Fun Fact: Games are of special significance for Lughnasadh as the death of Lúgh’s foster-mother, Tailtiu, is commemorated by the Lúnasa Games. Click here to learn more from the Brehon Academy Traditional games such as hurling, camogie, football (soccer), handball, road bowling, stick play and wrestling, as well as more commonly known games such as horseshoes/ring toss, footraces, tug-of-war and sack race. Lughnasdah is the perfect time to gather the family or neighbors for a little backyard fun!

Reflections and reminders from Nature and Lughnasadh... 

• Lughnasadh is a time of great abundance! A wonderful time to get out in Nature and express your gratitude for all things bountiful! Gather wild flowers, berries, and gifts from your garden to can, freeze, create teas and salves to use and enjoy throughout the winter months!
• The first harvest of the year is here! Lughnasadh is a time of deep gratitude for Nature's bountiful gifts and it's the perfect time to slowly begin reaping your harvest. Aside from (or while) foraging, canning and freezing, you may find it a good time to reflect on all that you may have fertilized, planted, nurtured, and weeded-out in your personal life since Imbolc. You may wish to ask yourself: What is it that I wish to harvest at this point in my life? Have my projects, dreams, intentions come full cycle? Will they be ready to harvest before winter? What (if anything) might be stunting my harvest? What (if anything) can I do to enrich my harvest? Be gentle with yourself! After all, Lughnasadh is only the first of the annual Celtic harvest festivals. Take time to slowly enjoy the gathering and preparation of the feast!
• Here's an invitation to grab your journal and go for a walk. Record what you see in anyway you feel called: write, sketch, create songs and poetry about all of Nature's seasonal gifts of which you are grateful for. "Walk Awake" as you explore your backyard, your neighborhood streets, nearby parks and woods with fresh eyes. Take note of what sings to your soul! Take in and enjoy the warm rays of the sun and store its energy. Later, when the wheel once again turns to the dark half of the year you will have the written words, sketches and energy of these beautiful memories at your fingertips reminding you that soon, the wheel will turn once again to a time of blossoms, blooms and great abundance.

Arnica flowers make wonderful healing salves.

Bake Bread!

It's a tradition to celebrate the first harvest by making bread!

Click here for 25 Lughnasadh bread recipes!

Make a Corn Dolly!

For instructions, and to read more about this and another Lughnasadh tradition, Click here.

Click here for a lovely video on how to make your very own incense using sunflower petals, rose buds, and more!

Here are a few photos of one of my many lavender and sage crops from our garden here in Scotland. Crafting lavender wands and smudge sticks is always so much fun! And they sell well at the craft fayres, too!

“Did you treat your Mary Anne to Yellow Man, at the Lammas Fair, O?” In Ireland, it is tradition to bake and eat "Yellow Man" at Lughnasadh. Click here for the recipe and here to learn even more about Lugh, his foster mother Tailtiu, and the Lughnasadh Festivals and games in Ireland.

Blackberries and lavender are plentiful at Lughnasadh. Here's a recipe for Blackberry lavender cupcakes!

Vegan Lemon

Zucchini Bread

Whether you get it fresh out of your garden or from your local farm stand there are many ways to prepare that zucchini!

Click here for a zesty new twist on that good ol' fashioned summertime favorite, zucchini bread!

If you're finding yourself with a 'bushel and a peck' of zucchs this year, Click here for 35 more ways to cook up those gorgeous green gifts from the earth!

'Aw Shucks!'

Are you up to your Ears in corn and fruit?

Check out this recipe for Fresh Corn Salad with Stone Fruit and Herbs.

Looks yummy to me!

Click here for the recipe!

If eating the corn off the cob is more your summer-time style, Click here for a dozen healthy ways to dress your ears! Enjoy!

Esquites (elote en vaso):

When I was in Texas this summer visiting my daughter and family, they had me try Mexican Street Corn in a Cup and I fell in love with this yummy treat! Here's a recipe I found while scanning the internet. I haven't had the opportunity to give it try yet - let me know if you do, or if you have a tried and true recipe for this delicious cuppa!

Have you ever grilled a sunflower head?

I hear it can be quite yummy!

Click here for a recipe (and I'd love to hear how it tasted!).

Click here to listen to three lovely Lammas songs by The Golden Piskie: Lammas Light, Harvest's Hope (instrumental), and Beneath the Golden Sun.



Click here to listen to "Music for Lughnasadh-Lammas" - songs

composed by Miguel Berkemeier. It's a magical 20 minute musical transportation into the energy of the first harvest.

