This year, I’ve decided to offer an opportunity for community to gather around the fire (or a symbolic fire element if we’re in the midst of a burn ban) to hear and share stories and join in a community song or two as a way to honor the old Celtic fire festivals. These festivals mark the mid-way points between the equinoxes and the solstices and include Samhain (Nov. 1st), Imbolc (Feb. 1st), Beltane (May 1st) and Lughnasadh (August 1st).
We will anchor the night with one of the Old Stories (or a weave of pieces of a few of them) and then open up the space for the reflections, musings, and stories of others in the circle who would like to share. Stories shared can be bits of folktales, myths or legends and can also be personal stories, something that’s happened recently or long ago that struck your fancy and stayed with you for one reason or another. Songs can be offered as an individual offering to the group or taught as a group singing experience. You are so welcome to join us with or without a story or song to share.
At this Lughnasadh gathering, the primary story shared is likely to be one that flows out of Ireland – possibly the story of the birth of Lugh, himself (the sun god after whom Lughnasadh is named)…or how he fulfilled the prophecy that freed the Tuatha Dé Danann from the oppressive cruelty of Balor of the Evil Eye…or of one of his foster mothers, Taltiu, who single-handedly cleared a vast swath of the Irish forest to make space for agriculture and farming and then died of exhaustion as a result of her efforts.
Come see what delights the night holds as the sun sets and the moon rises over our Lughnasadh fire! Light snacks will be provided. Hope to see you there!
When: Friday, 8/7/26, from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: The Healing House in Central North Austin
Investment: $15/person
To register: Drop me a text (512.560.7294) or e-mail (eamonwillow@calonyddraig.com)