Lammas Altar 2020

Lammas or Lughnasadh is the first of the harvest festivals. Corn is quickly ripening in the field, fruits are being plucked at peak ripeness, and farmer's markets are bursting with colorful produce. This is one of my favorite times of year because there is plenty of locally-grown fresh produce just waiting to be enjoyed. Lammas is also a bread holiday, celebrating the harvesting of wheat to be made into bread or stored away for the upcoming winter months. Being the first of the harvest festivals, the Sun is still hanging brightly in the sky, bathing the crops in nourishing sunlight to help bring the harvest to fruition. As such, I have honored the harvest and the Sun in this altar by focusing on some of the major themes of the sabbat.

1. Corn Dolly- Corn dollies are a central theme in harvest folklore across Europe. Traditionally, they were made from the husks of the last corn harvest and remained in the home until the following year where they were plowed into the first furrow of the season. As such, the Spirit of the Harvest would be returned to the soil to ensure a bountiful crop the following year. While I am not planning on burying my corn dolly anytime soon, the sentiment remains and represents the Spirit of the Harvest or the Corn-Maiden. (Where did I get it: Subscription Box; Cost: $2)

2. Candles in Holders-  The candles in their golden-hued holders represent the Sun who brings life to the harvest and helps ripen the fruits. Without the Sun, our crops would remain unfruitful. Furthermore, the candles act as sympathetic magic to encourage the Sun to remain strong until the last of the harvest has been brought it. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2020; Cost: $3 for candle holders and white candles)

3. Wheat Stalks and Berries- Wheat is harvested and ground into flour to make breads, cakes, and other pastries. Flour was a crucial staple of our ancestors, as it could be easily stored and used throughout the winter months to provide nourishing food. The wheat stalks honor this tradition and encourage a bountiful harvest. Mixed with the wheat stalks are some berries, which are ripening quickly under the heat of the Sun. Blackberries, in particular, are prevalent at this time, providing a sugary treat for all who encounter them. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $2, $1 each)

4. Carnelian, Bloodstone, Quartz, and Citrine- The four crystals I picked correspond with the energy of the sabbat. Carnelian represents the Sun, strength, and vitality, the quartz amplifies the power of the altar and represents change, while the bloodstone represents health and vitality. Citrine, also a Sun crystal, represents the soothing, life-giving energies of the Sun that are beginning to wane. I placed them in a crystal grid pattern to give the Sun continued strength through the remainder of the growing season. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~8)

5. Sunflowers- The sunflowers, which were also featured on my Litha altar, represent the Sun. Most sunflowers are blooming at this time, and when done, will produce hundreds of oily black seeds which provide valuable food for animals and humans alike. These unique flowers follow the Sun throughout the day, and are thought to lend Him strength. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1)

6. Silk Ivy and Grapes- The silk ivy represents wealth, abundance, and fertility while the grapes also represent fertility and abundance as well as gratitude and the harvest. Grapes are just ripening on the vine at Lammas and will later be turned into wines and jams to be enjoyed throughout the year.  (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $2, $1 each)

TOTAL COST: ~$18

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. I hope you find this sort of break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget!

How did you celebrate Lammas this year?

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.