Greetings all!
I wanted to wish you a happy and safe Lughnasadh. The weather is beautiful here I hope you are all having good weather too.
This Sabbat is a time to get outside and play outdoor games with your family. Horseshoes, Croquet, and Badminton come to mind. Traditionally games of strength and sport were out in the fields on Lughnasadh.
Baking and eating bread is also a main tradition. Make some extra bread and leave out as an offering, or bring a loaf over to your neighbour. Be sure to leave treats out for the Fae folk!
Since Lughnasadh is a time to celebrate the first harvest decorate your home with corn, wheat and any other seasonal fruits and veggies. I you are like me and have a big garden you can set out bowls of peas, beans and tomatoes. Whatever is available to you.
The making of corn dollies are also traditional. There are wonderful videos on YouTube that show how to weave a corn dolly with wheat sheaves. Of course there is nothing wrong with using corn husks as many people do if that is all you have on hand. (You can also often buy the wheat corn dollies at craft stores already made if making one is not something you would enjoy). Decorate your corn dolly however you like.
Corn dollies are traditionally buried in the fields after harvest to ensure next year’s crops will do well. Some folks though, keep their corn dollies until Imbolc and then burn them. The choice is yours and it will depend on the type of ritual you will be doing for Imbolc and what the meaning has for you.
I hate to admit it but Lughnasadh is also a sign that Autumn is on its way. While plants, trees and flowers are at the peak of their splendor, the sun is going down a little earlier each night. This is a reminder to start stocking up our pantries for winter. If you do canning or makes preserves, jams and jellies and pickles, now is the time to start with the first foods available. If you want to freeze some veggies click here for instructions. If you want to freeze fruit click here for instructions.
I haven’t yet posted anything on canning yet because where I live it’s a bit too early for many of the things I can, but if you are really interested find yourself a good canning book. Joy of Cooking has some great information on canning but there are many others that deal with only canning. I was fortunate enough to have learned from my mother and that is why I feel it is so important to caution you about what you find online. Many people cut corners and skip important steps which is why I recommend getting a good book.
Lughnasadh is also a time to let go of regrets and bad habits. We are reaping what we have been sowing all year and to keep moving forward with the cycle we need to let go of any negativity we are harbouring. What is done is done. We must always be moving forward. A good way to let go of things is to write what you want to let go of on piece of paper and either burn or bury it. Focus on what your life will be like without this in it. See yourself happy and healthy.
Be safe! Many blessings to you all!
Lady Black