Have We Really Got Over It?
We are both the harvested and the harvester, two distinct yet interconnected forces working harmoniously together under this Lughnasa New Moon, all in dedicated service to the creation of a new dawn.
How much have we changed?
On the way home this afternoon I was listening to this OnBeing podcast. It was first published in the midst of the Covid pandemic in 2021 - Remember that?
We were all unexpectedly thrown into a completely new kind of reality—one that was marked by the unknown, the un-controllable, and the undeniably scary. Human touch and physical connection were effectively forbidden, leading to a situation where we all had to keep our distance from one another for the sake of safety. On the brighter side, everyone seemed to become much more considerate of others’ feelings and situations, and the skies above were remarkably empty of all mechanical noises. In this unusual calm, nature thrived in ways we hadn't seen for many years.
What’s happened since, over the past two years?
The return to war and genocide marks a troubling new chapter in global events. Russia was first out of the traps, launching an invasion of Ukraine just as the world was beginning to emerge from the pandemic blur. In the wake of this aggression, genocide in Gaza ensued, leading to significant humanitarian crises. Furthermore, new governments have been sworn in across various nations, and international air travel saw the return of planes to holiday destinations.
What happened to us though, have WE really got over it? We don’t seem to have collectively paused since to reflect on this momentous and traumatic time.
It was the great opportunity to thoroughly re-assess the concept of ‘business as usual’
You can read an article I wrote back in 2020 here:
Yet now, all I seem to observe surrounding me is business as usual, appearing pretty much exactly as it was before the year 2020…
On the surface.
…Then I look below the surface, I carefully scratch away at the rich topsoil and suddenly sense a rising heat emanating from beneath. I see those who have made a steadfast commitment to change, thousands upon thousands, even millions of people, all poised and ready, keen like diligent earthworms eager to do their vital work.
Tomorrow’s new Lughnasa moon is beckoning to those intricate threads that bind us all together as a community, inviting us to thoughtfully prepare for the upcoming harvest season… A time to prepare for meaningful change.
What happens when we carefully bury our hands into the warm earth1 and gently pull out a taproot?
We experience a profound sense of accomplishment, a deep feeling of pride, and a glimpse of possibility that invigorates us. Then, we proceed to thoughtfully prepare the nourishing unearthed jewel into something that we can both enjoy for ourselves and share with others in our community.
What happens to the taproot when it’s pulled from its warm home?
It’s reluctant to budge at first, resisting any attempts for movement, and needs to be coaxed, gently but firmly. It’s suddenly exposed to a bright light, unfamiliar temperatures, and new sensations of sound, sight, and smell that it has never experienced before. It’s carefully held, lovingly cared for, and thoroughly washed before being placed in service to nourish others, supporting their growth and well-being in a new environment.
We are both the harvested and the harvester, two distinct yet interconnected forces working harmoniously together under this new moon, all in dedicated service to the creation of a new dawn that holds the promise of fresh beginnings.
Love