#old lammas

[wytchoftheways]

Lammas Prayer: 🌾🌞

The Corn king gives his life for the land,

We toast his sacrifice with ale in our hand,

And eat the bread, from the harvest made,

As sheaves of corn to the earth are laid.

Transformation surrounds us,

The harvest turned to food and drink,

Now is the time to learn and to think,

Of what we can do to grow even stronger,

As the summer recedes and nights grow longer.

We share our rewards and bless the earth,

That brings our fruitful abundance to birth, May our well-earned bounty reward our toil,

As we harvest the seed and the grain from the soil.

[maypoleman1]

11th August

Old Lammas Eve

The Harvest Moon by Samuel Palmer. Source: sebreilly.com

Today is Lammas Eve, according to the old calendar (therefore Old Lammas Eve). In Scotland, the rowan tree was much favoured as a source of charms and friendly magic to ward of the unwelcome attention of witches, boggles and faeries rumoured to be abroad at harvest time. Rowan branches were suspended over doors after being wound into the shape of a cross; rowan was also braided into cows’ tails with red and blue thread to protect them from otherworldly depredations. In order to work, the wood had to be collected in secret and in silence.

Old Lammas used to be when some of the British Isles’ largest sheep fairs were held in the Middle Ages, an opportunity to buy and sell the animals as well as to indulge in boisterous medieval pastimes. At Bretton in Derbyshire, sheep races were held. The notion of these notorious flock animals competing in a race may sound odd, but the race was actually between human male competitors who chased after a suitably annoyed ram who had been covered in soap. The winner was the pursuer who managed not only to catch the slippery beast, but hold on to him too.

[oblivioussloth]

Literally didn’t realise it was the first that means tomorrow’s my birthday uwu

[breelandwalker]

2024 Witches' Calendar

For all my witches out there, here's a handy list of the 2024 dates for the solstices, quarter days, full and new moons, and special events. I've listed my sources at the bottom.

Dates and times for all events are calculated for Eastern Standard Time, USA, Northern Hemisphere. Adjust for your location as needed and check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what special events will be visible in your area. Enjoy!

Solstices, Harvests, and Quarter Days

February 1-2 - Imbolc / Candlemas

March 19 - Spring Equinox / Ostara

April 30-May 1 - Beltane / May Day

June 20 - Summer Solstice / Midsummer / Litha

August 1 - Lughnasadh / Lammas / Summer Harvest

September 22 - Autumn Equinox / Mabon / Fall Harvest

October 31 - Samhain / Halloween / Final Harvest

December 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Full Moons

January 25 - Wolf Moon ♌

February 24 - Snow Moon ♍

March 25 - Worm Moon ♎

April 23 - Pink Moon ♏

May 23 - Flower Moon ♐

June 21 - Strawberry Moon ♑

July 21 - Thunder Moon (aka Buck Moon) ♑

August 19 - Sturgeon Moon* ♒

September 17 - Harvest Moon* ♓

October 17 - Hunter's Moon (aka Blood Moon)* ♈

November 15 - Frost Moon (or Beaver Moon)* ♉

December 15 - Cold Moon ♊

*- Supermoon

Fun Fact: The title of Harvest Moon is given to either the September or October full moon, whichever falls closest to the autumn equinox. Once again this year, that month will be September.

New Moons

January 11 ♑

February 9 ♒

March 10 ♓

April 8 ♈

May 7 ♉

June 6 ♊

July 5 ♋

August 4 ♌

September 2 ♍

October 2 ♎

November 1 ♏

December 1 ♐

December 30 (black moon) ♑

Special Celestial Events

January 3-4 - Quadrantids meteor shower peak

March 25 - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

April 8 - Total solar eclipse

April 22-23 - Lyrids meteor shower peak

May 6-7 - Eta Aquarids meteor shower peak

August 11-13 - Perseids meteor shower peak

August 19 - Sturgeon Supermoon / Seasonal Blue Moon

September 17 - Harvest Supermoon / Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

October 2 - "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse

October 17 - Hunter's Supermoon

October 21-22 - Orionids meteor shower peak

November 15 - Frost Supermoon

November 16-17 - Leonids meteor shower peak

December 13-14 - Geminids meteor shower peak

December 30 - Black Moon

(Check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what will be visible in your area!)

Mercury Retrogrades (in case you need them)

April 1 - April 24

August 4 - August 27

November 25 - December 15

Happy Witching!

SOURCES & FURTHER READING:

Bree's Lunar Calendar Series

Bree's Secular Celebrations Series

Moon Info - Full Moon Dates for 2024

Calendar-12 - 2024 Moon Phases

Full Moonology - 2024 Full Moon Calendar

AstroStyle - All the 2024 Full Moons

Your Zodiac Sign - Astrology Calendar 2024

Old Farmer's Almanac - Mercury Retrograde Dates 2023-2024

Lonely Planet - Best Star-gazing Events of 2024

Sea and Sky - Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events 2024

DarkSky International - Dark Sky Placefinder for Stargazing

Pagan Grimoire - Wheel of the Year: The 8 Festivals in the Wiccan Calendar (2024 Edition)

=

If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊

EDIT: Mercury is stationed direct on Jan 1st, 2024. The source I used which stated it was in retrograde until the 18th had a typo.

EDIT: Fixed the zodiac signs for the full moons using a new source.

[the-mortuary-witch]

WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SABBATS

IMBOLC (CANDLEMAS)

Clean your home and space to welcome the coming of spring.

Bake a traditional Imbolc loaf of bread or other seasonal foods.

Use the colours white and yellow in your decorations and outfits.

