{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"52 John Barleycorn & the First Loaf: The Story of Lughnasadh","description":"Lughnasadh, the first harvest of the Celtic Wheel of the Year, has come \u2014 the season of the first grain, the first loaf, and the old harvest gratitude. In this episode, we follow the story of John Barleycorn, the centuries-old ballad of the grain that is cut down, buried, and rises again as the bread on our table and the ale in our cup \u2014 and we meet meadowsweet, the Queen of the Meadow, the fragrant herb that once crowned the harvest drink and still steadies us through the cold-and-flu season. Come stand with me at the edge of a Vermont field where the light has begun to lean toward autumn, and let this oldest of harvest stories carry you into the turning of the year. \ud83c\udfb6 Listen to my version of this old ballad dating back to the 1500s, Sir John Barleycorn - A Harvest Carol  "Sir John Barleycorn \u2014 A Harvest Carol." Original lyrics, adaptation, and recording \u00a9 2026 Brenda J. Sullivan \/ Thompson Street Farm LLC. Adapted from the traditional ballad "John Barleycorn" (public domain). All rights reserved. No copies may be made or shared without the express written permission of the copyright holder (and that's ME \ud83d\ude0e). Sir John Barleycorn - A Harvest Carol Version 1 https:\/\/thenewenglandherbary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Sir-John-Barleycorn-\u2014-A-Harvest-Carol-Created-by-B.-Sullivan.mp3 Sir John Barleycorn - A Harvest Carol Version 2 https:\/\/thenewenglandherbary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Sir-John-Barleycorn-Harvest-Ballad-v2-Brenda-Sullivan-copyright-2026.mp3   \u270d\ufe0f Join my Newsletter! If you'd like to know me a little more personally, a letter arrives from the garden each Friday \u2014 seasonal stories, herbal wisdom, the quiet rhythms of the Celtic year, and personal videos from the Herbary I'm building by hand.   You'll be the first to hear about new offerings, upcoming classes, and hands-on workshops. And each month, subscribers receive the topic and the link for our free Zoom circle, where we gather to learn and linger together.   It's a slow, unhurried corner of the internet. Come as you are. https:\/\/thenewenglandherbary.com\/join\/   \ud83c\udf3f Herbs & Favorite Tools (affiliate links \u2014 thank you for supporting this work) Herbs featured in this Show: 1. Meadowsweet Dried Herb https:\/\/amzn.to\/4g4NefO 2. Meadowsweet Tincture https:\/\/amzn.to\/4xyPd3a 3. Lavender Journal: Notebook - written by Brenda J. Sullivan https:\/\/amzn.to\/4q3Q218     My favorite tea-making tools: BAYKA French Press Coffee Maker, https:\/\/amzn.to\/4r4LYNH     Cold Brew Coffee Filter for Wide Mouth Mason Jar,  https:\/\/amzn.to\/4qWQr4L   Heat-proof wide-mouth mason jars https:\/\/amzn.to\/4pNflmq   \ud83d\udcdaBookstore - Brenda J. Sullivan Books https:\/\/www.brendajsullivanbooks.com\/   \ud83c\udf31 My Garden Journal \u2013 A How-To Garden Book for Kids Because every gardener starts with a single seed \u2014 and a little curiosity. My Garden Journal is part how-to guide, part creative keepsake, designed to help children (and their grown-ups) learn the basics of growing food and flowers while documenting their journey. Inside you\u2019ll find: Simple planting guidance Space for drawings, photos, and notes Imaginative themed gardens (Harry Potter Herb Garden, Young Chef\u2019s Garden, Monarch Butterfly Garden) Perfect for homeschooling families, budding herbalists, and anyone who wants to grow confidence by growing plants. \u2728 You\u2019ll be amazed at how much you \u2014 and your garden \u2014 grow when you take time to journal the journey.   \ud83c\udf3f Work With Me   \ud83c\udf19 Herbal Consultations (Now Open) Root your wellness in the wisdom of the plants \u2014 and the stars. My one-on-one consultations offer gentle, grounded guidance rooted in traditional herbalism, vitalist principles, and (if you wish) astrology. Each session begins with listening. \ud83d\udc49 Learn more here: https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/351efb18cd6b\/one-on-one-consultations-landing-page   \u2615 Buy Me a Cup of Tea If this story brought you comfort, you can support the channel here: https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/thompsonstg   \ud83c\udfb6 Music Credits A heartfelt thank you to Alexander Nakarada for the music featured in this story. I am a Patreon supporter of Alexander\u2019s work.   \ud83c\udfbc Song: Planning - 320bit -  September 5, 2021 \ud83d\udd17 https:\/\/www.serpentsoundstudios.com\/   \ud83c\udf3f Stay Connected Website: https:\/\/thenewenglandherbary.com\/ Youtube: https:\/\/youtube.com\/@thenewenglandherbary?si=f7_MB0XEz0vn0Xr Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thenewenglandherbary\/ Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61578148227744 The New England Herbary is a project of Thompson Street Farm LLC. https:\/\/thompsonstreetfarm.com\/ ","author_name":"The New England Herbary","author_url":"https:\/\/thenewenglandherbary.com\/blog\/","html":"