August - Lughnasadh

Saturday August 16th, 2008 - 5pm - Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown - Join the Hann Family for a Lughnasadh Ritual. The Celtic harvest festival takes its name from the Irish god Lugh, one of the chief gods of the Tuatha De Danann, giving us Lughnasadh in Ireland, Lunasdál in Scotland, and Laa Luanys in the Isle of Man. Lugh dedicated this festival to his foster-mother, Tailtiu, the last queen of the Fir Bolg, who died from exhaustion after clearing a great forest so that the land could be cultivated. When the men of Ireland gathered at her death-bed, she told them to hold funeral games in her honor. As long as they were held, she prophesied Ireland would not be without song. Tailtiu’s name is from Old Celtic Talantiu, "The Great One of the Earth," suggesting she may originally have been a personification of the land itself, like so many Irish goddesses. In fact, Lughnasadh has an older name, Brón Trogain, which refers to the painful labor of childbirth. For at this time of year, the earth gives birth to her first fruits so that her children might live. Please bring a bring an apple, acorn squash or an eggplant, lemon juice, basil, rosemary or other herb of your choice, and a taper candle in whatever color you choose as well as canned food item and potluck item to share.

September - Mabon, The Harvest

Saturday September 20th, 2008 - 3pm - Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown - Join Sprye in celebrating Mabon, the Autumnal Equinox. Mabon marks the Second Harvest, the end of the grain harvest (which begun at Lughnasadh), and rests on the Autumn Equinox. The Equinox mirrors dwindling of life (and eventual progression to rebirth), as well as the struggle for balance; day and night are equal for a single day. Lets celebrate the fruits of our labors, balance that we have in our lives, and give thanks for what we have positively manifested. Please bring a canned food item and potluck item to share. Gallery Readings with Alexandra Windsong - Saturday, September 20th, 7 - 8 pm. Receive information about, and/or messages from, your spirit guides as Alexandra performs mini readings for each participant in a gallery style setting. Join us for a fun and enlightening evening as Alexandra shares her special gift. Makes a great "girl's night out". (Auras and past lives may be read for some participants). Space is limited to 10 people. $25. Please contact Queen of Heaven Circle to check on availability of space (This is now full! We will work to set up another event like this in the future. Please check back to see when we do this again). To view our Calendar of Events for 2008 please click here!