Light a bonfire or light candles to represent the returning light.

Plant seeds or bulbs to symbolize the rebirth of nature.

Perform a ritual to honour the coming of spring and ask for protection and blessings.

Make a Brigid's cross or other handcrafted decorations with herbs and other natural materials.

Perform a blessing of your home and surroundings with holy water or smoke cleansing.

Set up an altar or sacred space to honour the Celtic goddess Brigid, associated with Imbolc.

Make Brigid's bed, a traditional ritual of placing straw under your bed to bring fertility and growth into your life.

Connect with nature and spend time outside to honour the changing season.

OSTARA (SPRING EQUINOX)

Participate in fertility rites and rituals to celebrate the coming of spring and the planting season.

Decorate your altar or sacred space with symbols of Ostara, such as eggs, bunnies, daffodils, and pastel colours.

Perform a spring cleaning of your home and life, releasing old habits and welcoming new beginnings.

Light a fire or light candles to honour the return of lighter, longer days.

Bake a traditional honey cake or other seasonal sweets to celebrate the sweetness of spring. 

Plant seeds or herbs for new growth and prosperity.

Go for a nature walk or hike to connect with the natural world.

Participate in an egg hunt or egg rolling, traditional Ostara games 

Perform a protection spell or ritual to honour the increasing light and longer days.

Practice self-care rituals to nourish and rejuvenate your mind and body.

BELTANE (MAY EVE)

Celebrate the fertility of the earth with bonfires and rituals honouring the fire god, Belenos.

Make a maypole and decorate it with colourful ribbons.

Participate in a maypole dance, a traditional celebration of fertility and joy.

Make a wish list and tie it to a tree on Beltane eve.

Collect flowers, especially May blossom or hawthorne flowers, and make a garland or crown to wear.

Create a flower crown or wear one made of wildflowers to honour the faery folk and fertility spirits.

Perform a ritual to bless your home and land for prosperity and protection.

Jump over the Beltane bonfires, symbolizing jumping over obstacles and embracing new beginnings.

Have a picnic or gathering with friends and family to celebrate the abundance and growth of the season.

Create a sacred space or altar for Beltane, decorat with flowers, herbs, and other nature-related objects.

Perform a cleansing ritual to rid yourself of negative energy and welcome the energy of new beginnings.

Make a bouquet of wildflowers or herbs, and hang it on your front door to welcome the spirits of Beltane.

Go for a walk in the woods or a natural setting and connect with the beauty and energy of the season.

LITHA (SUMMER SOLSTICE/MIDSUMMER)

Participate in a bonfires or lighting a sacred fire, celebrating the arrival of the longest day of the year.

Collect herbs and flowers, especially ones associated with the sun, such as calendula, yarrow, and St. John's wort, and make a solstice garland.

Perform a ritual to honour the sun and ask for protection and blessings.

Dance around the bonfire or engage in other traditions associated with the Summer Solstice, such as singing and drumming.

Have a solstice feast, filled with summer bounty, seasonal foods, and family.

Celebrate in the natural world, go for a walk, or have a picnic during the longest day.

Honour the Celtic goddess Litha, associated with the Summer Solstice. 

Start summer resolutions. 

Get your hands dirty and embrace the earth. Consider planting a vegetable garden for fall harvest or add to your flower garden to mark the occasion. 

LAMMAS (LUGHNASADH)

Baking bread. 

Crafting corn dolls. 

Pick wild flowers. 

Honour the earth and the cycles of nature. 

Perform Sun magick. 

Give thanks to the spirits and/or deities for the beginning of the harvest season. 

Collect and honour the first fruits of the harvest, such as grains, corn, and apples.

Perform a ritual to honour Lugh and thank the gods and goddesses for the harvest.

Hold a harvest festival or feast, sharing the bounty of the land with family and friends.

Make a Lughnasadh altar or shrine with symbols of the harvest, such as corn, grains, and apples.

Participate in a traditional Lughnasadh celebration, such as a harvest dance or ritual.

Collect herbs and plants for healing and protection, as Lughnasadh is traditionally a time for preparing for the winter months.

MABON (AUTUMN EQUINOX/FALL HARVEST)

Celebrate the balance between light and dark, and the onset of the harvest season.

Honour the Celtic god Mabon, associated with the Autumn Equinox.

Participate in a harvest celebration, collecting and honouring the fruits of the land.

Make a corn dolly or a straw figure as a reminder of the abundance of the harvest.

Perform a ritual to honour the balance of the seasons and thank the gods and goddesses for their blessings.

Spend time writing in your journal. You could reminisce about your summer experiences, reflect on the shifts you feel with the changing season, contemplate what you're ready to release, or express gratitude for the blessings in your life.

Participate in a nature walk or ceremony, taking time to connect with the natural world and the turning of the seasons.

Enjoy your favourite fall beverages. 

Make a gratitude list or write a gratitude letter, expressing your appreciation for the abundance and beauty of the harvest season.

Connect with nature. 

Bring the beauty of fall indoors by decorating your home with seasonal touches. 

Performing a gratitude or release ritual. 

SAMHAIN (ALL HALLOWS/FINAL HARVEST)

Carving pumpkins with friends. 

Relax and watch some horror movies. 

Treat yourself to sweets. 

Participate in a haunted house, hayride, or corn maze event.

Declutter/organize your home. 

Focus on letting go to make space for the new year. 

Collecting leaves. 

Bake treats that contain pumpkin. 

Creating a spooky, atmospheric decor for your home or workspace, such as cobwebs, faux spiders, and other creepy décor items.

