Lughnasadh - August 1st (ritual, tradition, bless, God, Celtic)

[Draka]

Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh is celebrated on August 1 or 2. Lugh, the Celtic Sun God, is the god honored at this day. The God of harvests, light, fire, and metallurgy, also protector and defender of the weak and ill. He was a consort of Dana, the first Great Goddess of Ireland.

The Goddess is also honored at this Sabbat. She is thanked for bringing forth the fruits of the harvest. She is both a new mother and yet still pregnant with the harvests yet to come.

It is considered to be the first harvest Sabbat of the year. The first harvests of the year are honored and incorporated in the harvest meal. These are corn, wheat, and the other summer harvest grains. Usually these grains are used to make fresh bread to be broken at the Sabbat meal

The pig, since it is considered sacred to the Goddess for its ability to convert a small amount of grain to a plentiful amount of lean meat, is used for it’s meat at this day as well. Pork dishes are traditional now, with, of course, corn and bread alongside the meat. Providing a generous feast of thanksgiving for this harvest.

The Cakes and Ale ceremony during ritual can be used in another way on this day. Instead of the cakes representing the moon, they can represent the sun. Round cookies decorated with yellow or orange frosting work well for this. Libations are also made to the deities as well. Part of the harvest can be put on the altar as an offering of thanks.

The dry of shocks of corn can be used for making a grain Dolly to be used at Imbolc. Dressed as a bride at Imbolc and kept in a safe place to protect the home, it is taken back out and dressed as a pregnant mother to bless the home during harvest times.

[Draka]

Happy Lughnasadh Everyone! Eat, drink and be merry!