Yule
Imbolg
Ostara
Beltaine
Litha
Lammas
Mabon
Lughnasadh (August 1) |
Lughnasadh, sometimes called Lammas, marks the beginning of the end of the growing season. In mythology, the God Lugh held funeral games for his foster mother Tailtiu, who died of exhaustion, on this day. Many believe that she represents the earth itself, drained after having just borne the first fruits of the harvest. In Irish mythology, it is on this day that Lugh marries Eire (the Earth).
Lugnasadh is the first of the harvest festivals. It has both somber and joyful elements. The end of summer is near, bringing with it the fear of winter. For rural folk, Lughnasadh was a moment of truth, as the results of the harvest would decide their fate through the winter months. On the other hand, it is a time for pagans to rejoice in the bounty of the harvest as the apples and grains become ripe for the first time. It is a time to feast and give thanks.
A major theme of Lughnasadh is sacrifice. The energy raised by the God and Goddess at their handfasting is beginning to fade, its results making themselves known in the harvest. The theme of death becomes more and more prevalent in the Wiccan celebrations, as the God loses strength with each harvest.
Traditionally, Lughnasadh was also the time when people entered into handfasting agreements for one year and a day. At the next Lughnasadh festival, they could then decide to continue as partners or dissolve the marriage. This practice was common in the celtic lands and was usually a part of the Tailltean games.
The holiday is often celebrated on August 1, but the actual date is that on which the sun reaches 15 degrees Leo. In 2002, astrological Lughnasadh will fall on August 5.
Celebration Suggestions
- A harvest feast. As the first of the harvest festivals, take the time to sample all the fruits of the harvest. Go pick some apples yourself and bake them into a pie as a way to get in touch with nature.
- Throw symbols of your bad habits and anything that is bringing you bad karma into the bonfire and cast these off. Lughnasadh is an appropriate time for ridding yourself of unnecessary burdens.
- Contemplate the fruits of your spiritual labour during the months where the God's energy was at its peak.
Lammas Correspondences
| Colours | Gold, Yellow, Green, Orange |
| Stones | Carnelian, Aventurine, Citrine, Sardonyx, Peridot |
| Plants | Poppies, Marigold, Sunflowers |
| Herbs | Heather, Blackberries, Sunflowers |
| Incense and Oil | Rose, Sandalwood, Yarrow |