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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Lammas Tarot Spread

The first harvest or summer thermstice goes by many names, including Lammas, Lughnasadh, and Lunasda, but the theme remains the same. After the summer solstice, the Sun slowly begins to lose power and the shift inward begins. Fresh fruits and vegetables are picked and seeds are saved for future growing seasons. These harvesting and seed-saving metaphors carry over into all aspects of our lives, especially our magical selves. In the spring, we sewed the seeds for manifestation. Lammas marks a period of reflection; it's time to check in on those seeds and see what has manifested and what has not, what we need to continue working on, and what we can save for next year.

This tarot spread, which mimics the cornucopia, incorporates the metaphors of harvesting and seed saving while encouraging growth and gratitude. 

1. Growth: Earlier in the year, you planted seeds and set goals. How has the first half of the year gone thus far? What changes and growth have occurred in your life? If you planted seeds (goals) last spring, how are they doing? What has manifested in your life?

2. Harvest: Being the first harvest, Lammas is a time of celebration. What can you harvest in your life right now? What should you be grateful for and how should you give thanks?

3. Ripen: Not all crops are harvested this early. In fact, many may still need more time to ripe on the vine before they are harvested around Mabon. What needs to ripen more within you before harvesting?

4. Seed Saving: As the light begins to fade and autumn approaches, it's time to reflect. What seeds should you save for next year from the fruits of your labor? What should you tuck away for later use? What do you need to prepare for?

Even if you haven't planted seeds, you may find that change has occurred anyway. Not all of us connect well with Lammas anymore, especially if you live in the city or aren't into gardening and planting. That doesn't mean you can't celebrate the last throws of summer and reflect upon how the year is going. This tarot spread is there to help.

Enjoy the rest of summer, witches!

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Lammas/Lughnasadh/Summer Thermstice Altar 2021

The Summer Thermistice, also known as Lammas and Lughnasadh, is the first of three harvest festivals celebrated on August 1st, although this year is astronomically falls on August 6th or 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. This year I put together a very simple altar, using mostly plants from my garden.

1. Blackeyed Susan Bouquet- Lammas, being a harvest festival, is also a time to honor the Sun in an attempt to keep Him shining brightly until the end of the harvest season. Blackeyed Susans are associated with the Sun due to their shape and brightly colored yellow petals. hence their central location on my altar. Furthermore, they represent abundance and fruitfulness, as anyone who has grown Blackeyed Susan's knows they produce thousands of seeds and will quickly take over your entire garden if allowed. They also represent the union of Sun and Earth that results in the fruits of the first harvest. I placed my flowers with a couple of grape leaves in a mason jar outfitted with an orange ribbon bow, the orange also representing the Sun's strength. (Where did I get it: My Garden; Cost: Free; Mason Jar ~$0.25)

2. Grapevine- Around my shed, I have a wild grapevine taking over. After trimming some of the branches back, I knew they would make a perfect altar decoration. Grapes are beginning to be harvested during this time and represent abundance and fertility. While grapes are more deeply associated with Mabon, their inclusion here is to ensure a continued fruitful harvest later in the season. (Where did I get it: My Garden; Cost: Free)

3. Citrine and Adventurine- Citrine with its light yellow hue is associated with the Sun, strength, warmth, stability, and prosperity. I placed two citrine crystals in front of both of the candles to lend the Sun strength so that He may continue to bring nourishing light to the plants below and ripen the fruits of our labors. In the center is a single green aventurine crystal, representing good luck and prosperity. I placed the green aventurine in front of the flowers because green aventurine is also a crystal that encourages plant growth, which is needed for the remainder of the growing season.  (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$4)

4. Candles in Holders- I went with white candles this year, representing purity and light, a nod to both the feminine energies of the season which nurture the crops and the Sun, the ultimate bringer of light. The flame is a sympathetic form of magic to encourage the Sun's strength through the remainder of the growing season. It also represents the Sun's energies. I chose the golden yellow candle holders to further represent the Sun, his strength, and light and the golden wheat being harvested during this time. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2019; Cost: $3)

TOTAL COST: ~$7

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! This particular altar is mostly constructed with items I found in my garden, which brought the cost down this time significantly. The most expensive items are the crystals, which can be found cheaply with imperfections at many online retailers.

