Wheel of the Year 101: Lammas/Lughnasadh
However... if we relate the theme of the sabbat to the ideas of personal development I've put forth in my other Wheel of the Year 101 essays, it becomes easier to see the parallels. At Imbolc, we decided what our goals would be for the year and began to make plans. At Ostara, we planted the seeds of those plans. At Beltane, we performed sympathetic magic to nurture the fertility of those seeds. At Litha, we watched over our crop of dreams while we took a much-needed break to rest and play. Now, at Lammas, we take stock of what we can sacrifice to ensure a good future harvest of our dreams.
How have your plans been going? Where have the stumbling blocks been? What problematic mind-sets, self-doubts, bad habits, or other issues can you get rid of now to help you achieve those plans as the year begins winding to a close? These are the issues to think about as you plan your Lammas celebrations.
As I said earlier, Lammas is the first of the harvest celebrations, with Mabon and Samhain to follow. At this point on the Wheel, we celebrate those first fruits and grains. Wheat, corn, apples, vegetables, honey, mead, wines, all are good choices for your feasting and fun. Some folks make special breads to share as part of cakes and ale. I like to break out the apple cider and mead around this time of the year, myself. Last year, my coven attempted wheat weaving as a pre-ritual craft, with poor results. I think we were all just too impatient to let the stalks sit in the water long enough to soften. A Google search for "wheat weaving" will turn up a plethora of resources, including the "World Wide Weavers" site at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plain... Generally speaking, the wheat pieces are charms to ensure prosperity and good luck in next year's harvest. I have one I purchased at a local occult store that is a home blessing charm, and a few years ago I bought a spectacular wheat pentacle at the Maryland Renaissance Festival (http://www.rennfest.com/mrf/) as a wedding gift for two covenmates.
If wheat weaving isn't your thing, you could always try making corn dollies by gluing felt and other craft doo-dads on ears of corn. Sure, it may look a little silly and child-like, but it's all about the symbolism. I doubt the Gods will be offended if your offering doesn't
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