Lughnasadh and the flame in us

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This is the time of the harvest of first fruits. This is the time of burning. What is the connection?

The connection is to study the ur-form of all things living at an esoteric level, as Goethe did the plant world.  Plants are amazing creatures of earth which transform water and air into the flame of life.  They display their flame at the tops as flower, their sexual organs.

We are also living beings who flower and fruit and reproduce in our season.   As we reach this time of first harvest, the hot zenith of the year cycle, the soil is dry and thirsty for extra nourishment because of all that has been expended in fruiting.  Gardeners if they are wise water well and apply side dressings of compost.  But for our ancestors this often meant sacrifices and ashes. 

The most easy sacrifice is songs and dances of thanks. 

 Once harvesting was under way, feasting, choosing, raiding, trading also began. 

 The time of Lugh master of all trades and crafts, humanity strutting its multiple accomplishments before potential partners, is upon us.  View ye the line of eligible partners swaying and giving voice to the fullness of their flowering. Build up the bonfires that rid us of chaff and sprinkle upon the fields the straw and the ashes, to keep the harvest coming.

From my roots I drew what I needed to grow into the shape I am now. And behold I am of good shape and accomplished.  With my skills I forged many fine creations which I now exchange with you.  I sing and you hear me and draw near to my heart, filling it to overflowing.  Our fragrance fills the night as incense.  This is the flowering time.  This is the burning time.  Dross becomes fuel becomes soil for the future.

Here is a link to more scholarly exigesis of the cross quarter festival also called Lammas

http://www.astrologycom.com/lammas.html