Gathering friends and loved ones for a Samhain feast, feasting on symbolic foods like apples, pumpkin, or corn.

Visit a local pumpkin patch. 

Making personalized altar items and decorative pieces for your sacred space, such as witch jars, mandalas, sigils, symbols of the harvest, items associated with death, etc. 

Participating in a divination practice like tarot reading, scrying, or rune casting to gain insight and connect with the energy of the night.

Go to a harvest festival or carnival.

Hold a Samhain seance or mediumship session to contact the spirits of loved ones who have passed on.

Participate in a potluck dinner with witches and pagans, dressing in traditional Samhain garb.

RESPECTFULLY visit a graveyard. 

YULE (WINTER SOLSTICE/MIDWINTER)

Burn a Yule log. 

Make an evergreen Yule wreath.

Decorate a Yule tree. 

Make a Yule wish list or a Yule resolution, as Yule is a time of reflection and intention setting.

Practice Yule carol singing, participating in a community sing-along or carolling event.

Celebrate in candle light. 

Give back to nature. 

Exchange nature-based gifts. 

Host a feast for those you love with foods associated with Yule, such as: roast goose, Yule ham, nuts, berries, spices, squash, and potatoes. 

Eat or make/bake Yule ham, gingerbread, mulled wine, roast goose, spiced cakes, shortbread, snowball, caraway, ginger snaps, honey cakes or pastries, and biscuits. 

Eat or give sweets flavoured with nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, or peppermint. 

Participate in the longest night of the year and prepare for the return of the light.

Honour deities associated with Yule, such as Odin, Baldur, Hel, Loki, Sol, Freyr, Njörðr with lights, candles, and bonfires.

Participate in a Yule spell or ritual, asking for blessings and protection for the coming year.

Decorate your home with evergreen boughs and wreaths, representing the evergreen nature of the sun and eternal life.

Host a Yule log ceremony. 

Participate in an outdoor activity, like sledding or ice skating, to honour the winter season.

[yourwitchmama]

Lughnasadh/Lammas spell jar for prosperity:

Ingredients:

🫙 A small glass jar with a lid

🌾 Dried grains (such as wheat, oats, or rice)

🪙Coins or small crystals (such as citrine or aventurine)

🍂Cinnamon sticks or powdered cinnamon

🌿 Dried herbs (such as rosemary, basil, or thyme)

🍃 Bay leaves

📝 A piece of paper and pen

🎗️A yellow or gold ribbon

🧿 Cleanse Your Space and Tools:

Make sure you cleanse your space and the items you’ll be using to get rid of or neutralize any old or negative energy. Energy cleansing with smoke is going to be the easiest way since nothing will get wet, but you can also use cleansing spray for people with sensitivities/strict rules. Just a soft mist- you don’t need to dowse everything in water.

🧘🏿‍♀️ Set Your Intention:

Meditate with the jar in your hands. Imagine whatever blessings you want, and really visualize it going into the jar. Feel the energy from your daydreams and wishes charge it.

🪷Layer/pour your spell jar Ingredients:

Layering your ingredients in the jar, starting with the dried grains, can make it aesthetically pleasing. Of course, you can throw them into the jar with passion and disorganization as well. Whichever you feel is right for you. As you add each layer or handful/spoonful of ingredients, focus on your intention and visualize abundance.

🖊️ Write Your Intention:

Write down sigils, intentions, affirmations, runes, or whatever you feel is best with your style to put in the jar. It’s best to roll it up or fold it so it fits, just don’t burn it or rip it up.

You can say: “With this spell jar, I invite abundance, prosperity, and gratitude into my life.” OR you can make up your own spell.

🦭 Seal the Jar:

Once all the ingredients are in the jar, seal it with the lid. Wrap the yellow or gold ribbon around the neck of the jar and tie it in a knot or bow. Yellow and gold are colors associated with the sun and abundance.

🌕 Charge the Jar:

There are a few ways to do this.

The first way is you can put specific miracle tones, chants, meditation music, and subliminals to charge it. Let it sit in front of the music for a long time. However long you intuitively feel is necessary.

The second way is you can place it in the sun or under the moon. I typically use the moon. Try to not do it under a new moon.

For the third way, hold the jar in your hands and focus on your intention once more. You can say a prayer, chant, or simply visualize golden light filling the jar and radiating out into your life.

Use any method you are used to or feel intuitively pulled towards! These three examples don’t need to be the way you charge- they are just ideas.

🙏🏻Place the Jar

Place the spell jar on your altar, a windowsill, or another special place in your home where it will be undisturbed.

💫 Maintain:

Continue to charge your jar if you feel that it isn’t working. You can shake around the ingredients if you feel that it will help remove stagnant energy.

[aperfectlylesbian]

I have had SO many questions since I started watching Agatha all along!

I really wanted to know more about witches, about the lore of this universe, like:

Do witches celebrate sabbats (Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon, Samhain)?

Or is this something we, human, created? And more importantly, does Agatha celebrate sabbats?

Do witches have familiars?

If so, what are they? Are they animals chosen for some reason by the witch? Are they beings of nature (I mean, obviously yes, but magically speaking) that chose the witch, or the witch choose them?

Do witches perform rituals like Drawing down the Moon?

I mean, the only covens we saw performing any ritual were Evanora's, with Agatha's failed attempt at execution, and Agatha's own, when they sang the ballad of the Witches' Road.

Was Evanora the High Priestess of Agatha's old Coven, or its founder?

I disagree with this one myself, because a High Priestess is the role of a woman who's leading a group ritual. High Priestess is also a title sometimes conferred on female members of a Wiccan coven when they have completed their third, or fifth year of study and practice. Evanora looks more like the founder of the Coven.

