Lughnasadh, or Lammas, is a cross-quarter festival in the Northern Hemisphere that falls on August 1, at the height of summer. Lammas, meaning "Loaf Mass", is a celebration of the first harvest and a warning of the coming winter.
PREPPING YOUR ALTAR
Preparing your altar is mostly preference, but I figured I would provide some inspiring ideas. Some corresponding colors include rich warm browns, deep oranges, and gold. It is in tradition to craft corn dollies to place on your altar, made of corn husks, they represent goddesses and affirm the reverence for earth's cycles of birth, death, and renewal. For offerings, you can make loaves of honey bread or pumpkin bread as well as corn, wheat, or oats. Crystals for your altar may include citrine, tiger's eye, and moss agate. You may want to use frankincense, rosemary, or sandalwood essential oils in your diffuser, or to dress candles. Corresponding herbs to dress candles and to include in your tinctures or spells include basil, cloves, and chamomile. Remember, in conclusion, your altar is your space to dedicate how you want.
A SIMPLE CANDLE SPELL
Let's conduct a simple spell using the following:
*A White Birthday Candle
*Frankincense Essential Oil
*Ground Rosemary
*Ground Cinnamon
*Bay leaf (optional)
Directions:
Prepare a clean dry surface. Take your white candle and apply a drop or two of the Frankincense essential oil from the top of the candle down towards you (the direction is important to be sure we are receiving the blessings and abundance for which we are asking). Now take the ground cinnamon and rosemary and sprinkle a generous amount onto your clean dry surface. Now take your anointed candle and roll it through the ground ingredients towards yourself until the candle is well coated. During the dressing of the candle, create a mental picture of what blessings and abundance you want to manifest in your life. Picture it as it is happening right now, that you are living out your intentions.
Before you light your candle on your altar or offering plate, take a bay leaf if you wish and write a short petition (2 or 3 words) that resonates with your intentions, and you may burn it with the candle flame or in your cauldron. Place the candle on your altar or offering dish, and while stating out loud your intentions (or include any deity you may be making the offering to), light the candle and let it burn down (it won't take long if you use birthday candles).
IN CONCLUSION
Comment below, how do you celebrate? Share with us your ideas and inspiration.
ENDETRIS
Eclectic Practitioner
