The First Harvest
The first of the harvest festivals kicked off on August 1. Happy Lammas! Harvests help us to assess progress we're making towards our hopes and dreams laid out earlier in the year. It's an opportune time to show gratitude for what's been received and also refine what we're still tending in our gardens. In this spirit, I asked the cards two questions and pulled 1 card for each question.
What are you reaping? (The High Priestess)
What needs tending before the final harvest later this year? (9 of Pentacles)
At this first harvest, you may not feel like you're reaping much. Are your hands empty? You've possibly released more than you've received at this moment. You may open your arms — possibly in the Divine surrender question of "Why?" With this gesture, you are opening yourself to being the grandest chalice. A laid bare, empty chalice may be... but a vessel that's ready to receive and thus be filled to overflowing with knowledge. Knowledge of who you are, how you are and the deeper wisdom and mysteries of Divine connection and The Universe at large.So never fear, my dear, if you feel empty handed during this Underworld journey you've been through (or are still going through). The Underworld is a great place to leave everything behind so you are unburdened and ripe for receiving an enlightened perspective of your path. You may discover you've taken a shortcut, albeit a grisly one, when you emerge.Growing season is far from over, and 9 of Pentacles reminds you to not only have patience but to also have discipline. Can you think back to dreams you spoke of six to nine months ago? Pull one out that stirs your heart yet is still unrealized. What small, consistent step can you begin to bring that dream closer to reality?If you desire space for yourself, this may look like putting your phone on silent one afternoon every week. If you want to write or make art, create a realistic practice and honor that time three days a week. Same with health, financial, spiritual or any other goals. Set up a schedule, structure or some sort of discipline that evokes the kernel of intent seeded in that dream. As this card shows, being a successful musician has its roots in regular practice. Let this practice be a meditation.Consistency and discipline are key here. What feels doable and attainable? "Everyday" sounds good but generally isn't realistic, especially in this foundation-building phase. This isn't a race for speed. Notice how the woman in the card sits upon a snail's shell. That's interesting medicine.Slow but steady is the motto here, especially in this lower-energy time of summer. Right now you are building a base — physically as well as spiritually — by tending your dreams in small ways. This is a season for gathering and conserving energy for the more intense bursts needed come fall. Nurture and be nurtured.
