, making space for a deeper, more compassionate truth to emerge.

Because eclipse energy is unpredictable and deeply transformative, this is not the time to force new beginnings or rush toward the next goal. Instead, allow yourself to rest, reflect, and witness what naturally falls away. Release can be its own form of magic. Sometimes the most sacred spell is not calling something toward you, but blessing it as it leaves.

Adding to this sense of change, the Sun and Mercury both form challenging aspects with Uranus, inviting unexpected insights, disrupted routines, and sudden shifts in perspective. Plans may change, conversations may take surprising turns, and solutions may arrive in ways you never anticipated. If life asks you to pivot, resist the urge to cling to the familiar. Often, what feels like disruption is simply the Universe creating room for something more aligned to take root.

As August comes to its close, remember the wisdom of the harvest. Not every seed planted in spring becomes fruit, and not every fruit is meant to be stored for winter. Part of the harvest is choosing what to carry forward, and part of it is returning what has completed its purpose back to the Earth with gratitude.

Stand beside the river for a while.

Watch the water carry away what you no longer need.

Trust that what remains is enough.

The Wheel continues to turn, and as Virgo season settles in, you step into it lighter, wiser, and ready to tend the life that is truly yours.

To do: Smoke Cleansing, River Offerings, Ancestor Altar, Dream Journal, Tea, Bath Rituals

Journal:

• What harvest have I been too busy to celebrate?

• What identity has become too small for the life I’m growing into?

• What deserves to be stored carefully for the winter ahead?

• What am I finally ready to stop carrying?

• What have you become while tending what you hoped would grow?

Prayer:

May you recognize the abundance already gathered.

May you release what no longer feeds your spirit.

May your hands remain steady through change,
your heart remain open to wonder,
and your harvest remind you that every season of faithful tending leaves its mark upon the soul.

Blessed Lughnasadh.

Odin, the Norse god known as the “Allfather”, is best known for ruling over war, poetry, and wisdom. One of his identifying attributes is that he is missing his left eye. Of course, he was not always the one-eyed god of wisdom: his story of how he lost his eye and gained his sight begins at the Well of Mirmir. 

How Odin Gained His Sight

While Odin was out wandering, disguised as an old man in a floppy hat, he came upon a well at the base of the Yggdrasil, the great world tree. There in the Old Tree’s branches he could hear the rustlings of an uncertain future, but even he was not able to see that far. The well at the base of the tree had a guardian called Mimir, who famously drank from it every day to gain wisdom, as its waters were magical. Mimir was very protective of the well and its powers, so when Odin asked to drink from it, Mimir required a sacrifice: Odin’s left eye. Odin took a deep breath before gouging his eye out and dropping it in the well. 

Satisfied with his sacrifice, Mimir dipped his horn into the well and allowed Odin to drink. Now blessed with the powers from the well, Odin could see farther into the future than any god had seen before. More importantly, he saw clearly what could be changed and what could not. With only one eye, Odin was able to “see” better than he ever had with two. 

Odin’s tale of how he lost his eye follows the classic lesson of journeying far away and returning wiser. On this journey, Odin sacrificed his physical sight for the gift of spiritual sight. Furthermore, the lesson shows that sometimes we have to let go of what is precious to us to discover the right answers.

Embracing Hermit Energy

The story of Odin losing his eye has strong parallels with the figure of The Hermit in the Major Arcana. In the Rider-Waite-Smith illustration, the figure holds up a lighted lantern as he stands on a snowy peak. The old man carries a walking stick in his other hand and he wears a dark cloak around his shoulders. He is returning from a long journey. He has learned a great deal from his spiritual travels, and his facial expression is one of placidity and wisdom. Sound familiar? 

The Hermit in a tarot reading generally indicates a meditative, philosophical turn of attention inward for the purpose of seeking enlightenment and spiritual ascension. The Hermit is the guardian of higher thought and contemplation. His lighted lantern represents his wisdom, lighting the path forward. In some cases, it represents prophetic messages, shining a light on what is to come. 

Odin and the Hermit both show us that some sacrifice and discipline is required to gain spiritual knowledge. Odin gave up his eye, and the Hermit gave up companionship and needs of the flesh for the gift of spiritual sight. Realistically, we cannot always live in Hermit energy, and I am definitely not encouraging you to pluck out your eye; however, these archetypes show us that our spiritual journeys will require discipline and sacrifice along the way.

Can you think of anything that you have sacrificed since you started along your path?

Blessings of Summer’s abundance! Life is abuzz at this time of the year! We are at the zenith of the solar year – Summer Solstice (or Litha) – which is on June 21 this year.

Solstice means “Sun Stands Still”. The Summer Solstice is astrologically determined (as are all of Nature’s eight holydays) when the Sun is directly overhead at noon once a year: in the Northern hemisphere, at the Tropic of Cancer, the Summer Solstice, usually June 21; in the Southern hemisphere, at the Tropic of Capricorn, the Winter Solstice, usually December 21.

In the Northern hemisphere, the Sun is at its northern-most point, when daylight hours have chased the dark away. Litha is actually Mid-Summer in Nature’s Wheel of the Year calendar.

Now, we are seeing results of Spring’s intense seeding: Summer’s exuberant blossoming and growth.

How does your garden grow? What is blossoming into your life?

Where do you want to experience your own personal growth?

What do you long to harvest this fall?

Litha: Time of the Solar Feminine

Litha is a fire holyday, the day of the year with the longest daylight hours. Fire is a powerful element: even the action of lighting a single candle is a powerful act. There is a lot of power and energy in the Summer Solstice.

