Lughnasadh

Originally published Saturday, July 29, 2023, in The Hermetic Sentinel

Lughnasadh (Lu-Na-Sa), also known as Lammas

By Sage William

Lughnasadh is one of the three harvest festivals celebrated by pagans, marking the end of the summer growing season. The festival originates from the ancient Celts—today’s Irish, Scottish, and Welsh—who honored the first fruits of harvest.

Traditional Practices

• Feasting and merriment to give thanks for the bountiful harvest.
• Offerings of crops to the Lady and the Lord.
• Stormwater collection for magickal use, believed to enhance psychic activity.

Magickal Associations

Pauline Campenelli, in Ancient Ways, suggests a connection between thunderstorms, the Earth's electromagnetic field, and the spirit world. Stormwater collected during Lughnasadh can be used to anoint amulets, athames, and wands.

Festival Preparations

• Gathering fruits, vegetables, and grains for feasting.
• Making corn husk crowns and corn kernel necklaces.
• Decorating altars with wheat, barley, and corn to honor the harvest.

Conclusion

Lughnasadh is more than just a celebration of the harvest—it is a time of gratitude, preparation, and honoring the changing seasons. For a deeper exploration of Lughnasadh and other Sabbats, consider reading Ancient Ways by Pauline Campenelli.

Merry shall we part until we merry meet again. Blessed Be.

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