Lammas / Lughnasadh
July 31st-August 2nd
First Harvest (corn, wheat) / Bounty / Blessings / Abundance / Animal Spirits
In the northern hemisphere, this is the time of year when the sun reaches its full potential on Earth. We are midway between Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox. Heat and light have turned those waving waves of grain, golden. The plants in our gardens nestle a rich bounty of fruits and vegetables. It is time to harvest that which we have sown. When you read the history of Lammas / Lugnashadh you can see that throughout time the events that occurred at these celebrations varied. However, the theme of first harvest runs through them all.
Whether you celebrate this holiday by honoring the god Lugh, or by celebrating first harvest (or both), rich, crusty loaves of bread are appropriate on Lammas alters. Lughnasadh means the festival of Lugh. Lammas is a Christian word meaning "loaf mass". Both festivals celebrate grain, which was considered the sustenance of life. From intention, to seed, sprout to full grown plant- nurtured by sun, rain, wind and love, our seeds come full circle creating multiple seeds from one which was planted so long ago.
As always, we check-in individually with what we are personally harvesting. Is there an area in our lives that hasn’t been watered adequately; too much, too little? Every plant requires its own unique balance of nurturing. Physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, we also need to keep balance within ourselves. We celebrate the richness of the bounty we’ve received. We take note of where we are in the growth cycle for that which we are nurturing. And we celebrate with joy the fact that we are alive and growing.
At this time, the cooler days of fall and winter are before us. Nights are growing longer and the sun rises further south each day. We begin the process of saving the best of the seeds we want to replant next spring. Giving thanks to all that have helped us on this journey, we release, breathe, trust and accept that what we have planted is exactly where it needs to be at this stage of its evolution. Gather your bounty and share what you have reaped with your community-celebrate!
Whether you celebrate this holiday by honoring the god Lugh, or by celebrating first harvest (or both), rich, crusty loaves of bread are appropriate on Lammas alters. Lughnasadh means the festival of Lugh. Lammas is a Christian word meaning "loaf mass". Both festivals celebrate grain, which was considered the sustenance of life. From intention, to seed, sprout to full grown plant- nurtured by sun, rain, wind and love, our seeds come full circle creating multiple seeds from one which was planted so long ago.
As always, we check-in individually with what we are personally harvesting. Is there an area in our lives that hasn’t been watered adequately; too much, too little? Every plant requires its own unique balance of nurturing. Physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, we also need to keep balance within ourselves. We celebrate the richness of the bounty we’ve received. We take note of where we are in the growth cycle for that which we are nurturing. And we celebrate with joy the fact that we are alive and growing.
At this time, the cooler days of fall and winter are before us. Nights are growing longer and the sun rises further south each day. We begin the process of saving the best of the seeds we want to replant next spring. Giving thanks to all that have helped us on this journey, we release, breathe, trust and accept that what we have planted is exactly where it needs to be at this stage of its evolution. Gather your bounty and share what you have reaped with your community-celebrate!
To go to a site with a bit of everything click: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/lammas/p/History_Lammas.htm