As the lush greens of summer transition into the golden tones of late July and early August, the Wheel of the Year brings us to Lughnasadh (pronounced LOO-nah-sah), which marks the 1st of the trio of harvest festivals in pagan and Wiccan practices, followed by Mabon (Sept.21) and Samhain (Oct.31). Celebrated annually on August 1st in the Northern Hemisphere, this festival marks the halfway point between Litha, the Summer Solstice and Mabon, the Fall Equinox. Known also as Lammas or the Bread Harvest, it is a day to give thanks for the first fruits of the season, a time for community gatherings, and a moment to honor Lugh, the Celtic god of light and craftsmanship. So, is it known as Lammas or Lughnasadh? Actually, it is both! Lammas is the Christianized version of the holiday, and Lughnasadh is the original Celtic name. No matter what you call it, this is a time to celebrate nature’s bounty, give thanks for all that we have, and set our intention for the rest of the year.
The Goddess is now in Her aspect as Grain Mother, Harvest Mother, Harvest Queen, Earth Mother, Ceres, and Demeter. Earlier civilizations used the day to thank the waning Sun for the wealth of the wheat harvest and bestow gratitude to the earth mother for the provided sustenance. And best of all, the translation of this holiday’s name literally means “Loafmass or "loaf feast.” Like a holiday about bread!!
We are encouraged today to take stock of our personal development, acknowledge what has been accomplished, and identify areas where either growth is needed or releasing what no longer serves us. Traditional Lughnasadh rituals often revolve around sacrifice and offering. You might create an altar adorned with seasonal vegetation, symbols of the god Lugh, and harvest-related tools like scythes and sickles. Ritualistic games and athletic competitions are also a staple, celebrating the skill and might of Lugh. Today’s modern practices may also include crafting, divination, and rituals that focus on personal growth and prosperity.
As we move through harvest, the turning of the wheel will bring both inner and outer gifts and insights to you. May the rest of your summer shimmer with bountiful delights.
With love & magick, Debbi
Rituals, Symbols & Things to Do
-
· Gods & Goddesses: Lugh, Ceres, Demeter, Dionysus, Cerridwen.
-
· Flowers & Herbs: fennel, sunflower, basil, honeysuckle, rosemary,
-
Food: grains, bread, berries, grapes, wine.
-
Crystals: carnelian, citrine, tiger’s eye, amber
-
·Create a Lammas Altar-objects, crystals, seasonal plants
-
Bake a fresh loaf of bread
-
Have a seasonal feast with family and friends
Creating an Herb Pouch for Abundance
Gather the following:
-
A green candle
-
tbsp each of dried basil and dried peppermint
-
Cinnamon stick
-
Peridot stone
-
1 green pouch with a string to tie it up
Light your candle while centering yourself. Now add each dried herb, the stone, and the cinnamon stick. Peppermint brings abundance and prosperity, while Basil brings abundance and success. Cinnamon...strength and lastly Peridot...earth energy & wealth. Now tie up your pouch, hold it to your heart center, close your eyes, and say: Abundance and prosperity I wish to see...energy of the earth brings these gifts onto me. Close the ritual by acknowledging the Harvest Goddess as you allow your candle to burn down.
Craft your Lammas Altar
Crafting an altar is a wonderful way to honor the essence of Lammas/ Lughnasadh. Decorate it with symbols of harvest such as grains, flowers, or corn. Include items that represent abundance and gratitude, such as a white candle nestled in a bowl of rose hips to thank the ancestors. On mine? I plan to add a statue of the Mother Goddess made from straw...a gift from a beloved student. Add a few shimmering tealight candles to evoke the vibrant energy of the season.
