Grab a beer, it's Lughnasadh! Otherwise known as Lammas, the celebration of the harvest.
As with any Sabbat, Lughnasadh (loo-na-sa)) is a time to honor The Wheel as the sultry summer days give way to cooler nights, that fragrant hint of autumn tantalizing the senses with an alluring aroma so subtle you question if you're imagining it.
For me, I totally am. As I stood in my driveway on the 4th of July, watching the fireworks burst in vivid shimmers over the town, I could swear I smelled the faintest scent of fall.
...My mother really should have named me Autumn. Strangely, she almost named me Summer. It's like we were sorta on the same page but just a touch off, which is, in essence, our entire relationship. ;)
Falling between summer and autumn, Lughnasadh, which is honored on August 1st, is a Sabbat of transition. Now is the time to reflect on where you are in life and make any needed adjustments. And since Lughnasadh is a harvest celebration, it's also a time to nosh!
If you're looking to celebrate Lughnasadh without spending a dime, here are three easy ways!
Feed the birds
Grain is the most appropriate food for Lughnasadh, and there's something really grounding and spiritually-nourishing about pampering nature's critters on a Sabbat. Grab a bag of seed and head to the park. Make a bird feeder out of pine cones, peanut butter, and seed. Or scatter the seed around your yard. Whatever way you choose, make sure to enjoy the serenity of watching the birds feast!
Butter some popcorn
As I said above, grain is the food of choice for this Sabbat, so treat yourself to a brimming bowl of buttered popcorn! But don't eat in a rush as we all too often do. Whether you're watching a movie, playing a board game, or simply chowing down with your family, really savor each buttery, crunchy morsel.
Eat grilled cheese
When was the last time you had a grilled cheese? It's really quite an underrated sandwich if you ask me.
Bread for Lughnasadh is a very common staple. Why not amp it up with your favorite cheese? Having something simple for dinner, like grilled cheese or even breakfast foods like pancakes, is such a treat after a busy day. Say a blessing over your bread, customize as desired, and relish in the simplicity of the meal and the holiday!
Enjoy the bounty, my friends! And remember, while summer may be coming to a close, that means autumn is on it's way! That is a very, very good thing because October and pumpkins and broomsticks and SAMHAIN!
...I didn't become a Pagan because my favorite holiday was Flag Day, mmmkay?! =P
Happy Lughnasadh!
If you're looking for more ways to celebrate Lughnasadh without spending a dime, check out 3 Ways to Celebrate Lammas.