Are grimoires only made by Coven leaders?

I BLAME THE FANFICS FOR THIS! Every time someone writes about the books Agatha used to learn magic, a lot of people mention that she stole her mother's grimoire after killing her coven, and I always wonder: "Couldn't Agatha create her own grimoire?", "Does every witch have a grimoire?", and things like that.

Why does the Witches' Road classify witches in the Ballad?

Agatha, Jen, Lilia and Alice are witches, they all have knowledge of spells, they know how to use magic, but why the hell did the Witches' Road classify them specifically as "Spirit Witch", "Potion Witch", "Divination Witch" and "Protection Witch"? In terms of witches' powers, do they have any specific magical specialization? That's why?

Why can ONLY those types of witches enter the Road?

Who the fuck decided that only these types of witches can enter the Witches' Road? And why? Can't a witch be a potions witch and a divination witch at the same time? Or it's because of what's in the Witches' Road Ballad?

Like, I have questions, and NOBODY ANSWERS THEM! I honestly feel a little lost, but it's really fun to have these questions, because this series is amazing in everything it proposes.

[talonabraxas]

Lughnasadh David Wyatt Maenhir Wiccan Calendar by Ste Pickford 1st August 2024 Lammas/ Lughnasadh – Wiccan Lughnasadh – Pagan

Lughnasadh, otherwise called Lammas, is the time of the corn harvest, when Pagans reap those things they have sown and when they celebrate the fruits of the mystery of Nature. At Lughnasadh, Pagans give thanks for the bounty of the Goddess as Queen of the Land. Lammas is the first harvest, a time for gathering in and giving thanks for abundance; then Mabon or the Autumn Equinox is the Second Harvest of Fruit; and Samhain is the third and Final Harvest of Nuts and Berries.

With the coming of Christianity to the Celtic lands, the old festival of Lughnasadh took on Christian symbolism. Loaves of bread were baked from the first of the harvested grain and placed on the church altar on the first Sunday of August. The Christianized name for the feast of Lughnasadh is Lammas which means “loaf mass”.

But this is also the major festival of Lugh, or Lug, the great Celtic Sun King and God of Light. August is His sacred month when He initiated great festivities in honour of His mother, Tailtiu. Feasting, market fairs, games and bonfire celebrations are the order of the day. Circle dancing, reflecting the movement of the sun in sympathetic magic, is popular, as are all community gatherings. August is considered an auspicious month for handfastings and weddings.

At Lammas the Goddess is in Her aspect as Grain Mother, Harvest Mother, Harvest Queen, Earth Mother, Ceres and Demeter. Demeter, as Corn Mother, represents the ripe corn of this year’s harvest and her daughter Persephone/Kore represents the grain – the seed which drops back deep into the dark earth, hidden throughout the winter, to reappear in the spring as new growth. So as the grain harvest is gathered in, there is food to feed the community through the winter and within that harvest is the seed of next year’s rebirth, regeneration and harvest. The Grain Mother is ripe and full; heavily pregnant she carries the seed of the new year’s Sun God within her. This is the deep core meaning of Lammas and evokes the fullness and fulfilment of the present harvest, holding at its heart the seed of all future harvests.

But underlying this is the knowledge that the bounty and energy of Lugh, of the Sun, is now beginning to wane. It is a time when the year changes and shifts. Active growth is slowing down and the darker days of winter and reflection are beckoning. There is tension here. For Lugh, the Sun God, the God of the Harvest, the Green Man, or John Barleycorn, surrenders his life with the cutting of the corn. In the form of John Barleycorn, he is the living Spirit of the corn, or grain. As the corn is cut so John Barleycorn is cut down also. He surrenders his life so that others may be sustained by the grain, and so that the life of the community can continue. He is both eaten as the bread and is then reborn as the seed returns to the earth.

[thorsvinur]

Resources for Those Wanting to Learn about Pre-Christian Time Reckoning in Northern Europe and its Application in Modern Heathen Traditions

Throughout the history of the modern Neo-Pagan movement, the calendar that has been used by most practitioners has been either the Wiccan Wheel of the Year or another calendar heavily influenced by it. The Wheel of the Year draws largely upon a mixture of Celtic (Gaelic) and Anglo-Saxon traditions, splitting the years into quarters with quarterly and cross-quarterly celebrations and beginning the year at the end of October with the originally Gaelic festival of Samhain.

The calendars that have come to be popular for the majority of the modern Heathenry movement have undoubtedly been based in this calendar, with the major changes being to the names of certain celebrations. On the calendar created by Stephen McNallen for the AFA, Lammas became Freyfaxi, Mabon became Winter Finding, Samhain became Winter Nights, etc. Other organizations such as Forn Sidr of America, The Ásatrú Community, etc. have created their own versions of the calendar as well, but at their roots they all exist essentially as a modification of the Wheel of the Year concept.

More (relatively) recent research and scholarship has brought a greater awareness of older time reckoning systems within Heathen circles as well as amongst history enthusiasts. Some of this has focused on the Old Icelandic calendar as well as the primstav tradition, and while both of these have validity to them the Old Icelandic calendar already had some changes to how it worked from the older system and the primstav used a standardized dating system based in the Julian calendar. Still, these are both useful tools in attempting to reconstruct the pre-Christian (or at least pre-Julian) calendar systems of the Germanic, and particularly Scandinavian, peoples of Northern Europe.