Did you do anything special for Lammas this year? I enjoyed the company of my chickens while working in the vegetable garden and later eating some super spicy Indian food and naan. I don't know about you, but there is nothing quite like Indian spice! May your harvests continue to be fruitful, whether that be literally or figuratively. 

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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. 

Lammas Altar 2019

First of all, I apologize for this post being late. School has started back and I have been planning, teaching, and sitting in meetings every day! Yay being back to work. Haha! Lammas begins our season of harvest, being the first of the harvest festivals. Summer is not quite over yet and the fruits and vegetables are riping quickly. In some parts of the world, wheat is being harvested and set aside to make flour and bread for the upcoming winter months. Summer squash, zucchini, peaches, and grapes are also being picked, especially here in Georgia, and prepared for small feasts. The Earth's bountiful harvest is beginning and the Sun is still bright and powerful in the sky. However, this harvest we begin to see the changes as the days grow ever shorter and the evenings begin to cool. This is a great time to thank the Earth and Sun for all they are providing us with while still spending time outdoors, soaking up the last of the rays before Winter comes calling.

1. White Candles & Candle Sticks - The 4 white candles represent the Sun in all his glory, an obvious fire symbol. The two white candles in the red and clean glasses, red also being representative of the Sun and strength, smell of vanilla, a feminine scent representative of vitality and passion. Mother Earth is working tirelessly with the Sun to provide us with the grains, fruits, and vegetables we are harvesting this season. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1 for 2 pillar candles, candlesticks $1 each, jar candles $1 each)

2. Ivy- The silk ivy represents wealth, abundance, and fertility, as well as the Sun (Horned God) who is helping the plants grow in strength and ripen fruits and vegetables. It encircles the candles and the other components of the altar to symbolize how the Sun and Earth work together to provide life. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $1)

3. Plastic Grapes- Grapes are often harvested at this time, some being turned to wine while others are enjoyed as a snack or paired with cheese and crackers. The red grapes represent the first of the harvest crops as well as the feminine and blood, the "life-giver." (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $1)

4. Moss Agate- Moss agate is a wonderful crystal as it attracts abundance and prosperity thus aiding in plant growth and guaranteeing a healthy, bountiful harvest, which is so important during a harvest festival. There are three of these crystals encircling the flowers to represent the Sun, Earth, and Moon and how the three work together to bring life into existence. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Store; Cost: ~3)

5. Marigolds and Black-eyed Susans in a Mason Jar- My garden is in full bloom, covered in Marigolds and Black-eyed Susans. I took some fresh cuttings from my garden to represent the bountiful harvest from the Earth at this time and bring some of my garden into my home. Being yellow in color, both of these flowers also represent the Sun, who lends his strength to help my garden grow. (Where did I get it: Target or My Garden; Cost: Free or $0.50 for mason jar)

6. Antler- Represents the masculinity and fertility, as well as the connection between our realm and the Otherworld. I always like to put something on my altar to connect with the spirits. It is placed behind the flowers to show how our world and the Otherworld are parallel to one another, connected by those of us who travel between the worlds. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: $0)


7. Wheat- Lammas is first and foremost a bread holiday and you can't have a Lammas altar without wheat somewhere on it. I placed three sprigs of wheat to represent abundance and the central focus on this holiday. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $1)

TOTAL COST: ~$10.50

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found 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! This altar is slightly more expensive than some of my others, but mostly because it's pretty full!

How did you celebrate Lammas this year? I ate a peach. For real, that's what I did. It was my first day back to work and all I wanted to do was sit outside with my chickens and eat peaches, so that's what I did! Haha!

Spirit Work for Lammas

Lammas secularly falls on August 1st, which is quickly approaching. I should know...I go back to work on August 1st for preplanning. Can I please have another month? Anyway, like every sabbat, there is spirit work to be done on Lammas, if you wish to. Being the first of the harvest festivals, this is a good time to start thanking Mother Earth and the Sun for all they have provided for us as well as the spirits of the plants that produced the foods we are harvesting. The Sun is still strong at Lammas, but we are beginning to see the shift toward darkness. The nights are getting cooler and the days shorter, but there is still summer fun yet to be had...unless you are going to back school August-freaking-first...

