Sexy, blond Lugh, god of the old Celtic legends, was a warrior, a king, and a craftsman, a master of many arts, and none excelled him in skills, as he was the God of human skill. A beautiful summer holiday, celebrated on August 1st, is named after him: Lughnasadh. Also, we honor Demeter, Ceres, Danu, Persephone, Freya, and the Green Man on this day.
This holiday, Lughnasadh, is also called Lammas, as it marks the blessings of the first fruit of the harvest. So, all the witches doll up in orange and place on their altars crystals like carnelian and tiger’s eye, wheat, grains, foods, and veggies, they draw symbols of the sun, make bouquets and wreaths from sunflowers and marigolds. They bake fresh bread and light golden candles.
How do we celebrate?
We bake bread, go out in our gardens to celebrate the sun, or visit a local farmer’s market to support the people who work their fields. It’s time for beer making and berry picking. Witches make spells to attract abundance and success, to offer thanks to the universe, and to purify and transform themselves. They use frankincense and sandalwood and make chamomile tea. They watch the sunset and meditate with a citrine crystal. Also, they bless their breads.
What do we celebrate at Lughnasadh?
It’s the midst of summer, but Lughnasadh smells heavily of autumn. Generally, it is a time to look back because half of the year has passed, and now you have to celebrate your personal achievements and receive the first rewards from your efforts. We worship bees, squirrels, foxes, cows, horses, butterflies, and deer. We eat bread, corn, berries, apples, grains, cheeses, jam and honey.
So what have I accomplished?
It’s time to look back and consider what the things are that make you most grateful. I have managed to read 22 different books this year – most of them Rick Riordan’s or translated English Poetry. Moreover, I have watched 10 movies and the entire season of The Bachelor – a very romantic and scandalous show. I listened to a lot of Greek myths adapted for children. Also, I watched two seasons of the series Good Omens, which is about a demon and an angel who work together to save Earth from the Apocalypse, because they love it so much. I saw Jesus Christ Superstar, a version worthy of Broadway. During this period, I went to a few parties in Casa de Cuba, and I danced and almost made out. I walked to the Grebna Baza for a day, scoring 37000 steps.
I flirted and wrote many poems. Hey, I learned to make several kinds of chicken marinades. I went to a concert. Besides, I lit candles and incense every day. I started going to tango lessons and writing a Tango journal. To be fair, I also fell in love with Ryan Gosling. I gave thanks for a lot of aspects of my life. Last month I went to the sea and dipped in the salty water, and I flirted almost until I fainted. It has been a great half-year, and August promises to be fabulous as well.
Blessed Lughnasadh, everyone! May your life be rich with golden light!