Click here to listen to What the Old Folk Knew: John Barleycorn by Scottish poet, Robert Burns as shared by the Folkkeeper's Hearth

Here is a video from Beneath the Long Man's Feet, reciting an original John Barleycorn poem.

You may recall me having shared one of Grace Well's Wheel of the Year reflective Poetry Films at Imbolc. Click here to view (and listen to her narrate):

Lughnasadh, Gratitude.

These sunflower photos were captured by my long-time friend, Gretchen Errico-Schueler. Her talent and art has always been exquisite! If you wish to purchase copies of her photographs or want to learn more about Gretchen's journey, you can find her on Instagram at: gretchen_e_photography or click here to view her work on Fine Art America.

Thank you Gretchen for sharing the magic of your art with us!

Click here to listen to the story,

The Goddess Tailtiu as told by Candlelit Tales

Some of the places we'll visit during our Orkney Odyssey 2027:

• This journey will begin and end with a group pick up and drop off via private-hire mini bus at the Holiday Inn EXPRESS at Glasgow Airport
• On our way up to Orkney we'll visit Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, located on the east coast in the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth. Dunrobin is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland
• Following our afternoon at Dunrobin we will wend our way north, boarding the ferry for our evening sail to Orkney inclusive of dinner and fantastic views (be sure to be on the look out for the Old Man of Hoy!)
• Upon arrival on Orkney we will check into our ensuite accommodations at the lovely Merkister Hotel inclusive of daily breakfasts and 2 evening meals

During our time on Orkney we will visit each of the following sites as a group whereupon after a brief gathering, individuals will be able to explore on their own before meeting back up with the group at a designated time:

• Skara Brae with its small yet informative museum, well-presevered Neolithic village ruins (unveiled by a wind storm in 1850), historic 17th century mansion, Skaill House, gift shop, and café
• The awe-inspiring Standing Stones of Stenness and the nearby remains of Barnhouse Neolithic Village
• The unforgettable Ring of Brodgar with over 30 standing stones. Here's a link to a YouTube video we took at the Ring of Brodgar a few years ago
• The ruins of the Iron Age Broch of Gurness (described as Scotland's best preserved broch village)

Other group experiences during our time together will include:

• A day trip and guided tour of Kirkwall featuring a visit to the Romanesque St. Magnus Cathedral (the oldest in Scotland, rich in Viking history), the Bishop's Palace, and the Italian Chapel
• A guided visit inside the atmospheric chambered burial cairn of Maeshowe where you will have the opportunity to hear ancient tales and view Viking graffiti
• A private story-telling evening at the Orkney Story Telling Center, exclusive to our group
• A visit to Clava Cairns in Inverness on our return to Glasgow
• The location(s) for 2 of our evening meals is yet to be announced. Each attendee will have a £45 allowance per evening meal included within their pilgrimage fee

Depending on time, as well as the energy and interest of the group, there may be opportunity for additional group excursions, some of which might include: visiting and (if you dare!) crawling into small ancient burial chambers, a stop to view Scapa Flow (a deep waterway with war-time history spanning from Viking times to World War II), and walking along the breathtaking cliffside to view the Yenseby sea stack. 

Throughout our time together, Denise and Nick will share their knowledge and inspire meaningful reflection and conversations rooted in the history, myth and legends of Orkney, and the wisdom within Celtic Spirituality and Nature via the occasional group session and while walking amongst the ancient sites of Orkney. All will be blended beautifully with Walking Awake's eclectic mix of poetry, song, ceremony, story and simply 'walking awake' in all we do! A more detailed itinerary will be given nearer the event.

*This journey is limited to 11 guests

Cost:

Early Announcement Discount Rate:

$3,500.00 pp / £2,600.00 pp

($7,000.00 /£5,200.00 per couple)

After August 20th, 2026 price per person increases to $3,700.00pp /£2,800.00pp

($7,400.00 / £5,600.00 per couple)

Single Room surcharge, while available:

$700.00 / £525 (early announcement discount rate)

Please note: single room availability is very limited for this journey!

After August 20th, 2026 the single room surcharge increases to $800.00 /£600.00.

How to secure your place: A non-refundable deposit of $700.00 per person will secure your place(s) on our 2027 Orkney Odyssey at at the early announcement discount rate if received by August 20th, 2026. Contact Denise and she will instruct you on availability and how to place your deposit.

Not included in base pilgrimage fee: Airfare, any travel or accommodation outside of the dates of our trip, individual travel insurance for all eventualities (proof of travel insurance is REQUIRED), any single room optional surcharges, optional tips for bus drivers, guides or other services, any unforseen additional costs incurred due to travel disruptions or delays within our scheduled pilgrimage, and any other options not listed as included. 

