Lughnasadh (a.k.a. Lammas, First Harvest, August Eve, et cetera)
(August 1, in some traditions August 2)
Lughnasadh is a Pagan Sabbat: a holiday celebrated by Wiccans, Witches and many others whose religions fall under the umbrella of Earth spirituality and Paganism. It is the first main harvest.
Lughnasadh lore:
The God begins to die, and the Goddess is sad but joyful because She is pregnant. On Yule She will give birth to Him again, but until then She must endure His gradual decline and then be separated from Him through the Samhain season. Both deities are still very powerful but the Sun's power is waning.
Lughnasadh sentiments:
The focus of this holiday is thanks for the blessings and remembrance, and reflection. Some of what came to fruition on Litha is now harvested (though this is only the first harvest; the second is Mabon). We give thanks for the sacrifices that were made for us to continue eating, such as the plants and animals that might have been consumed. Fruit and grain are generally harvested at this time. There is a remembrance that we are all reborn through recycling. Relaxation and being at one with Nature are also themes of the Lughnasadh season.
Lughnasadh practices:
On Lughnasadh, we give thanks. Seeds from fruit are ceremoniously given back to the Earth to keep the cycle going. Some people like to make sand candles and bake bread. Another popular activity is using black thread and a needle to make necklaces out of Indian corn. Food is shared at the Lughnasadh meal. Also, some people like to visit natural places such as lakes and fields. Meditation and thanksgiving are popular activities for Lughnasadh; the acceptance of what has been brought about through the effort of the year is the subject of the meditations.
The Lughnasadh season:
Lughnasadh Herbs--Acacia, all grains, blackberry, calendula, frankincense, grape, heather, mistletoe, oak, rose, sandalwood, sunflower
Lughnasadh Incense--Sandalwood, rose, aloes, chamomile, passionflower, frankincense
Lughnasadh Colors--Yellow, orange, green, brown, red
Lughnasadh Decorations--Corn dollies, any wheat weaving crafts, shafts of grain, sunflowers, indian corn, bread
Lughnasadh Foods--Breads, cider, blackberry pies and jellies, rice, meadowsweet tea, berries, nuts, turnips, oats, elderberry wine
Lughnasadh Sacred Gemstones--aventurine, citrine, peridot, sardonyx
Spellwork appropriate for Lughnasadh--spells for prosperity, abundance, good fortune, connectedness, career, health and financial gain.
Some Lughnasadh Recipes:
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Sabbats:
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