Lughnasadh / Lammas/ Lammastide

The first of the Celtic and Northern European harvest celebrations arrives between the last two weeks of July and the first two weeks of August. Today we have designated August 1-2 as the "official" day to mark this turning of the great wheel.

This festival celebrates the first cutting of the grains that will sustain us through the winter. This usually occurs when the Sun is at 15 degrees Leo. The Sun is in exaltation in this sign so it is an opportunity to infuse the collected grain with glowing vitality as part of a magical working.

The first fruits and vegetables are abundant and it's time to begin preservation so there's much work ahead. 

Lughnasadh get's it's name from the Celtic god Lugh widely worshipped across Western  Europe and the British Isles, but particularly in Ireland where he was born and fought many battles. He is the chief pre-christian god of the Tuatha De' Danann of Irish mythology. He is known as "The Shining One" as his name means brightness. So as the Sun is in exaltation in Leo it is fitting to honor Lugh at this time of the year especially if you have any Irish ancestors. 

Lugh is the god of craftsmanship, victory, war, and light. 

More about Lughnasadh

Traditional celebrations include athletic competitions and games.

Baking breads and first fruit pies.

Enjoying the outdoor festivities with friends and family, a glass of wine and a barbeque since this is a fire festival.

This is also the time of sacrifice as the plants give up their life to give us sustenance. May we be thankful and hold gratitude in our hearts.

Lammastide is the name of the ancient ritual of sacrificing the first "fruits" of the harvest to the old gods and land spirits to ensure a bountiful harvest to come by end of the season.

In ancient times the king of a providence would also be sacrificed if under his rule the kingdom did not prosper in the previous year, his blood offered to the land.

It is the time of purging and culling what no longer serves. 

I hope you have a blessed Lughnasadh!