Situated on the opposite side of the wheel from Imbolc, which heralds the end of the winter season, Lammas marks the beginning of the end of summer. It is the cross quarter day between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. Although the days are still hot, sunshine is still abundant, and the fields and forests are still teaming with life, we can begin to feel the tell tale signs of the approaching autumn. The sun sets earlier with each passing day, and many plants begin to wither, dropping their seed to the ground, so that new life can return at the start of the next growing season. Berries, apples and other fruits begin to ripen on trees and vines, and the grain in the fields has reached its full height, ready to be cut down and stored for the winter. This is a bitter-sweet time, as we are surrounded by the abundance of the summer’s bounty, yet becoming more aware by the day that we are heading back into the dark time of the year.

Lammas is the time of the first fruits, and is known as one of the first of the three harvest festivals. Grain crops are now ready for harvesting, along with corn, and many other late summer vegetables, and early autumn fruits. Of course plenty of produce has already been available for harvesting and plenty more will be ready later on in the season, but Lammas marks the point in time when harvesting, rather than planting or tending becomes the main focus.

This is time to consciously recognise the fruits of our labours, whether literally, or metaphorically and to give thanks for all that has manifested. We recognise the inherent sacrifice of the plants that give their lives, so we may eat, and we are humbled by the great life and death cycles that govern all of creation.

How can we use the lessons of Lammas in everyday life, and within our yoga practice?

At Lammas we give thanks, and celebrate all that has passed since the first early days of spring, back in February. It is the perfect time to take stock, and contemplate all that has passed. What can we learn from all that has transpired? Lammas also teaches us to cut back. At this time, the crops and flowers are pruned ,so that there maybe be some regrowth during the last few weeks of summer. It is the perfect time to evaluate our own lives and to see what can be cut back, and pruned, in order for our own regrowth.

I have found sharing this during the yoga practice has helped others to really embrace this time of the year in August ,to slow down, take stock and cut back that which no longer serves them.

I help them with this process with visualisations, breath work, meditations and asana’s that create healthy natural environments for this great work to take place.

I hope this has inspired you to remember natures rhythms, and to come back to a way of living that is in harmony and deep connection to the cycles and seasons. Maybe, if we all returned home to this way, we might help secure the future for our families, seven generations from now.

With all my love

Diana