TOO-RA-LUGH-RA-LUGH-RA

Good Gods, it's already Lammas! I can't believe how fast the year is spinning! It seemed we just celebrated Midsummer, slipped in the mud, and slammed smack into August.

Perhaps those ancient Celtic farmers felt the same way. One minute you're planting, the next - harvesting. Oh yes, harvest. There are various fruits to be gathered, veggies, and some crops as well. (Here in the States, corn had to be knee high by the fourth of July. Those ears should be ripe for the picking about now.)

But Lammas (“loaf mass”) or “Lughnasadh” (for the sun god Lugh, pronounced “Loo” - oh, NOW you get the title!) is more than a day in the agrarian calendar. It is a festival. In the season of the Goddess, we take time to remember the God. Before the greater harvest of crops takes place in the Fall, we pause to appreciate the blessings of the fields and the time of plenty to come.

 

To show faith in the Divine, a small loaf (made from the green wheat) would be baked, and eaten at a family meal. (Just small bites. Unripe wheat makes terrible bread). In Christian times, such a loaf would be taken to the Church to be blessed. Yet in modern times, with flour available at the local store, ritual loaves of regular bread are often used. This bread – green or otherwise – can be utilized magically. For instance, four pieces can be broken off and placed in the four corners of your barn to protect your animals.

Lammas was also a time when fairs were held, bargains made, agreements for the sale of crops could take place, and promises of marriage arranged. In a Wiccan household of today, there would be the casting of a Circle, the telling of the old myths regarding the Tuatha De Danann, a ritual meal prepared, and the blessing of cakes and ale. Yeah – not gonna happen. I'm too lame, too tired, and too old to be hopping around in a black hooded robe, trying to neither step on the Rufus or set myself on fire. How come, when you make it to Crone, you need more “adult supervision” than you did at twelve?



("Did she say, 'Step on Rufus?'")

Anyway, enjoy what's left of the Summer. Personally, I can't wait for the color and crisp coolness of Fall. I really rock the Autumnal Equinox. Me and my walker actually probably “roll” the Equinox, but I'll manage!

The book signing: The book signing at Mystickal Tymes is Saturday, August 9^th, from 2pm to 5pm, or longer if the place is jumping. Free “swag bags” for everyone who comes by, and even a stress owl for those who buy a book! (While supply lasts).

No, not a stressed owl...

a stress owl...

Hope to see a lot of you there!

A happy first harvest, and the blessings of the Earth and Sun to you all!