In the rare event that we encounter travel delays (such as ferries not running, bus issues, etc.) each individual is responsible for any and all additional costs incurred including but not limited to accommodation and meals. Because of this rare possibility (it has not occurred for our pilgrimages so far!), we also advise when booking air travel or further individually booked land travel to include at least an extra day at the end of the journey. 

Some of the places we'll visit during our 2027 pilgrimage to Skye, Lewis and Harris:

• This journey will begin and end with a group pick up and drop off via private-hire mini bus at the Holiday Inn EXPRESS at Glasgow Airport
• On our way to the Isle of Skye, we will visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most recognised castles in Scotland featured in photos around the world
• After our time exploring the castle we'll cross the Skye Bridge and begin our time on the Misty Isle (Norse for Skye) by settling into our ensuite accommodation at Sligachan Hotel for our 3 night stay (May 8th -11th) inclusive of breakfasts
• The location(s) for our evening meals is yet to be announced. Each attendee will have a £45 allowance per evening meal included within their pilgrimage fee

During our time on Skye, we will visit each of the following sites as a group whereupon after a brief gathering, individuals will be able to explore on their own before meeting back up with the group at a designated time:



• The beautiful crystal-clear blue Fairy pools located beneath the stunning view of the Black Cullins
• Dunvegan Castle and Gardens - the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. Also the home to the mysterious Fairy Flag
• The Old Man of Stor, a 55 metre-high pinnacle of basalt rock - all that remains of a 2.800 million year-old volcanic plug
• The ruins of Duntulm Castle
• The Jurassic views at An Corran Beach where in 2002, after a storm exposed newly accessible rock, a woman walking her dog discovered the imprint of 168 Million year old dinosaur footprint
• The magically enchanting Fairy Glen with its spiralling labyrinth and woodland nemetons - Here's a link to a YouTube video of us Walking Awake at the Fairy Glen a few years back
• The dramatic, craggy, otherworldly landscapes of the Quirang

After our time on Skye concludes, we will board our bus and take the ferry from Uig on Skye over to Tarbet on Lewis/Harris where our accommodation for the next 3 nights will be at the Royal Stornoway Hotel .

While on Lewis/Harris, we will visit the following sites as a group whereupon after a brief gathering, individuals will be able to explore on their own before meeting back up with the group at a designated time:

• The 5000 year-old cross-shaped setting of the world-famous Callanish Standing stones, including the opportunity to visit the lesser known stone circles of Callanish and time to experience the newly refurbished Callanish Visitor Centre, café and gift shop. Here's a link to a YouTube video we took a few years back while visiting the Callanish Standing Stones.
• Time to stroll in the beauty of the stunning Luskentyre Beach. Rated one of the world's most beautiful beaches, its expansive shoreline of sparkling white sand and incredibly turquoise blue water is simply magical
• Time to explore Stornoway and learn more about Harris Tweed
• Other possible day excursions to visit additional ancient sites (TBA) such as brochs and settlements may also be added to this journey dependant on time, the group's energy and interest

After our time on Lewis/Harris, our bus will transport us via ferry back to mainland Scotland as we spend the day wending our way back to our drop off location at the Holiday Inn Express at the Glasgow Airport.

Throughout our time together, Denise and Nick will share their knowledge and inspire meaningful reflection and conversations rooted in the history, myth and legends of Skye, Lewis and Harris, and the wisdom within Celtic Spirituality and Nature via the occasional group session and while walking amongst these magical sites.. All will be blended beautifully with Walking Awake's eclectic mix of poetry, song, ceremony, story and simply 'walking awake' in all we do! A more detailed itinerary will be given nearer the event.

*This journey is limited to 11 guests

Early Announcement Discount Price:

$4,100.00 pp /£ 3,100.00 pp

($8,200.00 / £6,200.00 per couple) 

After August 20th, the early discount rate expires and pilgrimage cost increases to $4,400.00 pp / £3,300.00 pp

($8,800.00 / £6,600.00 per couple)

Single Room surcharge, while available:

$700.00 / £525 (early announcement discount rate)

Please note: single room availability is very limited for this journey!

After August 20th, 2026 the single room surcharge increases to $800.00 /£600.00.

How to secure your place: A non-refundable deposit of $700.00 per person will secure your place(s) on our 2027 Walking Awake on the Islands of Skye, Lewis and Harris pilgrimage at the early announcement discount rate if received by August 20th, 2026. Contact Denise and she will instruct you on availability and how to place your deposit.

