Labrys A double-headed axe which symbolized the Goddess in ancient Crete, still used by some Wiccans for this same purpose. They labrys may be placed on or leaned against the left side of the altar.

Lamps of Art Candles used to illuminate the altar at a ritual; they may be white, or coloured to correspond with the sabbat being celebrated or to the magickal work being done.

Last Quarter One-half of the Moon appears illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is decreasing. Here, the Moon is Crone.

Law of Return Whatever energy is sent out returns to the sender multiplied. Some traditions say it is multiplied by three, and therefore call this principle the "Threefold Law".

Laws of Witchcraft A list of rules for Witches, focusing on individual conduct and coven opperations. They are sometimes called the 'Ordains' or 'Ardaynes'. Several versions exist. Their orgins are unclear: they may be from the Burning Times, or recent, or a pastiche of ancient and modern.

Lughnasadh A Wiccan festival celebrated on August 1st (Northern Hemisphere) also kown as August Eve, Lammas, Feast of Bread. Lughnasadh marks the first harvest, when the fruits of the Earth are cut and stored for the dark winter months, and when the God also mysteriously weakens as the days grow shorter.

Lunar Cycle It's roughly a 29-day cycle during which the visible phase of the Moon waxes from dark to full and wanes to dark again. Much magick is geared to the energies present at certain phases.