Introduction to Lammas

Lammas, celebrated on August 1st in the northern hemisphere (February 1 in the southern hemisphere), is one of the eight Sabbats in the Wheel of the Year and marks the first fruits of the grain harvests. Known also as Lughnasadh in Celtic tradition, this pagan festival is deeply rooted in both agricultural and spiritual practices. It is a time of thanksgiving, when we acknowledge the fruits of our hard work and reflect on the abundance around us.

At its core, Lammas represents a celebration of the earth's generosity and the work it takes to cultivate and nurture growth. This is a time when we can pause to appreciate the abundance in our lives—whether that is physical, emotional, or spiritual. The energy of Lammas encourages us to connect with the harvest season not only in a literal sense, but also metaphorically, as we reflect on the personal "fruits" of our labor. It's a moment to celebrate the seeds we've planted and acknowledge how far we've come, all while preparing for the next phase of cyclical living. Lammas encourages us to give thanks for the harvest, however large or small, and share the bounty with others.

Symbolically, Lammas is often associated with the Sun, which is at its peak strength in the sky during this time. It is also closely linked with the god Lugh, a deity of light, creativity, and craftsmanship. Lugh embodies the qualities of skill, knowledge, and transformation, making him a perfect figure to honor during Lammas, as we acknowledge our personal growth and skills that have led to our own harvest. Lugh's association with the harvest emphasizes the value of patience, perseverance, and craftsmanship in achieving success, both in the material world and in our inner lives. Lammas is a perfect time to reflect on what we have created and accomplished, and to consider the work still to be done.

Lammas is also a celebration of community. It invites us to gather with others, whether through sharing a meal, engaging in collective rituals, or simply spending time with loved ones. This sense of connection is at the heart of Lammas, reminding us that our individual harvests are enriched by the bonds we share with others. Celebrating Lammas encourages us to give thanks for the people in our lives who have supported us along the way, and to share the gifts and abundance we have with those around us. Whether through small acts of kindness, creating something with our hands, or enjoying nature's offerings, Lammas marks a time for both personal reflection and communal celebration.

Historical Background

Lammas has roots in both pagan and Christianity, reflecting a blend of spiritual and agricultural practices. In the early English church, Lammas—the word Lammas is a short word for the Old English hlafmaesse, meaning “Loaf Mass”—was observed as a religious festival where the first loaf of bread made from the new wheat harvest was brought to church and blessed. This Lammas loaf ritual of the middle ages in England was a way of giving thanks to God for the bounty of the earth and asking for continued provision through the coming months. Though its deeper origins lie in the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh, which honored the god Lugh and the first harvest, Lammas in the Christian church became a symbolic moment of gratitude, humility, and reverence for divine sustenance. Today, some modern pagans (either tracing their beliefs back to ancient pagans or participating in a new religion such as Wicca that despite being modern, honors traditional witches, witchcraft, and pagan deities) and Christian faiths still honor Lammas in ways that reflect both its sacred agricultural themes and its layered spiritual history.

Lugh and Lammas

Lugh is a Celtic god of light, skill, and mastery. Often called “The Shining One,” Lugh embodies brilliance not only in his radiant energy but also in his unmatched versatility and talent. He is a warrior, a poet, a craftsman, and a strategist—celebrated for excelling in nearly every field of art and knowledge. In myths, Lugh's arrival often signals transformation, particularly from summer to winter, innovation, and the triumph of skill over brute force. His presence is a reminder that we each hold unique talents, and that cultivating those gifts with intention can lead to personal power and meaningful contribution.

Lugh's association with Lammas, or Lughnasadh (a festival named in his honor), underscores his role as a champion of human creativity and achievement. The Lammas celebration not only marks the first harvest, but also honors Lugh's commitment to excellence and his connection to growth through effort and skill. By invoking Lugh during Lammas, we acknowledge the sacredness of hard work, the value of learning, and the joy of sharing our gifts with others. Whether through art, craftsmanship, or spiritual practice, honoring Lugh invites us to step into our own brilliance and approach life with both heart and mastery.

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Lammas Associations

Lammas Associations

Lammas is rich with symbolism, from sacred herbs and crystals to seasonal foods at the first harvest.

