Lammas | Essential

Lammas is the first harvest of the season and celebrates the union of the God and Goddess, embodied in the great fertility of the land. Largely observed on August 1st or 2nd, Lammas is a time to honor and observe the fruits of your labor - literally and figuratively. Our labors in life produce more life. Not one things exists alone. Every human, creature, stone, plant, grain of wheat, possesses an intrinsic nature which is essential to the whole of life. Perhaps you love to garden. Or maybe you've labored other ways to sustain yourself or your family. Whatever transitions may have occurred during the first part of your year, this is a moment for reflecting upon the successes. Celebrate those highlights with friends, family, tribe and community.

The Lammas Altar

A great way to celebrate and honor the successes of your year is creating a Lammas altar.

An altar is a collection of items which create a hum in your being whenever you are near. It's a reminder of where you are in the turning of the year - and a soulful expression of who you are in its turning. There are no rules, only suggestions based on those who have come before us.

Colors

deep orange, pale yellow, rust, purple, red

Nature

grains, dried herbs, berries, cherries, sunflowers, vines, dragonflies, toads

Symbols

bread, cornucopia, harvest tools, balancing scales, beer, apple, thistle, mortar & pestle

Botanicals

sage, thyme, rosemary, oregano, echinacea

Stones

labradorite, slate, jasper, lodestone, green aventurine, tourmaline, jade

Spiritual

deities, amulets, talismans, images, all personal to you

Elemental

earth | soil, air | feather, fire | candle, water, feminine & masculine symbolic items

Atmosphere

harvest, offerings, accomplishments, preparation, balance, bounty