Lughnasadh History, Meaning, & Ritual

“Lughnasadh is a time to celebrate the first harvest of grain, a means to life, a time of gratitude for the abundance from father sun and mother earth. To reflect on our spiritual growth and channel divine wisdom.”

What is Lughnasadh?

Lughnasadh goes by many names including Lammas, Lunasa, Lughnasa, and many more! The August festival is traditionally celebrated on Saturday, August 1st. This year, 2020, it is followed by the Full Moon in Aquarius on August 3rd which brings in a strong wave of heightened intuitive and channeling abilities! Click here for the Full Moon Ritual

This is when we began to observe that the days are lengthening and we can begin to anticipate fall.

Lughnasadh is a pagan holiday to celebrate the first harvest of grain. Historically, a critical staple in our diet and a means of survival. During this time, many fruits (such as apples) begin to fall from the tree and are ready to harvest. Often the farmers would begin to harvest on this day and by the evening fresh bread would be served with the First Grains of the season.

August 1st marks the midpoint between Summer and Fall. This is the time of the year we begin to observe the nights lengthening, and we anticipate the return of Fall. Fall is ushering in the shadow season in which we are asked to reflect, channel intuitive creative expression, and to rest.

Lughnasadh is a potent time to charge your crystals, dreams, aspirations, and intentions. Take this time to utilize this advantageous opportunity to expand your spiritual growth.

People often create a Lammas themed altar, bake bread, and/or create corn dolls.

The Lughnasadh festival is named after Lugh, the Celtic god of craftmanship, grain, the Sun, and late summer storms. His titles were numerous, but the most famous was Lámfada, “Of the Long Arm,” a reference to the length of his spear in battle.

Traditional Lughnasadh festivities included ceremonies, ritual athletic contests, feasting, matchmaking, and trading. Traditionally, the activities took place on top of hills and mountains, and many would enjoy the ‘First Fruits’ of the season.

What is Lughnasadh?

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Lughnasadh Affirmation

“I am welcoming the shadow season, a time of inner reflection, rest, and to channel creative inspiration.”

Lughnasadh Activities:

• Bake Bread

• Create a Lammas themed altar

• Charge your crystals

• Light Candles

• Inner reflection

• Harvest from your garden if you have one

Lughnasadh Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
2 Cups Bread Flour (plus more as needed)
1/4 Cup Toasted Sesame Seeds
2 Tbsp active dry yeast
2 1/2 Tsp salt
2 cups of hot milk
3 Tbsp smooth peanut butter
3 Tbsp honey

Preheat the oven at 375ºF

1. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl

2. Heat up the milk to 115ºF and add the peanut butter and honey

3. Add the milk mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring

4. Knead for 15 minutes and add more bread flour as necessary to maintain an elastic dough.

5. Oil a bowl to place the dough in and keep it covered with plastic or a damp towel.

This allows for the dough to rise and can take up to 30 minutes. Place the bowl in a warm spot, ideally on the counter next to the oven while the oven is preheating. You will see the dough rise close to double in size.

6. Once the dough has risen, then knead and punch down the dough again.
7. Then split your dough in two to make two loaves (one for you to eat & one to give as an offering to nature; read more below)

8. You can knead the dough into a rectangular shape and cut the dough into 3 equal sections to braid it.

9. Once you have braided the dough or rolled it into its round shape allow it to rise again until doubled on the rack you plan to bake it on.
10. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown

Lammas Bread Ritual

As you are in the midst of activating your inner kitchen witch, you will pull out your two freshly baked loaves of bread. One is intended for offering, and the second is for your personal enjoyment to share with family & friends.

Take the loaf intended for offering and cut it into 4 parts. Then proceed to go outside and place a piece of bread in each corner of your property as an offering to the birds, nature, and Lugh, the Celtic warrior god.

This will bring prosperity to your garden, protection for your home, and a symbiotic relationship with all living beings surrounding your space.