Seasonal Shifts~ Celebrating Late Summer and the First Harvest
As February begins, the seasons subtly shift, marking a moment rich with tradition and symbolism. In the Northern Hemisphere, people search for signs of spring, celebrating festivals such as Imbolc or St. Brigid’s Day—a deeply feminine festival symbolising fertility and new beginnings. The name Imbolc itself means “in the belly,” reflecting the time of conception when lambs are pregnant but not yet born. It is a festival of potential, of what is to come.
In the Southern Hemisphere, however, February carries a different energy. Here, we begin transitioning from the height of summer to the anticipation of autumn. While it’s certainly not autumn yet—and depending on the local climate, it may still feel very much like a beautiful full summer—there are subtle changes in the natural world that hint at what lies ahead. This is the beauty of cyclical living and cycle awareness: the ability to notice and honour the delicate transitions, the in-between moments that often go unacknowledged.
Both sides of the ‘coin’ are part of the greater Wheel of the Year—a sacred cyclical seasonal festivals that align with the solar year.
The First Harvest in the Southern Hemisphere
In the Southern Hemisphere, this time is marked by the First Harvest halfway between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox.
(Name note; In the Celtic tradition the name was Lughnasadh; pronounced Loo-NAS-ah, named after the Celtic god Lugh, a deity of craftsmanship, skill, and creativity after it was Christianised to Lammas or Loaf Mass. For a more inclusive and Southern African perspective, I prefer to use the more accessible term ‘First Harvest’)
First Harvest celebrates abundance—the fruits of labour, the gifts of the earth, and the cycles of growth and fulfilment. In South Africa, this could align with local festivals such as The Feast of the First Fruits, which celebrates the Marula tree and its fruit, harvest, and oneness of a community.
These festivals remind us that the dates and traditions may vary across cultures and regions, but the essence of gratitude and connection to the earth remains universal.
Right now, in my environment, the signs of late summer abound. The air is warm, sometimes punctuated by rain, and the landscape is lush and vibrant. Trees are heavy with fruit, grasses are tall with seeds ready to burst and scatter, and there is a hum of activity among insects and animals. Butterflies and dragonflies flit about, fledglings take their first flights, and the cycle of life is on full display.
This abundance reminds us to pause and reflect. What are we harvesting in our own lives? What have we nurtured and grown in recent months? Lammas invites us to take stock, Express gratitude for the fruits of our efforts, and prepare for the quieter, reflective months ahead.
Beyond Four Seasons: Embracing Nuance
The traditional division of the year into four seasons doesn’t always capture the nuances of nature. Just as the menstrual cycle contains far more complexity than its four archetypal phases, so too do the natural seasons hold layers of subtle shifts. Between the solstices and equinoxes lie these magical “in-between” moments—the cross-quarter days like the first Harvest—that mark transitions and thresholds.
These transitions are akin to the waxing and waning crescents of the moon, or the moments at the height of an inhale and the depth of an exhale. They remind us that life is not static but constantly flowing, expanding, and contracting. Recognising these moments helps us attune to the cyclical nature of life, whether it’s the turning of the seasons, the phases of the moon, or the rhythms of our bodies.
Local Context and Climate
Of course, our experience of the seasons is deeply personal and influenced by where we live. For me, living in the Highveld region, February is still hot and often dry, though occasional rains bring relief. The days are long and sunny, with a cooling breeze hinting at the changes to come. The landscape is vibrant, and my garden—lush with greenery and buzzing with life—is a testament to the abundance of this time.
However, seasonal shifts are becoming less predictable as climate patterns change. Wetter or drier spells often occur out of sync with traditional expectations. This makes it all the more important to cultivate a deep awareness of our local environment and its unique rhythms, rather than relying solely on fixed calendars or imported traditions.
Reflection and Gratitude
First Harvest is not just about celebrating the natural world; it’s also a time for reflection. As we move through this transition, we are invited to honour the abundance around us and within us. What have we achieved? What are we grateful for? For me, this season brings gratitude for the beauty of my garden, the fruits ripening on the trees, and the simple pleasures of warm days and cool breezes. It’s a time to appreciate the fullness of life before the slower, quieter days of autumn arrive.
At a deeper level, it encourages us to reflect on what we are ready to release. Just as the earth begins to prepare for the shedding of leaves and winter dormancy, we too can consider what no longer serves us. What projects or commitments are coming to fruition? What can we let go of to create space for new growth?
A Time of Soft Transitions
Whether you are celebrating First harvest/Lammas in the Southern Hemisphere or First Spring/Imbolc in the Northern Hemisphere, this time of year is a reminder of the beauty of soft transitions. It’s not about rushing into the next season but about savouring the moment of in-between, the richness of the present, and the promise of what’s to come.
As we honour the season shift, let’s also honour the cycles of our own lives. Let’s celebrate our achievements, express gratitude for our abundance, and embrace the ever-changing rhythm of life. In doing so, we reconnect with the wisdom of the earth and the wisdom within ourselves.
Here are some journalling prompts that might guide you in your cycle awareness journey and seasonal shifts. You can also find these on my website for download.
What am I grateful for today? What resources or lessons from summer will I carry forward into autumn?
What amazing abundance do I take with me? not only achievements but experiences travels, and memories?
How have I changed over the past season? What subtle shifts can I observe within myself?
How does the change of season feel in my body? What foods, movements, or practices is my body craving right now?
What can I start to let go of to create space for the next phase of my life/ month, the coming year?
Top Tips, Rituals, and Reflection Questions for the First Harvest;
Gratitude Practice: Write down three things you’re grateful for. What abundance do you see in your life?
Nature Walk: Collect seasonal treasures like feathers, flowers, or seeds to decorate your home.
Harvest Ritual: Light a candle, meditate outside, or reflect on the abundance in your life.
Release Exercise: Write down what no longer serves you and symbolically let it go (e.g., burn the paper).
Comments