Lughnasa

Ritual written* and led by Candy
(February 10, 2006)

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Welcome to Lammas or Lughnasa 2006.

Lughnasa , the ancient Celtic festival held in celebration of the first fruits of the harvest.

Lughnasa is named for Lugh, the Celtic deity who presides over the arts and sciences. According to Celtic legend, Lugh decreed that a commemorative feast be held each year at the beginning of the harvest season to honour his foster mother, Tailtiu. Tailtiu was the royal Lady of the Fir Bolg. After the defeat of her people by the Tuatha De Dannan, she was obliged by them to clear a vast forest for the purpose of planting grain. She died of exhaustion in the attempt. The legend states that she was buried beneath a great mound named for her, at the spot where the first feast of Lughnasa was held in Ireland, the hill of Tailte. At this gathering were held games and contests of skill as well as a great feast made up of the first fruits of the summer harvest.

The name of Lugh is derived from the old Celtic word "lugio", meaning "an oath". A traditional part of the celebration surrounding Lughnasa have been the formation of oaths. From before recorded history into the twentieth century marriages, employment contracts and other bargains of a mundane nature were formed and renewed at this time of year. Since the agricultural year had its culmination in the harvest and the harvest festivals, oaths and contracts that had to wait until after the crops were in could be focused on at this time. Marriages, hiring for the upcoming season and financial arrangements were often a part of the Lughnasa activities and in many areas fairs were held specifically for this purpose of hiring and matchmaking.

(selectively stolen from Kathleen Dupree, http://www.leyline.org/cra/articles/lughnasadh.html)

Lughnasa, the first harvest

Lets begin...

We will do a visual cleansing. Stand, comfortably, feet, shoulder width apart. Breath deeply, we will take a few cleansing breaths, now as you exhale, visualize a circle of energy in the form of a white light above your head. Sense this energy moving in an anti clockwise direction, as it moves down your body.

All negativity is now being removed from your aura and sent to the ground beneath your feet, where it will be neutralized.

Now take in a few deep breaths and relax.

Ring bell to signify end.

The circle is walked 3 times, chanting: "By the power of the Dragons may this circle be Blessed, Cleansed and Sanctified"

East

Guardians of the East
I call on you to witness this rite
Lend us your power
Protect us this night

So mote it be

North

Guardians of the North
I call on you to witness this rite
Lend us your power
Protect us this night

So mote it be

West

Guardians of the West
I call on you to witness this rite
Lend us your power
Protect us this night

So mote it be

South

Guardians of the South
I call on you to witness this rite
Lend us your power
Protect us this night

So mote it be

The circle is cast, we are between worlds.

Stand, sit or lie comfortably, breath deeply, and relax

Play meditation

Archangel Meditation by Kim Fraser & Geoffrey Russell

After, make sure everyone is OK and if anyone wants to comment on this experience, now is the time.

We will now raise energy with a chant, and focus the energy to prosperity for ourselves and for spheres of light, our circle. As Lughnasa lends itself to prosperity magick.

Air so healing
Fire empowering
Water connecting
Earth manifesting

PROSPERITY!

Having sent that to the universe, three OMs will finish the circle.

South

Guardians of the South
I thank you for your power and protection
Hail and farewell

West

Guardians of the West
I thank you for your power and protection
Hail and farewell

North

Guardians of the North
I thank you for your power and protection
Hail and farewell

East

Guardians of the East
I thank you for your power and protection
Hail and farewell