Magic Is Reality, Reality is Magic: Lughnasadh

Magic is Reality, Reality is Magic is a series that highlights aspects of religions, particularly Paganism. We pull things from everyday life to use in our fiction. Magic is one of the key attributes of fantasy. Why not explore the realm of magic that many people already have in their lives?

Picture By David Monniaux Lughnasadh, also called Lammas (which at times I prefer to use simply because I almost always spell the former incorrectly), lands on August 1 and is the first harvest festival of the year. It's also a sabbat that honors the god Lugh. Harvest time has always been important--a representation of fertility and the success of growing food needed to sustain everyone for another year. This is the grain harvest, such as wheat, corn, and barley. Living where I do, I can see the rows upon rows of corn ready to be harvested soon!

It's a time to feast on all the harvest that has been brought in already; grains, fruits, and vegetables. And corn tends to be at the top of the list, since it's found in so many places. Some of the corn can even be used to make a Corn Dolly, to be used as a fertility charm and a ritual centerpiece. Alcohol made from grains, like whiskey, as well as bread, are also used in the festivities. Perhaps bake up a tasty batch of cornbread. Yum!

Aside from what I mentioned above, symbols of Lughnasadh include roosters and many things associated with threshing grains, like threshing houses and even carrying a bride over a threshold. And to keep up with the importance of corn, you can use popcorn to make strings of decorations for the celebration.

Of course I've only touched on information about this sabbat, so I encourage you to explore a bit further if it interests you. And here are some websites to start with: Lughnasadh, All About Lammas (Lughnasadh), and Lughnasadh - Overview.

Further Reading Suggestions:

Franklin, Anna and Paul Mason. Lammas: Celebrating the Fruits of the First Harvest. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 2001.

I hope you found this tidbit interesting! If you would like me to touch on a particular topic that fits in this series, please don't hesitate to contact me with suggestions.

NEXT UP:
Chains of Nect: Obsidian's Obsession - Chapter 2 (Saturday, August 1)
What's In A Name? (Wednesday, August 5)

Magic Is Reality, Reality Is Magic: Imbolc

Magic is Reality, Reality is Magic is a series that highlights aspects of religions, particularly Paganism. We pull things from everyday life to use in our fiction. Magic is one of the key attributes of fantasy. Why not explore the realm of magic that many people already have in their lives?

Picture By Culnacreann February 1 (or 2, depending on what text you read or who you ask) is the sabbat of Imbolc--also spelled Imbolg, or called Candlemas. This is the holiday that celebrates the slow return to spring. The days are slowly getting longer now, as mentioned in the last post on Yule, and the Goddess will soon bring the light back to the world. As many people know, Groundhog Day lands on February 2 as well--both holidays represent the eagerness for spring to return!

A candle wheel is the biggest symbol of Imbolc, especially when worn on the head during ritual, a representation of the sun returning, of spring approaching. Another symbol is the Grain or Corn Dolly. This doll is woven from sheaves of grain. Sun Wheels or Brigid's Crosses made out of vines are also used. Red and white are associated with Imbolc. Perhaps a precursor to Valentine's Day? The goddess Brigid or the Triple Goddess aspect are usually the focus in any rituals on Imbolc, as can be seen by the many symbols.

Of course there is more information on Imbolc than I've listed here (I only offer a taste!). So, if you'd like to know more, you may wish to look at these websites: History of Imbolc, Imbolc Lore, and Imbolc (Candlemas) Sabbat.

Further Reading Suggestions:

K, Amber. Candlemas. St. Paul: Llwellyn Publications, 2001.

I hope you found this tidbit interesting! If you would like me to touch on a particular topic that fits in this series, please don't hesitate to contact me with suggestions.

NEXT UP: Monthly Update