Other names for this holiday include Lugh, Lammas, Thingtide, Lammastide, Lughomass, Festival of Light, Latha Lunasdal, Lúnasa, Lunasda, or Lunasdal.

August 1st

Lughnasadh is the celebration of the first of three autumn harvests. The other two, discussed elsewhere on the wheel, are the Autumnal Equinox and Samhain.

The name of Lugh is derived from the old Celtic word "lugio", meaning "an oath". And as such, traditionally a part of the celebrations surrounding Lughnasadh have been the formation of oaths. Because the agricultural year had its culmination in the harvest and the harvest festivals, oaths and contracts that had to wait until after the crops were in could be focused on at this time.

From before recorded history into the twentieth century marriages, employment contracts and other bargains of a mundane nature have been formed and renewed at this time of year. Often marriages, hiring for the upcoming season and financial arrangements were often a part of the Lughnasadh activities and in many areas fairs were held specifically for the purpose of hiring or matchmaking.

Though the warmest days of summer are upon us, it is easy to see that fall is just around the corner as shadows noticably begin to grow longer and the days slowly become shorter. Autumn is coming and with it comes the reaping of what has been sown. Not just agriculturally, but in all aspects of life.

Lughnasadh is a time of personal reflection and harvest, of our actions and deeds, events and experiences, our gains and losses. A time in which to reflect upon our life and note changes which need to take place. A period for personal fertility magic to ensure the bountiful harvest of life's gifts and experiences, that which we have reaped though trial, tribulation, enjoyment, joy, love and loss.

This is a time for saving and preserving. For appreciating Nature and giving thanks for all she provides for us. It is time to honor the work and sacrifice yourself and those around you have experienced while striving to provide sustenance for their families and community.

Some celebration ideas for Lughnasadh include:

• Sacrifice bad habits and unwanted things from your life by throwing symbols of them into the Sabbat fire.
• Take time to harvest fruits from your garden with your family. If you don't have a garden, think about visiting one of the local pick-your-own farms in your area. Many grains, seeds, herbs and fruits can be harvested and dried for later use through the remaining year, and corn is one more vital crops harvested at this time.
• Include bilberries or blueberries in your feast. The gathering of bilberries is steeped in tradition as it is an ancient ritual symbolizing the success of the Lughnasadh rituals. If the bilberries were bountiful it was seen as an indicator that the harvest to come would be bountiful as well.
• Gather the tools of your trade and bless them in order to bring a richer harvest next year.
• Share your harvest with others who are less fortunate.
• Seek out one of the small county fairs near you in some out of the way (and still mostly agricultural) community. Bring your family and enjoy the festivities. Visit the exhibition buildings to see the the home canned goods and traditional crafts, and take time to appreciate the effort that went into these works. These are the works of the human spirit brought into being from the bounty of nature by other's labor and imagination. We would have not come as far as we have without them. Give honor to those people among us that still know how to reap the harvest. They keep us connected to the Old Ways of our ancestors.