Lughnasadh

August 1 is the Sabbat of Lughnasadh which is the first of 3 harvest Sabbats. Even though we are still techincally in Summer, Lughnasadh marks the the beginning of Autumn on the Wheel of the Year. All around us the planet is preparing for the coming cold; the days are slowly getting shorter, the nights will soon cool down and animals have begun gathering food for the coming Fall and Winter.

Grains and corn were traditionally harvested at this time and the theme of the (metaphorically) sacrificed God - the idea that death (the harvest) is necessary for the rebirth of the land is recognized and symbolically reenacted.

To celebrate Lughnasadh in true Kitchen Witch style, incorporate grains and corn in your recipes on August 1. It's traditional to Bake bread in the shape of a man, symbolizing the God's sacrifice for the bounty of the harvest and rebirth of the land. Harvest from your own garden or visit a U-Pick farm or orchard. Sacrifice unwanted habits or things from your life by throwing symbols of them into the Sabbat flame. Decorate your space in shades of yellow, gold, red and orange and use items such as late summer fruits and vegetables, sheaves of wheat, breads, grains, ears of corn and berries to adorn your home or altar.

Lughnasadh isn't just about the harvest, it's also about sharing some of your harvest, so doing some charity work, making food for others or donating items to your local food bank could be a new tradition for this day.

Bright Blessings!
~City