Lammas (Lughnasadh) marks the beginning of Autumn. This festival celebrates the first grain harvest and the products which come from grain (mainly beer and bread). It is the first harvest festival.

The God is aging. As the days grow shorter, so does His strength. Yet He will still live so long as the number of daylight hours outnumber the number dark hours, which lasts until Autumn Equinox.

Throw a feast in honor of the first harvest and include as many different kinds of bread and beer as you can. Pagan engagements or temporary handfastings are performed today. These "marriages" last until next year's Lughnasadh when they can either be renewed or not.

August 1st

Place upon the altar sheaves of wheat, barley or oats, fruit and breads, perhaps a loaf fashioned in the figure of the Sun or a man to represent the God. Something symbolic of the Goddess can be present there as well.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and incense, cast the circle, and invoke the God/dess.

Now is the time of the First Harvest,
when the bounties of nature give of themselves
so that we may survive.
Father Sky, Lord of the Grain
As you prepare to give of Yourself to Mother Earth
Grant me understanding.
Earth Mother,
Teach me the secrets of rebirth
as the Sun loses its strength and the nights grow cold.

Rub the heads of the wheat with your fingers so that the grains fall onto the altar. Lift a piece of fruit and bite it, savoring its flavor, and say:

I partake of the first harvest,
Mixing its energies with mine that I may continue my quest
For the starry wisdom of perfection.
Mother Earth and Father Sky,
Gracious Ones before Whom the stars halt their courses,
I offer thanks for the continuing fertility of the Earth.
May the nodding grain loose its seeds
to be buried in Mother's breast,
ensuring rebirth in the warmth of the coming spring.

Consume the rest of the fruit, celebrate the Simple Feast, and release the Circle.
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