Not included in base pilgrimage fee: Airfare, any travel or accommodation outside of the dates of our trip, individual travel insurance for all eventualities (proof of travel insurance is REQUIRED), any single room optional surcharges, optional tips for bus drivers, guides or other services, any unforseen additional costs incurred due to travel disruptions or delays within our scheduled pilgrimage, and any other options not listed as included. 

In the rare event that we encounter travel delays (such as ferries not running, bus issues, etc.) each individual is responsible for any and all additional costs incurred including but not limited to accommodation and meals. Because of this rare possibility (it has not occurred for our pilgrimages so far!), we also advise when booking air travel or further individually booked land travel to include at least an extra day at the end of the journey. 

Are you interested in joining us for both spring pilgrimages?

If you book both the Orkney and the Skye, Lewis/Harris by August 20th, 2026, you will receive an additional $100.00 per person ($200.00 per couple) off the two trip total. 

*Note: Non-refundable deposit to secure your place on both trips is $1,400.00 per person. 

Walking Awake is happy to offer suggestions for locations individuals may wish to visit during on their own during their two free days in between these trips.

More about our 2027 pilgrimage to the

Isle of Iona:

• This journey will begin with an 8:00am private-hire bus group pick up at the Holiday Inn EXPRESS at Glasgow Airport for a day-long trip to the Kilmartin Glen with visits to Dunadd Hill Fort, Temple Wood Stone Circles, Burial Chambers, the Nether Largie Standing Stones, and Kilmartin’s newly refurbished museum and, if open, its café
• Early evening (around 5:00pm) our bus trip will end with a drop off at our overnight ensuite accommodation in Oban, the Muthu Alexandra Hotel
• After check-in, we will enjoy a group-booked meal (time TBA) at an atmospheric and delicious restaurant by the waterside
• The next morning, guests will enjoy an inclusive breakfast buffet at our hotel before walking to the ferry terminal to begin our pilgrimage to the Isle of Iona as we embark on a beautiful 45 minute sail from Oban to Craignure, on the Isle of Mull
• Upon arriving in Craignure, together we will board a public bus and make our way across the majestic Isle of Mull to Fionnphort where we will catch our final 15 minute ferry over the turquoise blue Sound of Iona to our pilgrimage destination, the Isle of Iona
• After setting foot on Iona, we will walk together (approximately 5 minutes) to our lovely accommodation for the week at the Argyll Hotel with ensuite rooms, inclusive of delicious breakfasts and gourmet dinners for our entire stay and a private gathering space exclusive to our group
• While on Iona, Denise and Nick will offer a variety of optional guided informational and reflective walks, morning meditations and group sessions focusing in on Iona history and myth, our interconnection with Nature, various aspects of Celtic Spirituality, and more. We will visit Iona's many well-loved sites, such as Columba's Bay, the Hermit's Cell, the Nunnery ruins, the Oran Chapel, Iona Abbey (inclusive of week-long admission tickets), Dun I and Brigid's Well (a.k.a. the Well of Eternal Youth), and some of the island's seldom visited hidden gems including an easily accessible tidal cave and peaceful, white sand beaches. We'll also offer a boat excursion to the Isle of Staffa to view Fingal's Cave (not included, cost approx. £45. pp)

This Walking Awake on Iona Pilgrimage will conclude with Denise and Nick accompanying the group back across the Sound of Iona via ferry to the village of Fionnphort. There, either as individuals or together as a group, guests will return via public bus back across Mull to Craignure, then by ferry from Criagnure to Oban (bus and ferry tickets are included in pilgrimage fee).

From Oban it is up to the individual traveller! You may wish to explore Oban further on your own -- perhaps shop, pub-hop, visit the Oban Distillery, walk up to MacCaig's Tower, or visit Dunollie Castle and walk its magical woodland trails. If staying in Oban a little longer isn't of interest to you, upon returning to Oban via the ferry, its a short walk to hop the train or take bus back to Glasgow or to travel further on to Edinburgh. From either city, you might choose to travel on elsewhere within Scotland or start your journey home. If desired, Denise and Nick are happy to offer available travel suggestions.

*This journey is limited to 14 guests

Early Announcement Discount Price:

Cost: $3,300.00 pp /£2,500.00 pp

After August 20th, the early discount rate expires and base pilgrimage cost increases to

$3,500.00 pp / £2630.00 pp

Single Room surcharge, while available: $700.00 / £525 (early announcement discount rate)

Please note: single room availability is very limited for this journey!

After August 20th, 2026 the single room surcharge increases to $800.00 /£600.00.

Sea View Room surcharge while available: $700.00 pp/£525.00pp (early announcement discount rate).

