Lammas (also known as Lughnasadh) is here once more! Are you feeling excited? Are you getting ready for the festivities of the day? If you’re looking for tips and ideas on how to tap into the abundant energy of this Sabbat, you’ve come to the right place!
As we approach another Sabbat, it’s a time to rejoice and show gratitude for everything that nature and the universe provide for us. Summer seems to be passing quickly, but August is a vibrant and beautiful month that we welcome with open arms, Lammas blessings, and perhaps a ritual or two.
What is Lammas exactly? Falling on August 1st, Lammas is the celebration of the first grain harvest. It’s a time to give thanks and honor Mother Earth for yielding what we have worked for since the Summer Solstice. This first harvest marks the beginning of harvest festivals, and who doesn’t love a good festival?
Lammas is even more significant as it marks the midpoint between Beltane and Samhain, the midpoint of the warm season. It’s a time to honor the Celtic Sun God, Lugh, who is associated with many skills and talents.
Traditionally, Lammas was a time for festivals, craft markets, and fairs, and it remains a time for celebration and merriment. The word “Lammas” comes from the Old English term “hlaf-maesse,” which translates to “loaf mass.” It was the day when the first sheaves of grain were cut, signifying the importance of the grain harvest for survival.
In addition to honoring Lugh, various goddesses such as Dana, Demeter, and Rhiannon are also celebrated during Lammas. Symbols of Lammas include herbs like frankincense, wheat, and heather, as well as incense like sandalwood and rosemary. Colors associated with Lammas are orange, yellow, and gold, and crystals like amber, aventurine, and citrine are often used in rituals.
Creatures like roosters, calves, and deer are honored during Lammas, and traditional foods for feasting include bread, corn, berries, and beer. There are many ways to celebrate Lammas, such as recommitting to Mother Earth, crafting a corn doll, setting up a Lammas altar, performing Lammas magick, and baking bread.
Whether you’re participating in Lammas traditions for the first time or have cherished traditions of your own, it’s essential to be grateful for the abundance around us and to celebrate the beauty of nature. Embrace the spirit of Lammas with joy, gratitude, and merriment as you honor the gifts of the season.