Why is this at all important in an age with the Gregorian calendar used most everywhere and especially for those outside of Scandinavia? Because for those trying the build an understanding of or relationship with these cultures, or even just more connected to the earth in general, the way they reckoned time helps to understand their relationship and connection to their environment, the flow of seasons, how they viewed the different parts of the year and adjusted their activities accordingly, etc. It helps to understand the "why" behind the ritual cycle, even in the names of the months themselves.

Below are a few of the primary resources that I have found helpful in learning about these topics, as well as a graphic representation that I have made based on my research so far to represent the reconstructed Old Norse lunisolar calendar. Note that I don't claim to be an expert on this topic, so I could certainly be wrong in some of the details, and some of the months also have multiple names from which I chose one to use. Also, there were multiple time reckoning systems in use during the period, including a week-counting system, so there can also be conflicting information depending on which is being considered.

Sources:

"Jul, disting och förkyrklig tidräkning: Kalendrar och kalendriska riter i det förkristna Norden" by Andreas Nordberg

- Available as a free PDF, the majority of this is written in Swedish, but it contains a fairly concise English summary at the end. It focuses primarily on Old Norse Jól (Yule) as well as the Dísaþing/Disting and Dísablót in Sweden, but it touches on other celebrations and uses these to establish the overall scheme of the lunisolar calendar system.

"The Festival Year: A Survey of the Annual Festival Cycle and Its Relation to the Heathen Lunisolar Calendar" by Josh Rood

-Also available as a free PDF, this paper expands upon Norberg's work as well as others' and goes through the overall festival year of the pre-Christian Scandinavians.

"The Lunisolar Calendar of the Germanic Peoples: Reconstruction of a bound moon calendar from ancient, medieval and early modern sources" by Andreas Zautner

-This book is sort of a dive into a number of different ancient to early modern calendar systems, but it uses all of these to reconstruct lunisolar time reckoning systems not only for Scandinavians, but for other Germanic peoples as well. It's a great read for those interested in pre-Julian time reckoning in Northern Europe as well as Medieval calendar systems in general.

"The Nordic Animist Year" by Rune Hjarnø Rasmussen

-Similarly to Zautner's book, Rasmussen draws upon a variety of Medieval calendar systems in his work, but his goal, rather than reconstructing an Old Norse calendar is to create a modern calendar based in animist traditions of Northern Europe. It undoubtedly uses the lunisolar system as a base and takes a lot from Old Norse sources, but it also incorporates later traditions which are based in animist knowledge and have value in establishing a system of seasonal animism.

And lastly, my Old Norse lunisolar calendar representation. Each month starts on a new moon, represented by a black dot, and the festivals are shown at the full moons, being white dots. You may notice the lack of Þorrablót and Miðsumar (Midsommar) on here. Regarding Þorrablót, I'm not as well researched on the origins of it and how widespread it may have been. For Miðsumar I have long refrained from including it due to the absolute lack of mentions in literary material from during or shortly after the period, but I have been pointed to some instances of it marked on primstavs as July 14th (Julian calendar), suggesting a possible lunisolar observance of it earlier similar to Jól's relationship to the winter solstice.

[coinandcandle]

Lammas

Learn about the holiday of Lammas!

What is Lammas?

Lammas, Lammas Day, Loaf Mass, Loaf Mass Day—however you’d like to call it—is a holiday celebrated originally by Christian Anglo-Saxons. Lammas is also called “the feast of first fruits” and is a harvest festival taking place on August 1st in the northern hemisphere (February 1st in the southern hemisphere).

Some neopagan religions, namely Wicca, would later add this holiday to their sabbats (see: Wheel of the Year). Due to various reasons, the holiday Lughnasadh—a festival historically celebrated in Ireland—became conflated with Lammas, and the two are often used interchangeably. For a short explanation as to why this is an issue, please see this post.

Etymology

Lammas comes from the Old English hlāfmæsse, or “Loaf mass”. This most likely references the tradition of making a loaf of bread with the crop harvested on Lammastide.

History

In the past, it was customary to bring a loaf of bread to one’s local church to be blessed or to have a procession from the church to a bakery wherein those who are working will be blessed. The blessed bread may also be used for the Eucharist.

Throughout Britain in the Middle Ages fairs would be celebrated, feasts would be had, rent would be paid, and local elections held.

Note: Lammas may have pre-Christian influences but the festivities we know of and its name come from a distinctly English and Christina era. It was not “stolen” from pagans.

Modern Day Lammas

These are simply suggestions, anything that can be seen as traditional will be marked with a (T).

Correspondences

Deities

The Christian God (T), Lugh, Demeter, Freyr, Osiris, and many of the harvest/agricultural deities.

Rocks, Crystals, Minerals, Etc

Sunstone, amber, gold, iron

Herbs and Plants

Wheat, cereals, corn (T), blackberries, blueberries, bilberries

Activities

Bake bread (T)

Hold a bonfire

Harvest crops (T) or tend to houseplants

Practice divination

Create or cast spells involving equity and justice

Visit a bakery (and tip your bakers if possible!)

Pray for blessings

Feast (T)

Offerings

Beer

Bread or other baked goods (T)

Any of the herbs or rocks mentioned above

Support local farmers

Dance or sing

Honor your ancestors, gods, or spirits with an altar or a space at your feast

References and Resources

Lammas - Britannica

A Little History of Lammas - A Clerk of Oxford

Lammas - Wikipedia

Stations of the Sun - Ronald Hutton

Enjoy my work? Consider leaving me a tip or supporting me on ko-fi!

