First Harvest Blessings

First Harvest Blessings

As the lush greens of summer transition into the golden tones of late July
and early August, the Wheel of the Year brings us to Lughnasadh
(pronounced LOO-nah-sah), which marks the 1 st of the trio of harvest
festivals in pagan and Wiccan practices, followed by Mabon (Sept.21) and
Samhain (Oct.31). Celebrated annually on August 1st in the Northern
Hemisphere, this festival marks the halfway point between Litha, the
Summer Solstice and Mabon, the Fall Equinox. Known also as Lammas or
the Bread Harvest, it is a day to give thanks for the first fruits of the season,
a time for community gatherings, and a moment to honor Lugh, the Celtic
god of light and craftsmanship. So, is it known as Lammas or Lughnasadh?
Actually, it is both! Lammas is the Christianized version of the holiday, and
Lughnasadh is the original Celtic name. No matter what you call it, this is a
time to celebrate nature’s bounty, give thanks for all that we have, and set
our intention for the rest of the year.

The Goddess is now in Her aspect as Grain Mother, Harvest Mother,
Harvest Queen, Earth Mother, Ceres, and Demeter. Earlier civilizations
used the day to thank the waning Sun for the wealth of the wheat harvest
and bestow gratitude to the earth mother for the provided sustenance. And
best of all, the translation of this holiday’s name literally means “Loafmass
or "loaf feast.” Like a holiday about bread!!

We are encouraged today to take stock of our personal development,
acknowledge what has been accomplished, and identify areas where either
growth is needed or releasing what no longer serves us. Traditional
Lughnasadh rituals often revolve around sacrifice and offering. You might
create an altar adorned with seasonal vegetation, symbols of the god Lugh,
and harvest-related tools like scythes and sickles. Ritualistic games and
athletic competitions are also a staple, celebrating the skill and might of
Lugh. Today’s modern practices may also include crafting, divination, and
rituals that focus on personal growth and prosperity.

As we move through harvest, the turning of the wheel will bring both inner
and outer gifts and insights to you. May the rest of your summer shimmer
with bountiful delights.

With love & magick, Debbi

Rituals, Symbols & Things to Do

● · Gods & Goddesses: Lugh, Ceres, Demeter, Dionysus, Cerridwen.
● · Flowers & Herbs: fennel, sunflower, basil, honeysuckle, rosemary,
● Food: grains, bread, berries, grapes, wine.
● Crystals: carnelian, citrine, tiger’s eye, amber
● ·Create a Lammas Altar-objects, crystals, seasonal plants
● Bake a fresh loaf of bread
● Have a seasonal feast with family and friends

Creating an Herb Pouch for Abundance

Gather the following:

● A green candle
● tbsp each of dried basil and dried peppermint
● Cinnamon stick
● Peridot stone
● 1 green pouch with a string to tie it up

Light your candle while centering yourself. Now add each dried herb, the
stone, and the cinnamon stick. Peppermint brings abundance and
prosperity, while Basil brings abundance and success. Cinnamon...strength
and lastly Peridot...earth energy & wealth. Now tie up your pouch, hold it to
your heart center, close your eyes, and say: Abundance and prosperity I
wish to see...energy of the earth brings these gifts onto me. Close the ritual
by acknowledging the Harvest Goddess as you allow your candle to burn
down.

Craft your Lammas Altar

Crafting an altar is a wonderful way to honor the essence of Lammas/
Lughnasadh. Decorate it with symbols of harvest such as grains, flowers, or
corn. Include items that represent abundance and gratitude, such as a white
candle nestled in a bowl of rose hips to thank the ancestors. On mine? I
plan to add a statue of the Mother Goddess made from straw...a gift from a
beloved student. Add a few shimmering tealight candles to evoke the
vibrant energy of the season.