Witchcraft The Festival Of Lammas

Dates:
February 1st (southern hemisphere)

right frame of mind.

August 1st (northern hemisphere)

When you’re ready, cast your circle, call the elements and
invoke the Gods, and then begin. Standing in front of your

Lammas is the first of the three Harvest Festivals in a
witch’s seasonal cycle, the others being Mabon, and

altar, take some of the grain or oats in your hand and hold
it high.

Samhain. Also known as Lughnasadh, by Irish-Gaelic
traditions, it marks the end of summer and the coming of

Say something like:

autumn; the days slowly become shorter, giving way to the
growing nights.

Upon us is the First Harvest, a time when the fruits of
nature sacrifice themselves so that we may survive. Now, as

This festival symbolizes the fading power of the Sun God,

the Sun God prepares for death, I ask that his sacrifice
helps me to understand and accept the sacrifices I must make

and calls attention to his willingness to sacrifice himself
to the Moon Goddess so that we can make it through the

in my own life.
Now, as the Moon Goddess’ power grows, I ask that she

coming winter with the fruits of the first harvest, knowing
all the while that he will return to us again as the cycle

whispers her secrets and magickon the night winds, so that I
can hear them and use her wisdom wisely.

continues.

Rub the oats between both hands so that it falls onto your

It’s a time to give thanks for the people and things that
we have, to feel grateful for what we have and share it with

altar. Then take a piece of fruit, like an apple, and bite
into it, allowing yourself to fully experience the taste.

others, therefore planting the seeds for a future harvest.

Then say something like:

The most common theme associated with this Festival, is that
of “eating, drinking, and making merry”. A baker’s

I share in the fruits of the First Harvest, so that I
might share in the wisdom it offers.

oven goes into over-drive making loaves to be broken with
friends and family, and the message is that of sharing what

Goddess of the Moon, Mother of All
God of the Sun, Father to All

we have with others so that they might benefit from our good
fortune as well.

I thank you for that which you’ve given me. May I
always remember “harm none”, and may all that I do be in

reverence of you.

* Keep in mind that this ritual isn’t written in

Now you can eat the rest of the fruit. Meditate, or reflect,
on the good things that have happened to you thus far, and

stone, you can change and adapt it to what best suits your
needs as a witch.

the sacrifices you had to make to get to this point. Think
about how you’ve shared your good fortune with others,

Your altar and circle should be decorated with mostly

even if it only meant smiling at a stranger. Any magickal
works should now be done, or write about your experiences in

grains, sheaves of wheat and barley, or, if you’re like me
and like to use what you have on hand, a few handfuls of

your Magickal Journal…if you have one.

rolled oats will do in a pinch. The altar cloth should be
red, or reddish-hued, while the altar candle should most

Thank the Gods and the Elements for their attendance, and
let them know that while you appreciate their presence,

certainly be orange. If you notice, the whole colour scheme
is very “earthy” in nature.

it’s now time to go. Release the circle, and then carry on
with the Cakes and Ale ceremony, or so “eat, drink, and be

merry” with some good friends.