And we say it Loo- Nah-Sa!
Lughnasadh is a fire festival that celebrates the first harvest of the year. Traditionally celebrated on August 1st, it marks the halfway point between the Summer Solstice and the Fall Equinox. Some might recognize it by its other name “Lammas” which means loaf-mass. This translation is pretty appropriate considering that harvesting grains for bread making is largely incorporated into this Sabbat.
Lughnasadh originally started when a Celtic solar god named Lugh created this festival as a tribute for his foster mother. It took place every year to honor and celebrate the harvest. The bounty of which would keep everyone fed throughout the long winter months. During the weeks long festival you could also enjoy games, horse racing, crafts and food. Any farmer who had an overflow of crops at this time could use them as currency that could be sold or traded for other much needed wares. Eventually this festival progressed and found its way into the Wheel of the Year as one of its 8 main Sabbats.
If you’re interested in celebrating Lughnasadh and aren’t sure where to start, here are a few suggestions:
Bask in the Sunshine
Lughnasadh is a fire festival that celebrates the sun for shining down on the crops and helping them grow. Use this day to take a walk outdoors and enjoy the sun on your skin. If you don’t have time for a stroll, even a 10 minute break outside to enjoy the warmth of the sun’s rays will do. Just don’t forget your protective gear and sunscreen!
Abundance Spellwork
If you need a little extra somewhere, today’s the day! Because this Sabbat is all about the abundance of the harvest, it makes sense that this type of energy flows with it throughout the day. Work your magick and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. The Universe is listening!
Bake Some Bread
Grains, specifically wheat, is one of the mainstays of the first harvest. As such, baking fresh bread is pretty much a given. You can even incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables if you want. Think zucchini bread or one with raisins & walnuts.
Buy Yourself Some Flowers
Did you know that sunflowers are one of the main flowers associated with this Sabbat? Some others include green daisies and marigolds. Stop by the store on the way home and bring a little Lughnasadh into your day.
Drinks with Fresh Herbs
Don’t forget to utilized the fresh herbs you harvest in August as a way to celebrate Lughnasadh. Make a cool drink to enjoy while you reflect on this fiery Sabbat. Make some fresh mint and raspberry leaf iced tea to cool you down. Throw a little basil in with your lemonade for a refreshing splash of summer. Or maybe even create a fun new combination of your own!
Earth Blessings
We all know the sun makes the crops grow. But don’t forget that the earth also provides important nutrients as well as a home for the plants to live while we wait for the harvest season. Spend some time connecting with the earth energy today in a way that feels good to you. It might be as simple as earthing, leaving an offering, or even a quick gratitude ritual.
“May the sun shine, may the rain fall, and the grass grow” – Unknown