[pherryt]

Crossovers

Who loves crossovers? I love reading and writing them! So much so, I've been nicknamed the Crossover Queen in one of my servers. And now I'm curious -

My fellow writers: If you write them, how many Crossover fics do you have? How does that work out in percentages? Do you stick with the same fandoms or do you dabble in many? Do you find you have one or two main fandoms you like to mix with everything else under the sun? (Looking at my own list, that's exactly what *I* do lol)

Stats: Out of 443 works (over 3 million words which also include: 27 art posts, 10 podfics and 2 collabs), 47 of those are CROSSOVERS! (for a total of 612,031 words) hitting around 40 different fandoms?

(I lost track trying to break it down, especially with things that bleed into each other. Do I count each type of Star Trek as separate or as a whole?)

That's only 10% of my fics! And only 18% of my total words! But I still feel like I've written a ton of them!

What have I got? ALOT of different fandom combos:

5 Old Guard / MCU fics (same series)

2 Witcher / Zelda fics

2 One Piece / Witcher fics

3 SPN / Doctor Who fics (and one plus Torchwood but that one is unfinished)

2 Star Trek OS / AOS fics

2 Power Pack / Doctor Who fics

Then one each of:

Doctor Who / Star Trek OS / Next Gen

SPN / ElfQuest

Power Pack / ElfQuest

Power Pack / Venom

Venom / MCU

MCU / ElfQuest

SPN / BtVS

SPN / Scooby Doo

SPN / MCU

SPN / Old Guard

Star Trek / MCU

Witcher / Supernatural

Ranma 1/2 / Fruits Basket

Fusion Style Crossovers:

3 fics for SPN / Anne of Green Gables (same series)

SPN / Golden Girls

Witcher / Doctor Who

Witcher / Yuri on Ice

Witcher / Princess Bride

SPN / Mercedes Lackey (Lammas Night)

MCU / Pacific Rim

MCU / Alice in Wonderland

Insane Fics with 4 or more Fandoms:

SPN / MCU / Star Trek / Harry Potter

MHA / MASH / MCU / SPN /One Piece / Eureka / Witcher

SPN / One Piece / Warehouse 13 / MASH / Ranma 1/2 / Zelda /Good Omens / Knives Out

Witcher / One Piece / PotC / OFMD

One Piece / Ranma 1/2 / Zelda / Witcher / LotR / HDM /Old Guard / Doctor Who / Prydain / Fruits Basket / Slayers

In various stages of written/planning that I'm still hoping to finish:

Witcher / SPN

Witcher / ElfQuest

Witcher / MCU

Witcher / The Others

Witcher (AWAU Flavor) / MHA

MHA / Valdemar

[magickkate]

Today, let's talk about Lammas, the Sabbat of the first harvest! As the days grow shorter and the first fruits of the harvest ripen on the vine, we come to Lammas, a festival of gratitude, abundance, and celebration. This Sabbat marks the first harvest of the season and celebrates the fruits of our labor and the blessings of the earth.

Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is a sacred festival celebrated on July 31st - August 2nd in the Northern Hemisphere (or January 31st - February 2nd in the Southern Hemisphere). It marks the halfway point between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox and is a time to honor the first harvest of the season and give thanks for the abundance of the Earth.

🌾 History and Traditions:

Lammas has its roots in ancient agricultural societies, where it was celebrated as a festival of grain and the harvest. The name "Lammas" comes from the Old English word "hlafmaesse," meaning "loaf mass," referring to the tradition of baking bread with the newly harvested grain. In Celtic mythology, Lammas is associated with the god Lugh, who was honored with games, feasting, and rituals celebrating the harvest. It is a time of community gatherings, feasting, and giving thanks for the blessings of the Earth.

Here are a few ways to honor the magic of Lammas:

Give Thanks for the Harvest: Take this time to give thanks for the abundance of the earth and the blessings of the harvest, expressing gratitude for the nourishment and sustenance it provides.

Bake Bread and Share Food: Bake bread or other baked goods using grains harvested from the earth, and share them with loved ones as a symbol of abundance and community.

🌾 Recipes: -> Lammas Bread: Bake a loaf of bread using whole grains such as wheat or cornmeal. Add herbs like rosemary or basil for flavor and intention. -> Harvest Soup: Create a hearty soup using seasonal vegetables like corn, squash, and potatoes. Infuse it with warmth and nourishment to symbolize the abundance of the harvest.

Create a Harvest Altar: Decorate your altar with symbols of the harvest, such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and symbols of abundance, to honor the bounty of the earth and the blessings of the season.

🌾 Correspondences:

Colors: Gold, yellow, orange, green.

Symbols: Wheat, grain, corn, bread, sunflowers, sheaves of wheat.

Herbs: Meadowsweet, chamomile, sunflower, rosemary, basil.

Crystals: Citrine, amber, peridot, carnelian.

Offerings to the Land: Make offerings to the land and the spirits of nature, giving back to the earth and expressing your appreciation for its gifts.

Hold a Harvest Ritual: Gather with loved ones to hold a ritual of gratitude and celebration, giving thanks for the abundance of the earth and the blessings of the season.

🌾 Rituals and Celebrations:

Harvest Ritual: Create an altar adorned with symbols of the harvest, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Offer gratitude to the Earth for its abundance and blessings. Light candles in shades of gold and yellow to honor the sun's warmth and energy.

Bread Baking: Bake bread using freshly harvested grains or incorporate grains like wheat or cornmeal into your cooking. As you knead the dough, infuse it with your intentions for abundance and prosperity.

Outdoor Activities: Spend time in nature, perhaps visiting a local farm or orchard to connect with the land and observe the ripening crops. Take a nature walk and collect wildflowers or herbs to decorate your home or altar.

