Lammas/Lughnasadh/Summer Thermstice Altar 2022

The Summer Thermistice, also known as Lammas and Lughnasadh, is the first of three harvest festivals celebrated on August 1st, although this year it astronomically falls on August 7th. Traditionally, wheat is harvested from the end of July through the beginning of August, and Lammas was a time to celebrate this harvest as a successful wheat harvest would guarantee flour through the winter. Wheat is and was a staple in our diet and was often the only reliable source of food during times of famine and food shortages. In fact, it was such an integral part of our diet historically that when flour prices rose due to shortages, revolts followed. As such, celebrating the wheat harvest was a community affair marked by feasts, bread baking, and offerings to the harvest spirits, often including the first loaf of bread baked from the newly harvested wheat. This is a time to celebrate and honor the land and agricultural spirits, fruitfulness, prosperity, abundance, and change. Common symbols include bread, wheat, sunflowers, farm tools, gourds, apples, grapes, and wine. With these symbols and themes in mind, I created a simple altar using items I had around my home. Unlike last year, I don't have a garden full of blooming flowers. The deer munch on the new flower shoots early in the season, leaving me with very few blooms this year, which I left for the birds and insects.

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 when 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. Corn is traditionally harvested in late summer, and therefore a staple crop of Lammas. She represents the harvest, good luck, fertility, and prosperity. (Where did I get it: Subscription Box; Cost: $2)

2. Candles in Holders- I have several candles around this altar to symbolize the Sun and his strength. The Sun is beginning to wane in power and the candles act as sympathetic magic to boost his strength so the harvest can continue just a little longer. The golden round candle holders represent the feminine, fertile energies of the season that provide us with the bounty we celebrate this time of year. The orange leaf holders symbolize the subtle changes we are beginning to see as the Wheel turns toward the darker side of the year and the plants begin to conserve energy and food for the upcoming winter months. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017 & 2020; Cost: $5.25 for candle holders and white candle)

3. Ivy and Sunflowers- Ivy is associated with wealth, abundance, and fertility, all of which are traditional correspondences of Lammas. The sunflowers 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: $2)

4. Six of Earth- The Six of Earth from Dreams of Gaia features traditional Lammas symbols of the sickle, fruits, and ox which symbolize the harvest, fertility, and dependability. The card is associated with family, community, protection, and service, thus representing our coming together to celebrate the harvest and the duty we have to our families and communities to ensure everyone is cared for and our Mother Earth is protected. It reminds us to lead by example and plan for the future. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Store; Cost: ~$0.25)

5. Aventurine, Red Calcite, and Tiger's Eye- Green aventurine, a traditional crystal associated with Lammas, symbolizes growth, abundance, creativity, and prosperity, themes of the season. On the other hand red calcite  and tiger's eye represents strength, courage, luck, and the Sun. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores or Subscription Boxes; Cost: ~$5)

6. Jera Rune- Jera derives its name from the Germanic stem jēra meaning "harvest, year" thus associating it with harvests, fertility, abundance, and growth. It is a symbol of subtle changes and good tidings and represents the rewards for hard work, think "you reap what you sow." While traditionally associated with the Winter Solstice, I find it represents the Lammas season well as we are reaping what we have sowed earlier in the year. (Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $30 for set)

TOTAL COST: ~$15

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 breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!

Did you do anything special for Lammas this year? 

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