Lughnasadh ~ First Harvest
As the Wheel of the Year turns, we arrive at Lughnasadh (pronounced LOO-nah-sah), also called Lammas. This August 1st festival marks the first harvest, a time of gratitude, reflection, and preparation as we begin to reap the rewards of our hard work throughout the year. I always feel a shift in energy around this time—the bright intensity of summer starts to mellow, and I find myself naturally slowing down, savoring the warmth, and feeling deeply grateful for the abundance in my life.
One of my favorite ways to celebrate is gathering with friends and family, sharing a meal of freshly baked bread and seasonal fruits, and spending the evening around our backyard bonfire under the garden lights. There's something incredibly grounding about honoring the land and the cycles of nature, especially when I can incorporate these traditions into my everyday life.
Lughnasadh’s Roots & Modern-Day Celebrations
Lughnasadh is named after the Celtic god Lugh, a solar deity associated with skill, craftsmanship, and the harvest. In ancient times, this was a festival of feasting, competitions, and community gatherings, celebrating the first grains, fruits, and vegetables of the season.
🍞 Lammas, meaning "Loaf Mass," became the Christianized version of this holiday, where the first loaves of bread were offered in gratitude.
🏆 Ancient Celtic Games & Fairs—People would compete in physical contests, much like today’s Highland Games.
🌿 Rituals of Gratitude & Protection—Farmers would offer the first sheaf of wheat to ensure a bountiful harvest for the rest of the season.
Lughnasadh’s Modern-Day Equivalent: Thanksgiving & Harvest Festivals
🌾 Many modern harvest festivals in August and September, including European grain festivals, still echo the themes of abundance, gratitude, and sharing.
🥖 The tradition of blessing the first bread of the season continues in some Christian churches, much like the offering of the first loaf at Lammas.
🍂 American Thanksgiving holds similar energy, focusing on community, gratitude, and enjoying the fruits of the year’s labor.
How I Celebrate Lughnasadh (And How You Can Too!)
🔥 Bonfire & Gratitude Ritual – Since fire is a key element of Lughnasadh, we gather around our backyard bonfire, reflecting on what we’ve accomplished so far this year. I like to write down something I’m grateful for and something I’m ready to release, then toss the paper into the flames, symbolizing gratitude and transformation.
🍞 Baking & Feasting – This is the perfect time to bake bread, honoring the ancient traditions of offering the first grain. I love making:
🥖 Honey Oat Bread – Sweet and nourishing, perfect for Lughnasadh energy.
🫐 Berry Tarts & Pies – Using seasonal fruits to celebrate the summer harvest.
🫖 Herbal Tea with Chamomile & Mint – To align with the abundant, golden energy of the season.
We also offer Lughnasadh Simmer Pot Blends & Ritual Bath Kits in the shop, filled with seasonal herbs, spices, and sacred elements to honor the sabbat!
🌿 Lughnasadh Altar Offerings
To honor the harvest energy, I fill my altar with:
✨ Wheat, corn, and sunflowers – Symbols of abundance and gratitude.
✨ Gold & orange candles – Representing the waning sun’s strength.
✨ Carnelian, citrine, and amber – Crystals for prosperity and warmth.
Lughnasadh Simmer Pot – Warm, Earthy & Nourishing
This seasonal simmer pot brings the essence of Lughnasadh into my home:
🍊 Orange peel & cinnamon – For warmth and success.
🌿 Rosemary & thyme – Protection and abundance.
🍯 Honey or vanilla extract – Sweetness & gratitude.
💧 Apple slices – A symbol of the coming autumn.
You can use this recipe for an easy way to infuse your space with this energy!
Divination & Magic for Lughnasadh
Since Lughnasadh marks the turning of the seasons, I love using divination to check in on my path and see what’s coming next.
✨ "What’s Ripening in My Life?" Tarot Spread
What am I harvesting from my efforts so far?
What still needs time to grow?
What should I release as the seasons shift?
I also love making Lughnasadh spell jars, filled with grains, sun-charged crystals, and herbs for prosperity, health, and gratitude. You can find pre-made Lughnasadh Spell Jars in our shop if you’d like one ready to go!
Keeping the Magic of Lughnasadh Alive
Since this sabbat is about gratitude, transition, and preparation, I try to carry that energy into my daily life by:
🍞 Baking bread and setting an intention with each loaf.
🌿 Harvesting & drying herbs to store for the darker months ahead.
📝 Journaling what I’m grateful for & what I’m ready to let go of.
🔥 Lighting candles or a fire to honor the warmth of the sun as it begins to wane.
Shop the Magic!
💌 Sabbat Greeting Cards – Share the magic with friends & loved ones!
🌾 How do you celebrate Lughnasadh? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your traditions! ✨🔥