1. Eat a fortune cookie. 

I know this sounds so cliche, but fortune cookies are a modern-day example of aleuromancy or wheat-flour divination. Aleuromancy comes from the Greek words aleuron (flour) and manteia (divination) and was a form of divination presided over by Apollo. Historically, handwritten messages were baked into bread, cakes, or cookies. The balls of dough were mixed up 9 times before being distributed to those waiting to divine their futures. Modern-day fortune cookies are a form of aleuromancy. However, instead of simply cracking open the cookie and reading the note inside, ask the spirits a question first. Shuffle a bag of fortune cookies nine times then select a cookie to open using your intuition as your guide. The fortune on the paper may not exactly answer your question, and if it doesn't try interpreting the "lucky" numbers on the back. This is a fun, secretly witchy activity to do with friends and family to celebrate Lammas or whenever you have a gathering!

2. Reflect on your spiritual practice. 

Lammas is a sort of in-between time. Summer is ending but it's not quite Fall. Mabon is traditionally the time for giving thanks, so why not spend Lammas reflecting on your spiritual practice and figuring out how you can improve? Begin by lighting a silver candle. Silver is associated with the Moon and feminine energy and is often used like a mirror to help with reflecting magic and illuminating changes that must occur to continue to move forward. Essentially, silver is a great color for self-reflecting. If you don't have a silver candle, white will work just as well. Ask the spirits to help guide you as you reflect on your spiritual practice and how you can continue to grow as a witch. You can close your eyes to receive images or stare into the flame and/or smoke and interpret the pattern. As you meditate, write down any messages you receive or thoughts you have. Spend some time thinking about your strengths, weakness, how you can improve, and how you can help others. Be sure to write down everything in your BOS or journal. Once you have finished, devise an action plan. How are you going to improve your weaknesses? Are you going to read more books on the subject, take a class, or practice? How are you going to share your gifts with others so they may grow as well? The next Full Moon, reflect on how well you are moving toward your goals. Continue this reflection for at least 3 moon cycles.

3. Thank the plant spirits for their bountiful harvest.

Honoring the plants that provide us with food and nourishment is important, especially during the first harvest. If you are growing fruits, vegetables, or herbs in your yard leave them an offering of some sort. It can be a simple as an extra bit of water, a beautiful crystal, a piece of bread, or some compost/manure/fertilizer. If you want to have a more elaborate ritual to thank you plants for all they have provided you with, hold it on Lammas with candles, offerings, music, and some written lines thanking them for what they have done for you this year. Even if you aren't growing fruits, vegetables, or herbs, you can thank the spirits of the local plants and trees in your area as well. They have provided you with oxygen, shade, and are helping to reduce the amount of CO2 in the environment. That is pretty awesome too.

Spirit work doesn't always have to be intricate or involve traveling to the Otherworld. Sometimes its as easy as honoring the life around us, reflecting, and opening a fortune cookie. However you decide to practice spirit work this sabbat, be sure you are also respectful and kind. What spirit work do you like to perform on Lammas?

Lammas Altar 2018

Wooo! What a couple of weeks it has been! First, I traveled to Boston and Salem and after our flight was delayed multiple times, I finally returned home late last Tuesday and promptly returned to work the following day for pre-planning. The joys of being a teacher! Wednesday was our first official day back with the students, I am utterly exhausted. Because of my trip and work starting back, I haven't been home, like, at all, except to sleep. Needless to say, blogging has not been something I have had time for. However, I still found a few minutes to put together my altar for Lammas and I am glad I am finally able to share it with you guys.

