Situated on the opposite side of the wheel from Imbolc, which heralds the end of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, 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 teeming 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 a time to celebrate what you have achieved this year – remembering the seeds you planted, the intentions you set, at Imbolc – and harvesting the fruits of your success. 

No doubt you’ll have experienced some challenges, unexpected twists and turns, in the last few months – since a global pandemic and subsequent lockdown probably weren’t on anyone’s agenda back then… But if you take some time to review your goals, you’ll probably be surprised at what, or how much, you have achieved.  Lammas, the first harvest, is the time to slow down, take time to rest and retreat, take stock of what you’ve manifested and what is still to come.  

Every creative action results in both successes and failures – it’s good to know this.  Knowing this can relieve the fear of failure that prevents us from starting a project; and it can help you not to be crushed by the aspects of your project that didn’t go so well, or that need more time and attention.  Harvest time is about both reaping the rewards of what you’ve done well and checking in with clarity and reality about what could be better.  The reaper brings in the wheat and cuts away the chaff.  

Taking time to slow down and pause as the summer begins to wane will give you time to reflect on what you want to carry forward and what you need to leave behind.  Identifying the fruits of your accomplishments and integrating that knowledge, so that the second harvest is even more fruitful.  Cutting away all that no longer serves you, or is not fit for purpose, to create space for fresh growth.  Just as at Imbolc, Lammas is a time for going within, drawing on your deep inner knowing and bringing back inspiration – ready for action at the Autumn Equinox, which often feels like a new beginning.

How Luna Rhythms Yoga can support you during Lammas and the Full Moon in Aquarius:

At Luna Rhythms, our unique system of yoga integrated with the lunar cycles and solar seasons teaches techniques from the ancient yogic practices of asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha and mantra in alignment with the energies of the day, season and cycle.  Lammas and the Aquarian Full Moon is the perfect time to pause and integrate what you have learned.

Look back over your practice, re-read your favourite blog posts – which asanas (postures), pranayamas (breathing practices), mudras (gestures) and mantras (chants) are you feeling drawn towards now?  Take this time to create your own practice, giving yourself space to consider what your body needs, listening to your own inner knowing.  

If you are new to yoga, take a look at my videos or Facebook page to help guide you as you grow.  

The Aquarian Full Moon is a time to celebrate yourself, and it shines a light on your sense of knowing.  It’s about being in full (self-)knowledge, so that you can appraise the situation and make well-informed decisions moving forward.  

“Know Yourself, Trust Yourself” is Aquarius’s message to you.

Aquarius is visionary and humanitarian, encouraging social connections that cultivate wisdom of the bigger picture.  Rebellious and freedom-seeking, now is the time to illuminate the greater vision for your contribution to the New Earth we are co-creating.  

Recognise your gifts and get ready to share what you harvest with the world. 

Blessed Be,

Diana.

To deepen your practice with Luna Rhythms Yoga, you are invited to join my online membership group, Luna Rhythms Wisdom, where we meet together and practice with the five phases of the moon each month: New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, Waning Moon and Dark Moon.  Membership of the group is £29.99 per month for all your Luna Rhythms Yoga practices.