Lammas - August 2

Lammas is also referred to as Lughnassadh in the Celtic tradition (August 7), Cornucopia in the Strega tradition and Thingtide in the Teutonic tradition. Lammas is held on August 2 and represents the beginning of the harvest cycle and rests on the early grain harvest as well as those fruits and vegetables that are ready to be taken. This is the first of 3 harvest celebrations in the Craft. Our ritual circle is an expression of gratitude and thanks to the earth for its bounty and we ask that all living creatures may share in it. Basically reaping what you have sewn throughout the year. We honor the great grain Goddesses like Ceres and Demeter.

Bread is traditionally baked for this holiday, and the altar is decorated with the first fruits of garden labor. Canning goes into full swing and magickal cabinets are stocked with herbs before the onset of autumn. Herbs for magickal use should be harvested this day. Plus this is a good day to empower some of them in your ritual.

Most of the flowers are gone; however there are still some varieties available. An altar decorated with pots of yellow and red cockscomb is truly arresting as the tassel of the plant resembles a flame.

This is also a great time to ready your home for autumn by replacing curtains, tablecloths, rugs, towels, etc.

Sources of information include (1)"Power of the Witch" By Laurie Cabot and
(2)"To Ride A Silver Broomstick" By Silver RavenWolf