1. Leaf Candle Holder & Green Candle - The leaf candle holders with the green candles represent fertility (green) and the changing seasons. At Lammas, Mother Earth is providing us with bountiful crops, but there are marked shifts in the weather as summer begins to end, especially for those up north. Furthermore, the candles represent the Sun who helps to ripen the fruits of the first harvest. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $3 ($1 for set of 3 candles, and $1 each for the holders)

2. Grapes- The grapes found flanking the altar represent fertility and abundance. Grapes are ripening and being picked during this time, making them the perfect addition to a Lammas altar. Furthermore, with Lammas being a harvest festival, it is important to have as many representations of fertility and abundance as possible to continue to provoke a bountiful harvest season so there is food to survive the winter. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $1)

3. Wine/Juice- Like the grapes, the wine/juice represents fertility and abundance. Being in a "chalice" and red, it also represents the feminine and lifeblood of Mother Earth who we thank during this time for the food she provides us. (Where did I get it: Publix; Cost: $0.25)

4. Crystals- On this altar, there is malachite for growth and fertility, carnelian for strength and to represent the sun who is beginning to wane but still remains strong, citrine and pyrite for abundance, and amethyst for balance during this changing of seasons. (Where did I get it: Purchased from metaphysical stores or received in subscription boxes; Cost: Unknown)

5. Fruits and Red Candle- The fruits found in the center arrangement represent the fruits of the first harvest, as Lammas is the first of the harvest festivals. They also represent fertility, abundance, and prosperity in hopes that the growing season will be successful. The red candle represents the masculine Sun who helps to ripen the fruits of the harvest. (Where did I get it: Good Will; Cost: $2)

6. Horn- The horn opposes the chalice of wine and represents the masculine aspect, specifically the Sun who ripens the fruits of the Earth, as well as fertility. (Where did I get it: Loot Crate 2016; Cost: $2?)

7. Ivy and Sunflowers- The ivy draped around the entire altar represent abundance during the harvest. The sunflowers represent the Sun, balance, and fertility. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost $2 ($1 each)

8. Wheat- Lammas literally means "loaf mass" making wheat a must have on any Lammas altar. Being one of the first crops harvest this time of year, wheat represents fertility and abundance. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost $1)

TOTAL COST: ~$13-15

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found or purchased for around $1. The crystals are the only items that I have acquired from various sources and cannot give an exact value for. 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?

Lammas Altar 2017

This post is only how many weeks late? That's okay though; sometimes life gets in the way. Lammas or Lughnasadh is the first of the harvest festivals, specifically celebrating the harvesting of wheat. Because of this, I centered my altar around wheat and the first fruits of the harvest, as well as reds and yellows to represent the still powerful sun.

On the left I have my ever-standing representation of the feminine aspect, the Earth. She is where all our food is harvested from, making her the perfect addition to this sabbat's altar. Next to her is a loaf of bread, representing abundance and new growth. Bread is also a customary dish for Lammas, which translates to loaf mass, as wheat is the number one crop harvested during this time.

In the center is a bouquet of sunflowers in yellows and oranges mixed with wheat. Sunflowers represent the sun, balance, and fertility. Mixed in with the sunflowers is wheat, the crop harvested at this time, which symbolizes fertility as well. Furthermore, wheat also represents abundance and charity, as Lammas is a time to celebrate with others and give back to our communities. Next to the flowers is my horn, representing the masculine aspect, specifically the sun, as well as fertility.

In front of the flowers is a centerpiece of fruits and fall leaves with a red candle in the center. These fruits represent the fruits of the first harvest, fertility, abundance, and prosperity. The red candle symbolizes the Sun and masculine energy that aids in the ripening of said fruits.

On either side of the center piece are several crystals. On the left are two carnelian crystals representing the sun, citrine for prosperity, moss agate for fertility and abundance, and tiger's eye for abundance and prosperity.

At the very end of my altar in my terrarium is salt and a candle. This combination represents the hearth where bread is baked and consumed. It also represents the element Fire and Earth which combine to produce the food we eat during this harvest festival.

Draped around the back of the altar is a vine of ivy, representing abundance, grapes, representing fertility and abundance, and wheat, representing fertility.

Spread throughout the altar are several candles and lanterns representing the sun and light which still predominates this time and helps ripen fruit, vegetables, and grains. The Sun is particularly important during this festival in combination with the Earth as they work together to produce a bountiful crop prior to winter.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Lammas. I honestly missed it, but hopefully next year will be better. I am taking time to be thankful for what I do have, and sometimes that means putting some things, however important, on hold for a short period. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer as it wanes and fall comes upon us.