This is the time of year when the yang Sun fuels the Solar Feminine, igniting her fire for whatever she holds dear: Self. Children. Mothers. Elders. Women. Men. Animal Life. Plant Life. Mother Earth. I am continually inspired by all the women throughout the world who are grabbing the baton, lifting the banner, and leading the charge for human, social, political, and environmental justice – from grandmothers to young women. A wide and powerful, passionate and diverse, smart circle of women. We are the ones we have been waiting for. Goddess bless us every one!

The Warrior/Queen

I think of Litha as “High Noon” in Nature’s Wheel of the Year. And I associate the archetype of the Warrior/Queen with this fiery time. I believe that since we are all living longer, we are seeing the evolution of a fourth Age of Woman: in addition to the classic Maiden, Mother, and Crone, the Warrior/Queen is emerging. And just in time!

In Angeles Arrien’s book The Four Fold Way, she tells of four primary indigenous tribal archetypes: the Warrior, the Teacher, the Visionary, and the Healer.

The Warrior was the Peacemaker, skilled at communication and negotiation in order to promote peaceful resolutions. A Warrior was also skilled in combat but focused on non-violent alternatives. This archetype holds very little in common with the macho Rambos that we are told are the bravest ones among us. As Churchill said, “It takes courage to stand and speak. It also takes courage to sit and listen.” The Warrior is adept at both.

The Queen is sovereign in her world. She also realizes that while her people are subject to her rule, she must also serve her people. A wise woman knows that loyalty runs both ways.

I often think of the Warrior/Queen age as following Mother. Once the children are grown, Mothers can focus on what they are now most passionate about. This often happens at the same time as menopause, which rewires the brain and enables this shift to happen. (Christiane Northrup, MD, The Wisdom of Menopause) A truly powerful time. In my community, almost half of the non-profit agencies were started 40-50 years ago by women in their 50s and 60s. Talk about a legacy! Where there’s a woman, there’s a way.

Yet look at Greta and Malala, young, passionate, and fearless women who have affected the world over and are still teaching us. (Greta reminds me of Joan of Arc.)

The Feminine is powerful at every stage. Whether we are learning, nurturing, protecting, or teaching, we are protected by our grandmothers’ prayers.

What do you cherish the most, feel outrageously protective of, or are willing to stand to support?

What are you the proudest of in yourself?

Who are your Sheroes? Why? (Have you told them?)

Where are you on the Maiden, Mother, Warrior/Queen, Crone spectrum?

Nature Nurtures

In May, I had a wonderful experience discussing with a circle of women how Nature Nurtures. They had just returned from forest bathing and tea, so I asked how they felt after spending time with trees. They all agreed they were more relaxed, breathing deeper, hearing better, seeing clearer. Just one of the many gifts trees freely gives to all the rest of us.

We talked about how we can feel the healing energy exchange between us and the trees we admire or love. And it occurred to me that one of the most personal activist things we can do (anytime!) is to send love and healing thoughts to Mama Earth, thanking Her/Her trees/blooms/skies/etc. to strengthen Her amidst all these assaults on Her. Kinda “stealth” activism… and it feels great! Sending energy doesn’t cost a dime – and there’s no postage!

Sending positive energy is supportive regardless of distance: who do you want to send energy to support?

I wish you all of the powerful abundance of this time of year. Be well.

Peace and Prosperity,

-Kate

Subscribe now

Share

This Article was written by Kate Stockman.

Kate Stockman is an artist, teacher, and storyteller grateful to be living in the western North Carolina mountains. She creates “TouchStones Anecdotal Art (each piece tells a story, perhaps it touches your story).

To connect with Kate Further, Consider attending her Collage Playshop hosted at Asheville Raven and Crone on the Last Sunday of each month.

*Shameless Plug*

As we approach Litha, the Summer Solstice, we arrive at the height of the Sun's power—the longest day, the shortest night, and a moment to pause and witness what has taken root in our lives. What seeds planted in spring are now beginning to blossom? What do you hope to harvest in the seasons ahead?

Asheville Raven and Crone has created a beautifully comprehensive Litha Reference Guide; designed to support you through this powerful transition.

This guide weaves together the history, rituals, and traditions of Litha, offering both grounding and inspiration as we move through a time of deep release and quiet rebirth. It’s created for all paths- whether you’re just beginning or have been walking this path for years.

If this article has you feeling inspired to celebrate Litha but you’d rather gather in community than practice alone, we’d love to invite you to join us at Asheville Raven & Crone for our upcoming Litha Witchcrafting: A Midsummer Celebration.

Together, we’ll honor the height of the Sun through hands-on magical crafting, seasonal teachings, ritual, and fellowship. We’ll explore the history and folklore of Midsummer, discuss the magical correspondences of the season, create two ritual items to take home, and enjoy a table filled with Midsummer-inspired treats and refreshments.

Litha reminds us that abundance grows when it is shared. Whether you’re new to witchcraft or have celebrated the turning of the Wheel for years, this gathering offers an opportunity to deepen your connection with the season while celebrating alongside fellow seekers, witches, and magical folk.

Join us on Saturday, June 27th from 2–4 PM at Asheville Raven & Crone, 640 Merrimon Ave. Suite 207, Asheville, NC.

The Sun may stand still for only a moment, but the memories, connections, and magic we create together can last all year long.

Space is limited, and advance registration is recommended.