Feasting and Sharing: Host a feast with friends and loved ones, featuring dishes made from seasonal produce. Share stories, laughter, and gratitude for the abundance of the harvest season.

Lammas is a time of gratitude, abundance, and celebration, reminding us to honor the cycles of nature and give thanks for the blessings of the Earth. May your Lammas be filled with joy, abundance, and blessings from the harvest! 🌾🍞🌞

[jeanjauthor]

Just a little pet peeve...

Okay, it's a rant. But it still needs to be ranted!

Writers, let's talk about what Midwinter actually is, because I keep reading stories wherein people celebrate midwinter festivities...on the Solstice.

Midwinter is NOT the same as the Winter Solstice.

Winter Solstice starts Winter as a season.

Midwinter literally means middle-of-winter.

Midwinter, Midsummer, Midspring, Midautumn/Midfall are pagan holy days with very specific names.

Lammas or Lughnasadh is Midsummer, and it is literally also called August Eve, because it takes place on July 31st, the (approximate) midpoint between the start of summer (Summer Solstice) and the start of autumn (Autumnal Equinox).

Sovvan, Sowain, Samhain, this one is also known as All Hallow's Eve, November Eve, and yes, that's Halloween, October 31st. Midautumn is NOT held on the Autumnal Equinox!!

Midspring is called Beltain, also called May Eve, aka April 30th. It lies midway between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice (if off by a few days; remember, there were calendar shifts happening amidst all of these centuries).

And Midwinter is Imbolc, or February Eve, aka January 31st.

It is not 12th Night (January 6th).

It is not the Winter Solstice, way back in December!

Winter has already long since begun, by the time Imbolc comes around! Midwinter is the mid-point of winter.

So please, writers, stop mixing this up!

JUST CALL IT THE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL, BECAUSE THAT'S WHEN YOU'RE HOLDING YOUR STORY FESTIVAL.

Midwinter is something completely different, by roughly seven (7) weeks!!

...If you don't believe me, I'm going to start calling your Christian Easter goddamn Christmas!

*To Clarify: I did a lot of research into various religions, including several sects of paganism (old and new). This is what Midwinter means! It's Imbolc!! Not the Winter Solstice!! I literally got a Ph.D. in Religions while I was learning this stuff!

[harmonyhealinghub]

Lughnasa: The Festival of Transition Shaina Tranquilino August 1, 2024

As the sun reaches its zenith and summer begins its slow transition into autumn, many cultures around the world celebrate the ancient festival of Lughnasa, also known as Lammas. This festival, rooted deeply in Celtic tradition, marks a significant point in the agricultural calendar and symbolizes a period of transformation, gratitude, and community.

Origins and Significance

Lughnasa, celebrated on August 1st, is named after Lugh, a prominent deity in Celtic mythology associated with the sun, light, and skill. It is believed that the festival was originally dedicated to Lugh’s mother, Tailtiu, who was honoured for her contributions to agriculture. The name Lammas, derived from Old English “hlaf-mas” (loaf mass), reflects the Christian influence on the festival, focusing on the first harvest and the blessing of bread made from new grain.

Celebrating the Harvest

At its core, Lughnasa is a harvest festival. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the earth and to celebrate the fruits of labor. Traditionally, communities would come together to share the bounty of the harvest, with feasts featuring freshly harvested grains, fruits, and vegetables. Bread made from the new crop of wheat was a central symbol of this celebration, signifying both the sustenance provided by the land and the communal spirit of the festival.

Rituals and Traditions

Lughnasa is rich with rituals and customs that honour the changing of the seasons and the cycles of nature. Here are a few traditional practices associated with the festival:

Harvest Feasts: Preparing and sharing a meal made from the season's harvest is a cornerstone of Lughnasa celebrations. Dishes made with freshly harvested grains, fruits, and vegetables are enjoyed by family and friends, reflecting the abundance of the season.

Bonfires: Lighting bonfires is a common practice during Lughnasa. These fires symbolize the sun’s energy and warmth, and they serve as a way to honour the light that has nurtured the crops. Dancing around the bonfire is also a traditional activity, representing the joy and vitality of the harvest.

Games and Competitions: Historically, Lughnasa was a time for community gatherings and games. Athletic competitions, storytelling, and music were integral parts of the celebration, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy.

Nature Walks and Offerings: Spending time in nature and making offerings of gratitude to the land are practices associated with Lughnasa. People might leave small tokens or offerings at sacred sites or in natural settings as a way to honor the earth and express thanks for its bounty.

Modern Observances

In contemporary times, Lughnasa has experienced a revival as people seek to reconnect with ancient traditions and the rhythms of nature. Modern celebrations often blend traditional practices with new interpretations, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable living and community-building.

Many people today celebrate Lughnasa through gatherings that emphasize local and seasonal foods, and they may incorporate rituals that honor both the agricultural significance and the spiritual aspects of the festival. Community events, farmers’ markets, and harvest festivals often feature elements of Lughnasa, making it accessible to a broader audience.

The Spirit of Transition

Lughnasa is not just a festival of harvest; it is a celebration of transition. As the days gradually shorten and the first signs of autumn appear, Lughnasa reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing change. It is a time to reflect on the past season, give thanks for what has been achieved, and prepare for the shifts that lie ahead.

By observing Lughnasa, we connect with an age-old rhythm that has guided humanity through the ages, reminding us of the ever-changing dance between light and dark, growth and rest. It is a celebration of life’s abundance and a testament to the enduring power of tradition and community.

As you prepare to celebrate Lughnasa, whether through traditional practices or modern interpretations, take a moment to appreciate the seasonal transition and the opportunities it brings for reflection, gratitude, and renewal.