After August 20th, 2026 the sea view room surcharge increases to $800.00 /£600.00.

Don't delay! This is our only 2027 pilgrimage to Iona and is sure to fill up fast.

How to secure your place: A non-refundable deposit of $700.00 per person will secure your place(s) on our 2027 Walking Awake on Iona Pilgrimage at the early announcement discount rate if received by August 20th, 2026. Contact Denise and she will instruct you on availability and how to place your deposit.

Not included in base pilgrimage fee: Airfare, group-booked dinner in restaurant in Oban (Walking Awake will make the booking however, the cost for this meal is the individual’s responsibility), group-booked boat trip to the Isle of Staffa to visit Fingal’s Cave (Walking Awake will make the group reservation however, the approx. £45.oopp cost for this trip is the individual’s responsibility), any travel or accommodation prior to and following the dates of our trip, individual travel insurance for all eventualities (proof of travel insurance is REQUIRED), any sea-view or single room optional surcharges listed, optional tips for bus drivers, guides or other services, any unforseen additional costs incurred due to travel disruptions or delays within our scheduled pilgrimage, all other options not listed as included. 

In the rare event that we encounter travel delays (such as ferries not running or bus issues, etc.) each individual is responsible for any and all additional costs incurred including but not limited to accommodation and meals. Because of this rare possibility (it has not occurred for our pilgrimages so far!), we also advise when booking air travel or further individually booked land travel to include at least an extra day at the end of the journey. 

2024 brought forth our inaugural Walking Awake year-long small intentional group community focused on 'Going Deeper' into the exploration of our interrelationship with Nature and our fascination with the various aspects of Celtic Spirituality. I am happy to report that with the arrival of this coming Samhain (2026) we will begin our third spiral around the Great Wheel. These past two years, although each uniquely different, have been deeply enriching in so many ways. Our small inquisitive and supportive community is a treasure we all cherish. This notice is your once-a-year invitation to join our 'Going Deeper' for the next cycle.

Here are a few comments from members of our group: 

‘…a very interesting and multi-faceted experience…I have especially liked how the choice of topics for each group meeting has shown how multidimensional everything is. Great questions were raised in the different presentations, and the thoughts shared inspired me to ask deeper questions of myself…’

‘I would highly recommend it to others as a way to explore the spokes of the wheel more deeply and connect with like minded souls. I have made some friends through this journey that I feel I will remain connected with for years after this course completes.’

'I have definitely benefited from being engaged in the diving deeper and learning about the Celtic myths, histories, and culture. I have come to deeply love the people that are in our group. It has been a warm hearted, spiritually nurturing and educational process for me.'

‘There is so much wisdom and knowledge and giftedness within this group! I learn from what everyone shares and obviously from my own digging.’

‘The love and kindness of this entire group has helped me learn with ease and at my own pace. I have gained confidence as a learner in new subjects. I admire the wisdom and knowledge of everyone with whom I’ve journeyed in this process. The experience has been (is still) deeply rich. This is a community of people with whom I love and wish to stay connected.’

‘This journey has been magical on many levels… I have always felt connected to Mother Earth and in many ways this journey has deepened that connection…’ 

The 2026/2027 'Walking Awake Deeper into the Wisdom of the Wheel' group will be limited in size. The invitation to join our 'Going Deeper' group is extended to you from now until October 1st, 2026 when the open invitation will be closed. At Samhain-time 2026 we will begin our new spiral around the Great Wheel.

What our gatherings/year together looks like:

We will meet via Zoom near the spokes of the year from Samhain 2026 to Samhain 2027 (9 times). Between each spoke, our community splits into smaller groups to gather separately for at least one additional meeting within which we dig even deeper into our co-created assignments exploring the mysterious lessons of the Great Wheel while reflecting on our interrelationship with Nature, and delving into myth, rituals, ceremonies and lessons within Celtic Spirituality.

Our 2026/2027 'Going Deeper' Spiral will conclude at Samhain 2027 with the optional participatory celebration of meeting in person (exclusive to our group) at Kirkridge Retreat Center in Pennsylvania, Wednesday, October 27th - Friday, October 29th, 2027. If Going Deeper members wish, our exclusive gathering is timed perfectly to provide the smooth transition into Denise's annual public weekend event 'Walking Awake into the Celtic New Year' which will run Friday, October 29th, 2027 - Sunday, October 31st, 2027.

If you are intrigued by this invitation and would like the opportunity to join our 2026/2027 Walking Awake Deeper into the Wisdom of the Wheel group, please contact Denise to receive further information. Space is limited.