SABBATH SERIES: LUGHNASADH
Welcome back to our Sabbath series where we discuss each Sabbath in great detail. The beautiful thing about this series is that you can jump into whichever Sabbath you are heading into, as your year progresses, theres no need to circle back to the previous articles until it’s necessary for you.
The Whisper Coven is based out of the Northern Hemisphere and this time of year takes us into Lughnasadh (LOO-nah-sah). My seasoned witches, or those who have been using this series to immerse themselves into the Pagan Wheel, will know this sabbath already. For those looking to gain new insight, or those wanting to expand on their already well curated practice, you’ve come to the right article!
A Reminder of the Simplest Form of Magick
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, seasonal witchcraft-ing is the simplest form of magick. Observance, intention, self-awareness, and curiosity are all the tools you need to start your journey! Although books can give a much more in-depth explanation of each Sabbath, I recommend free options are the best jumping off point. No one was made a witch based off how many crystals they had, or herbs they could grow, or tarot decks they procured; what makes a witch is their innate desire for answers into the unknown, their unwavering connection to the elements and the earth, and their abundant spirit of inquiry!
I imagine that’s why you’re here, to investigate the next Sabbath that is upon us, well let’s jump right in, shall we?
The Tell Tale Signs Lughnasadh is Upon Us
Lughnasadh is considered the first of three harvest festivals- this is a cross-quarter sabbath that demands a feast! During the dead of summer, when the Solstice was upon us, the hottest days felt everlasting. Without proper care it is said that the heat could “get to our heads” if we aren’t able to take care of our minds and bodies (hopefully by soaking in a pool of water). But by the time Lughnasadh comes around, we are already seeing change; the winds pick up, thunder storms roll in, and the nights (very slowly) grow longer. My fondest memories, upon Lughnasadhs return, was sitting on the back porch of my childhood home, drinking something cold as beads of sweat streamed down my temples, smelling the damp air as gray colored clouds rolled in over the pink and orange setting sun. The breeze would slowly pick up the closer the clouds crawled, and before the rain came you would hear the singing toads, and lively cicadas sink into silence.
The First Harvest of Three Never Disappoints
Depending on your practice, and where one is culturally nurtured in their Craft, Lughnasadh falls on many different days, and is given various names. However, as an eclectic Witch whose practice is heavily inspired by Celtic/Gaelic Pagan traditions, I’ll simply state that Lughnasadh falls on July 31st to August 1st, sundown to sundown. A great feast is meant to ensue! Cornucopias, squash, corn cobs, honey, apples, nuts, berries, potatoes, and many loaves of bread would be your centerpieces for this harvested feast. We are meant to dine like royalty on the first harvest of the year!
Lugh and Tailtiu
Druid and Celtic Mythology celebrate this day in honor of the Sun God, Lugh. Known as a jack of all trades; a lightning bender for one. It was on August 1st that he “married” the earth, proclaiming protection to the lands against drought, famine, storms, wildfire, and other natural disasters. Further tales speak of his mother, Tailtiu, the Goddess of Earth and Agriculture. Myth states that Tailtius' family was murdered by the invaders of Ireland, but she was able to keep her titles and lands upon the request of taking in Lugh, an infant at the time, to prove her trust, as he was not native to the lands like she was. They grew to love one another as true mother and son, and through this love they raised crops for the many towns and villages. Tailtius’ name, meaning grain, demands emphasis to a sabbath that’s only requirement upon the feast is to never go without a single loaf of bread.
Lugh was known for bringing fruitful harvest to many, but not always to everyone. So with this, the idea of bringing neighbors, tribes, families, towns, and villages together was what made this harvest bountiful. These traditions are still carried out today by volunteering time to provide food to those less fortunate, or in sharing of gratitude, “thanks-giving”, and prayer around one's own table.
In Lughs’ honor of his mother, he created games that were to be played amongst the people. These games took place during the first days of August. Fun Fact, these games predate the Greek Olympics we still observe today!
The Corn Mother
Other Pagan lore speaks of the corn mother. Upon harvesting the corn, as a symbol for the beginning of summer's end, the mothers spirit retires to the last strand of grain.
In certain traditions this must be ceremonially performed, or cut, and made into a corn dolly. There are different ideologies surrounding what is then meant to be done with the doll. Some believe she is to be placed upon the ceremonial ground (this can be in the towns square or sacred place), to be buried in the soil to enrich it for next year's harvest, to place her upon a personal altar, to burn her at the next fire festival and release her spirit…
Depending on the practitioner(s), each belief is true.
Witchcraft is Political, So is the Wheel of the Year
In one of my favorite books The Wheel of the Year by Fiona Cook and Jessica Roux, they make mention of August 1st for a Political Witch reason –this is Emancipation Day! A day truly meant for feasting, celebration, gratitude, music, singing, and dancing. It was the day that Britain ended their slave trading in several parts of the world freeing stolen, and captive people. There are many other days that followed to commemorate the freedom of the enslaved people, and in each country that endured the plague of slavery (Jamaica, South Africa, West Indies, and many more) celebrate in their own unique way, paying patronage to their cultures, heritages, and freedoms! Huzzah!
Choose Your Own Adventure: Lughnasadh Activities
Though these traditions are strongly rooted in Druid and Celtic lore, witches of all kinds still honor this day through harvesting crops, herbs, flowers, and gathering with strangers, loved ones, and soon-to-be best friends to ring in the gratitude of the season.
No matter your background, here are some traditions you can consider implementing into your ceremonies surrounding Lughnassadh:
Create an action plan to go along with your vision board from Midsummer.
Learn to make corn dollies. These can be used as altar items for the coming sabbaths as well.
Harvest crops, seeds, and veg. If you don’t have your own garden, there’s no shame in harvesting from the local farmers market or grocery shop.
Berry picking.
Learn to make bread and/or beer (there are many non-alcoholic options now too!)
Make wheatgrass masks or crowns and adorn your friends with them.
Sunbathe or storm watch (depending on the state of your weather).
Visit a farmers market.
Volunteer or donate items you no longer need.
Ways to Show Gratitude, Take Stock, and Prepare for the First Harvest
Here are some suggested items to add to your space or set at your altar to embrace the bounty of Lughnasadh:
Creatures: Roosters, Bulls, Cows, Centaur, Griffin
Colors: Gold, Soft Blue, Bright Yellow, Orange, Light Brown, Light Gray
Food items: Bread, Peaches, Barley, Black Berries, Cherries, Squash, Corn
Use Sun Symbols draw, cut or shape them into your food, with chalk or selenite draw them on your doors or under welcome mats, even the Tarot has The Sun card which can be placed at your alter
Offerings for the Faeries or images of them. Make little houses in your garden or an altar outdoors for them.
Crystals: Moss Agate, Fire Calcite, Golden Topaz, Moldevite, Citrine
Scythe's, Horse Shoes (vintage or tarnished, they make great decor for this Sabbath)
Flowers & Herbs: Grape Leaves, Sunflowers, Basil, Rose, Frankincense, Sandalwood
There are other holidays which fall along the wheel of the year during Lughnasadh, and you’ll notice quite a few crossovers in ways of celebration.
Witches can celebrate each Sabbath the way they see fit, incorporating other religious holidays within their wheel of observance, though I do hope this article has given some inspiration to additional ideas, new suggestions, and imaginative lore to share with other witches in your life. Remember, Sabbaths are meant to be honored in a way that feels magickal to you.
Until next time, stay spooky darklings xx