[breelandwalker]

In case anyone is wondering....

"When does the full moon next coincide with...."

Candlemas / Imbolc - February 2026

Leap Day - February 2048

Vernal Equinox - March 2038

Beltane / Mayday - May 2025

Summer Solstice - June 2062

Lughnasadh / Lammas - August 2042

Autumnal Equinox - September 2029

Halloween / Samhain - October 2039

Winter Solstice - December 2094

"When is the next blue moon?"

August 19, 2024 (seasonal)

May 31, 2026 (calendar)

May 20, 2027 (seasonal)

December 31, 2028 (calendar) - plus total lunar eclipse

August 24, 2029 (seasonal)

August 21, 2032 (seasonal)

May 22, 2035 (seasonal)

January 31, 2037 (calendar) - plus total lunar eclipse

(Phases calculated for Northern Hemisphere and are subject to slight changes by time zone. Southern Hemisphere dates may vary.)

[Sources: The Old Farmer's Almanac, Everyday Calculation, Wikipedia, Forbes.]

[the-mortuary-witch]

𖤐 INTRODUCTION 𖤐

I UPDATE ALL MY POSTS IF I FIND NEW INFO. THIS BLOG OF MINE IS SPIRITUAL, IT IS NOT AN AESTHETIC OR FETISH!

Everyone is welcome on my blog, no matter your skin tone, body type, gender, sexuality, beliefs, nationality, and interests.

DO NOT interact with me or my account if you support anti-abortion, proshippers/or are one, bullying, climate change, war, poverty, terrorism, fetishize serial killers racism, murder, are a hazbin hotel/helluva boss fan, have a nsfw blag, rape/rapists, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableist, anti vax, fascists, donald trump, nazi’s, any kind of abuse, TERFs, bestiality, arson, jk rowling, furries, therians/or are one (you make me severely uncomfortable), and just overall piss off if you can’t be a decent human being.

ABOUT ME:

My name is Grim. I’m 19-years-old, Icelandic, my personality type is ENFJ, and I’m an ambivert. I have been a Satanist since Nov 2023 and a witch since Feb 2024. I’ve learnt a lot so far, and still currently am doing research on Satanism and witchcraft. This blog of mine is dedicated to Satanism, Witchcraft, deity and entity info.

Currently Working With: Lady Aphrodite, King Asmodeus, Lord Fenrir, Mother Freyja, King Hades, Mother Hecate, Lady Hel, Lord Loki, Mother Lilith, Lord Lucifer, and Queen Persephone.

Will Soon Be Devoted to: ???

Magickal Interests: sigils, crystals, spell work, meditation, protection magick, deity and entity work, and runes.

Other Interests: metal and rock music, corpse paint, anime, manga, drumming, taxidermy, exercising, vulture culture, and collecting vinyl and CDs.

SOCIALS:

INSTAGRAM: @the.mortuary.witch

PINTEREST: @the_mortuary_witch

TIK TOK: @the_mortuary_witch

POSTS:

SATANISM:

SATANISM INFO

THE 7 FUNDAMENTAL TENETS

PAGAN AND SATANIC HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SATANISM, WITCHCRAFT, AND PAGANISM

THE 11 SATANIC RULES OF THE EARTH

WHAT SATANISM DOES AND DOESN’T SUPPORT

THE 9 SATANIC SINS AND THEIR MEANINGS

WITCHCRAFT:

2024 WITCHES CALENDAR

THE SABBATS

WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SABBATS

IMBOLC

OSTARA

BELTANE

LITHA

LAMMAS

MABON

SAMHAIN

YULE

WITCHCRAFT INFO

SPELLS

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EVERYDAY WITCHCRAFT

TYPES OF WITCHES

TYPES OF HERBS AND SPICES

TYPES OF CRYSTALS

TYPES OF WATER

TYPES OF DIVINATION

TYPES OF DEVOTIONAL ACTS

INCENSE PROPERTIES

HERB AND FLORA PROPERTIES

GRIMORE IDEAS

WITCHY RED FLAGS

FRUIT CORRESPONDENCES

CLEANING / REUSING SPELL JARS GUIDE

GRAVEYARD GUIDE

COMMON WITCHY TERMS / TOOLS

WITCHY SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS

FAMILIARS AND THEIR MEANINGS

CONNECTING WITH NATURE’S ELEMENTS

WHERE YOU CAN DRAW SIGILS AND RUNES

CANDLE COLOUR MEANINGS

PLANETARY MAGICK

FULL MOON MEANINGS

MOON PHASES

DAY OF THE WEEK MAGICKAL CORRESPONDENCES

LOW EFFORT / ENERGY WITCHCRAFT

DEITIES AND ENTITIES:

CONNECTING WITH DEITIES

TYPES OF DEITIES

DEITY MASTERLIST (PART ONE)

DEITY MASTERLIST (PART TWO)

IDEAS FOR TALKING TO DEITIES AND ENTITIES

DEITY AND ENTITY PLAYLISTS

DEITY AND ENTITY AESTHETICS

MASTERLISTS:

ASMODEUS

ANUBIS

APHRODITE

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ARTEMIS

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BASTET

BEELZEBUB

CERBERUS

DIONYSUS

DEMETER

FREYJA

FENRIR

HECATE

HYPNOS

HERMES

HADES

HEL

LOKI

LUCIFER

LILITH

MA’AT

MEDUSA

NYX

PERSEPHONE

RAUM

SKÖLL AND HATI

SELENE

SANTA MUERTE

THE MORRIGAN