Spirit Mystery's Spiritual Palace

Lughnasadh

Lugh, the Celtic Sun God, is a God of enlightenment, knowledge and to some extent, battle. Epitomising summer and growth, Lugh Rituals are apporopriate for expansion and creation. Lughnasadh, or Lammas(Feb 2nd) is the ritual celebration of his sacrifice. Lugh, as Lord of the corn, dies that we might live through the long, cold winter. He is reborn on the Winter Soltice.

Invocation:

Lugh the Long-Handed, Bright God who rises above us each morning and guides our path through the day, we call to thee. Ancient Sun, come to our circle and encourage our magic to grow. You who wed fair Blodewedd, shine Your Love into our lives that we might see our true directions. Welcome to our rites, Great Lugh.

Devocation:

Sun Lord, as You fade from our circle know that our honor and respect are Yours. We thank You for your strength and warmth of Your presence. As You leave us now, know that we await Your rising with joy. Blessed Be.

Lugh Oil:

1/4 ounce apricot oil
9 drops of rose geranium oil
9 drops lime oil
9 drops lavender oil
9 drops of rose oil
flowers: Sunflowers, marigolds
6 drops of sandalwood oil
gems: citrine, carnelian
6 drops of dragon’s blood oil

Place upon the altar sheaves of wheat, barley or oats, fruit and breads, perhaps a loaf fashioned like the Sun or a man to represent the God. Corn dollies, symbolic of the Goddess, can be placed there as well.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast th Circle. Recite the Blessing Chant. Invoke the God and Goddess. Stand before the altar, holding aloft the sheaves of grain, saying these or similar words:

Now is the time of the harvest,
when bounties of nature give themselves
so that we may survive.
O God of the ripening fields, Lord of the Grain,
grant me the understanding of sacrifice as you
prepare to deliver yourself under the sickle of the
Goddess and journey to the lands of enternal summer.
O Goddess of the Dark Moon,
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 the flavour. and say:

I partake of the first ahvest, mixing its energies
with mine that I may continue my quest for the starry wisdom of perfection.
O Lady of the Moon and Lord of the Sun,
gracious ones before Whom the stars halt their courses,
I offer my thanks for the continuing fertility of the Earth.
May the nodding grain loose its seeds to be buried in the Mother’s breast,
ensuring rebirth in the warmth of the comming Spring.

Consume the rest of the friut.
Works of magic, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the simple feast. The circle is released.

Lughnasadh Incense.

2 parts Frankincense
1 part Heather
1 part Apple Bolssoms
1 pinch Blackberry leaves
a few drops of Ambergris oil.