The Lughnasadh open circle went wonderfully today. I met a few new people and reconnected with old friends. The potluck was delicious; a couple people brought the bounties of their home gardens to share too. I have lots of fresh organic produce in my kitchen now! Spaghetti squash, zucchini, radishes, onions and beets. Yum! It is definitely going to make zucchini relish this week.

The ritual went well but it was also a learning experience for me too. This is one of the larger groups I have worked with and organized (it really is like herding cats!) Group chanting works well with smaller groups but it seems to get disorganized too quickly in larger ones, I felt they broke the ritual up too much. I think the guided meditation I did went very well though. I could have slowed it down a bit though, I rushed a little because I was a bit nervous. I feel I will be more at ease doing it next time. Fleur sang a wonderful song which brought me a lot of peace before the meditation otherwise I might have really ran through it. We blessed the food that was brought and raised some healing energy for some too.

I realized how much I deeply care about one person who I asked for some healing energy for in the circle. She has late stage ovarian cancer. Not only is she the mother of one of my best friends, but she is also my friend. I didn’t realize how much her pain affected me until I was on the verge of breaking down into tears talking about her. Cancer is so devastating and she is such a strong woman, I really admire her.

It was really nice seeing the community coming together and celebrating. I am definitely going to be organizing something for Autumn Equinox now too!

Click here for more photos. I forgot to get any of the altar, I shall have to remember that next time. I also forgot sunscreen since I rarely burn – Murphy’s Law though, my face is toasty!