Lammas Crystals

Crystals associated with Lammas reflect the themes of abundance, gratitude, and grounded transformation that define this first harvest festival. Stones like citrine and pyrite are ideal for attracting prosperity and celebrating the abundance you've cultivated, while carnelian supports creativity and confidence—key qualities for honoring your personal harvest. Tiger's eye can help you stay grounded and focused as you assess your progress and set intentions for the coming season. Green aventurine brings a sense of growth and heart-centered balance, reminding you to appreciate your blessings with gratitude.

Lammas Herbs

Traditional herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme are often used for cleansing and blessing the home, helping to clear away old energy as you make space for new growth. Basil and mint, associated with prosperity and vitality, can be added to meals or dried for altar use. Chamomile offers calming, reflective energy—ideal for gratitude rituals or Lammas meditations. You might also include grains like wheat or oats, which symbolize the harvest and the fruits of your labor.

More on Lammas Associations

Lammas Associations: Lammas is linked to the first grain harvest, particularly wheat, and symbols like the sickle, sheaf of grain, and bread—all representing sustenance, effort, and reward. Colors such as gold, orange, deep green, and earthy brown are commonly used to evoke the warmth and richness of late summer. Traditional foods include corn, berries, and anything homemade or freshly baked. Spiritually, Lammas is a time of transition, inviting both celebration and preparation—a moment on the Wheel of the Year to honor what you've achieved while looking ahead to what still requires tending.

How to Celebrate Lammas

One of the most traditional ways to mark the occasion is by baking a Lammas loaf of bread, a symbolic act that connects you with the harvest and the cycle of nourishment. You might choose to use seasonal grains, herbs, or even shape the dough into symbols of the sun or sheaves of wheat. As you knead and bake, reflect on the "ingredients" of your life that have helped you grow—your efforts, support systems, and moments of resilience. Sharing this bread with loved ones adds another layer of meaning, reminding us that abundance is best when it's shared and celebrated together. (You don't need a coven of pagans with a high priestess and everything to share Lammas Day with friends...but if you do have someone you celebrate sabbats with, definitely get together!)

Another beautiful way to celebrate Lammas is by spending time in nature or creating a personal ritual. This could include making a Lammas altar decorated with corn dollies, corn, grains, flowers, or symbols of harvest, or simply lighting a candle and journaling about what you're grateful for and what you wish to release. You might also take a walk outdoors to connect with the earth's rhythms, gather natural objects for your altar, putter in your garden, or meditate under the late summer sun.

More on Lammas Celebrations

How to Celebrate Lammas: Ideas for your Lammas celebration!

Lammas Journal Prompts and Meditation

Lammas is an ideal time on the Wheel of the Year for reflection because it invites us to pause and honor the journey we've taken so far. As the first of the harvest festivals, it represents a moment of reaping what has been sown—both literally and metaphorically. This natural turning point encourages us to look back on the intentions we set earlier in the year and consider how they have grown, shifted, or taken root in unexpected ways. Reflecting at Lammas helps us recognize our progress, acknowledge the effort and lessons that brought us here, and discern what we want to carry forward.

Opportunities for Reflection

Lammas Journal Prompts: As the Wheel of the Year turns, journaling allows you to pause and take stock of what you’ve accomplished—both practically and personally. It offers a space to honor the growth you've experienced, recognize the challenges you’ve overcome, and clarify what you hope to nurture moving forward. Just as farmers assess their crops during harvest, journaling at Lammas helps you evaluate the seeds you’ve planted in your own life and consider what still needs tending. This practice grounds you in the present moment while you begin to plan your intentional action in the season ahead.

Lammas Meditation: Lammas is a powerful time for meditation because it marks a moment of transition—when the fruits of your labor begin to appear and the energy of summer slowly turns toward the introspection of autumn. Meditating during Lammas allows you to consciously connect with the importance of gratitude, harvest, and release. It’s a chance to tune into what has come to fruition in your life and to honor the effort, patience, and care that brought you here. At the same time, Lammas meditation offers space to recognize what no longer serves you and gently begin letting go, just as the trees prepare to shed their leaves for the winter ahead. Through stillness and mindful presence, you align yourself with the rhythms of nature and open your heart to both appreciation and future growth.

The Lammas Companion: Spells, Meditations, Coloring Pages, and All About Lammas. Check out our new book about Lammas!

Happy Lammas!