Lughnasadh

 

Also known as Lammas – first harvest – August 1st.  This festival centres on the sacrifice of the Corn King (John Barleycorn), the harvest spirit whose demise will feed the people.  This is a time of thanksgiving and your altar should reflect the colours of the harvest – a deep bronze or dark yellow cloth for covering.  I usually place a few ears of wheat from the first harvest on my altar along with fruits, nuts and seeds.

My ritual is usually one to give thanks for everything I have received so far in the year.  It is also a time to reflect on the three goals/projects set out at Ostara.  I spend some time reflecting on how my projects have developed and what effect they have had on my life.  Sometimes I may decide to ‘set my goals free’ now by writing them onto a piece of paper and then burning it in the fire, over a candle

Remember your ritual feast should include representation of the harvest – crusty bread, corn cakes, mead or ale or some berry wine.  I also include some vine fruits both in my feast and as an alter decoration, which is later given as an offering when my ritual is complete.

This is also a good time to honour the Green Man.  Make a shrine to him either in your home or garden to invoke his protective energies around you.  Hang a Green Man plaque or carving above your altar and burn incense of a suitable woodland fragrance.  You could use some crystals such as Moss or Tree Agate, feathers, bells and leafy potted plants also make good adornments.