Solitary Lughnasadh Rite

“The Tree” is the basic liturgical and organizational writing and the basis for Seax-Wica, but it is a ‘base’. It provides the rituals as if being practiced by a coven, but nowadays most Wiccans, especially those of the Seax-Wica tradition, are solitary practitioners (they work alone). The following information on the Sabbat is adapted from “The Tree” and is only one way that a solitary can use these rituals in their own practice.

Lughnasadh is named after the god Lugh, although it also sometimes known as Lammas, and in the pagan times was a festival with religious ceremonies and athletic competitions, many of which are still practiced today (such as log tossing). This is a time when the fruits of the growing seasons begin to show, and we anticipate the harvest.

The Sabbat

Gesith:

“Summer is the season for cultivation and for caring.
Flowers come forth; later to give way to fruit.
Now is the time for me to review all things –
That which is to remain, and that which must
Be pruned away, for the goodness of growth.
Growth in all things; in plants and in myself.”

Gesith raises their arms high.

“Almight Mother of us all,
Bringer of Life and of Love,
I thank thee for all the goodness
I have raised up from the soil;
The promises of fruits to come.
Help me in my decisions and in my judgements.
Let me have the wisdom of the Might Ones
As I handle my problems.
Both great and small!
So be it!”

Gesith lowers their arms.

“My Lady of the Silver Crescent –
And the Golden Orb, your Consort –
I praise you and love you.
Look down upon me and guide me
In my rites and in my life.
As the Moon reflects the Sun
So let my life reflect the love you have for me.
Help me to love and honor others;
To have respect and, most of all,
To have that understanding that brings
True love and peace.
Woden and Freya, this pagan is yours;
In love most perfect
And with trust in all things.”

Gesith kisses their Seax, then dances around the Circle for as long as they wish. Then shall follow the Ceremony of Cakes and Ale, followed by games and merriment.

What is the meaning of Lughnasadh?

Lughnasadh is a celebration of the coming harvest, and the gardens can be seen in full bloom. The earliest harvests of grain have begun.

Symbols of Lughnasadh

Yellow, orange, brown, green, and other ‘harvest’ colors are symbolic of Lughnasadh, and common symbols include stalks of wheat tied in bunches, bread, and a spear (the traditional weapon of the god Lugh, as well as Woden!).

Food & Herbs of Lughnasadh

Breads and other grain-based foods are the most traditional and appropriate for Lughnasadh, as are sunflowers.

What else can you do on Lughnasadh?

A popular tradition is to go for a walk and collect some wheat of whatever types you can find, then bend and tie them into ‘Grain Mothers’ (little dolls). Baking bread is a great way to spend the day, and of course so is setting up a few ‘yard’ games for a friendly competition.