08/01/2026
Hello Everyone, and Happy Lughnasadh! Yes, the Sabbat has landed on a Saturday, but unfortunately, Chamberlin and I are on opposite sides of the State and he is running the shoppe solo. As a result, we will not have a formal Circle tonite, sorry, but feel free to stop by the shoppe and say "HI" to Chamberlin. Today is an awesome Sabbat (but aren't they all?), because today is actually the First Sabbat of the Harvest! This holiday honours the God Lugh and his foster mom, the Goddess Tailtiu. Fostering was a very important practice in Celtic societies, whereby families would exchange their children to be raised by their neighbors, and, often, their enemies. The idea was that you would ot harm a stranger's child simply because you wouldn't want your own child harmed; it was a way to prevent wars, which was rather effective. In the case of Lugh and Tailtiu, things were a bit more complicated, as they always are in Celtic stories. Lugh's parents were from warring factions; they seemed to be at peace until Lugh was born, and BOTH sides wanted him, more for political gain and a touch of vengeance. You see, Lugh's grandfather, Balor, is a bit of a lunatic, and there was a prophecy (as there always is) that a grandchild would kill him. So Balor does the only sensible thing and locks his daughter in a tower. Well, that didn't stop her intended, and after he snuck into the tower, a little something something happened and several months later TRIPLETS! While the Triplets were suprising enough, what was more surprising, or perhaps not very surprising considering his general attitude problem, was Balor's reaction - he wrapped the babies in a sheet and had them thrown into the ocean! Well, one baby, Lugh, slipped out of the bundle, was rescued by a druidess, and returned to his parents, who then asked Tailtiu, from another tribe entirely, to foster the baby so that the other two tribes could not alter Lugh's destiny. And that is why we honour both the Lord Lugh and the Lady Tailtiu at the beginning of the Harvest Season, because the Harvest is about community, connection and collaboration between the Earth and Sky, and we as the caretakers of the fields and the land and the animals. It is said that Tailtiu died from exhaustion, having cleared the land for crops and ensuring that the people could farm and prosper. Her sacrifice led to physical rewards - fertile land to sustain Her people. Bread and produce were shared to ensure that all were fed and no one went hungry. Today, this Sabbat reminds us to be kind, to share with others, to care for our neighbors. This Sabbat reminds us to slow down, stop occasionally, and celebrate milestones both big and small. Acknowledge your helpers, your mentors, parents or parental figures who cleared the way for you to succeed, or just to take the next step. Many people have helped Merry Meet, Again move forward, and we are eternally grateful for their past and continued support. Even tho we are not celebrating together tonite we are still a community. Thank you for all your support, We luv ya. Hugs and luv, and blessed be!
