🌾 Honouring Lammas — A Time of First Harvest and Inner Ripening
As the sun climbs high in the summer sky and its light softens into the rich warmth of late summer, we come to the sacred festival of Lammas, or Lughnasadh — the time of the first harvest. This is a celebration of abundance, a moment to pause and reflect on what has grown in the earth and within our own hearts. Lammas marks the point where summer begins its gentle transition into autumn, and the first fruits of the season are gathered.
A Time of Gathering and Gratitude
Lammas is a festival deeply rooted in the cycles of nature. Traditionally, this festival was a time to give thanks for the first crops of the harvest — the grain that would sustain families through the coming months. The name “Lughnasadh” comes from the Celtic god Lugh, who was associated with craftsmanship, the sun, and the harvest. In ancient times, people would offer bread and grain to the gods, giving back a portion of what had been gifted by the earth. This was an act of gratitude, acknowledging the earth’s generosity and the delicate balance between giving and receiving.
For us, Lammas invites us to reflect on the ways in which we, too, are harvesting what we have sown. It’s a time to consider what we’ve planted in our lives — whether it be relationships, creative projects, personal goals, or spiritual practices — and what has come to fruition. Just as the earth gives freely, we are encouraged to appreciate the abundance we have received, recognizing the growth that has occurred within ourselves.
Nourishment for the Body, Mind, and Spirit
The energy of Lammas is one of nourishment, not just of the body, but of the soul. It is a time to bask in the bounty of summer and to allow ourselves to savour the fruits of our labour. But it is also an opportunity to examine how we nourish ourselves in a deeper sense — how we nourish our creativity, our connections, and our well-being.
In the bustle of everyday life, it can be easy to forget the importance of self-care and nourishment. Lammas asks us to reflect on this. How are we tending to our inner world? How are we allowing ourselves the space to grow and ripen in the same way the crops do? Just as we take in the first harvest, we must also cultivate the habits and practices that allow our spirit to thrive.
The Gifts of the Season
Lammas is a festival of abundance, but it is also a moment of balance. As we gather what has ripened, we are reminded that the earth is both generous and demanding. This balance is reflected in the way we harvest — we take what is ripe and ready, but we also leave space for the earth to rest and regenerate. It is a time to consider how we balance the energy we put out into the world with the energy we receive.
Consider the things in your life that are ready to be “harvested” — those projects or personal intentions that are now ripe for fruition. It may be a creative endeavour, a relationship, or even an aspect of your personal growth. Lammas offers a chance to pause, give thanks, and reflect on how we can honour the cycles of growth, rest, and renewal that are part of the natural world.
Honouring the Harvest Within
In addition to gathering the physical harvest, Lammas encourages us to honour the harvest within. This is a time to reflect on what has grown in our hearts and minds throughout the year. What lessons have you learned? What seeds of intention did you plant earlier in the year that are now beginning to take root? Lammas asks us to pause and take stock of our own personal growth, to express gratitude for the wisdom and experiences that have shaped us.
We are all, in our way, tending the gardens of our lives — and just as the earth needs rest and renewal, so too do we. Lammas reminds us to take time to honour the fullness of the season, to rest in gratitude for what has been harvested, and to reflect on how we can care for our inner landscapes as we move toward the darker days ahead.
Celebrating with Ceremony and Ritual
To mark Lammas, you might consider creating a simple ritual or ceremony to honour the season. This could be as simple as spending time in nature, offering thanks for the abundance in your life, or preparing a meal with seasonal ingredients. Baking bread, using grains that are central to this festival, can be a beautiful way to connect with the energy of Lammas. You could also light candles in a circle, symbolizing the ripening of the light, and spend time reflecting on what is ready to be harvested in your life.
Gathering wildflowers, making offerings of bread, or lighting a fire to symbolise the sun’s strength are all beautiful ways to connect with the ancient spirit of this festival. Whatever practices you choose, remember that Lammas is about celebrating the fullness of the present moment, honouring the earth’s abundance, and nurturing the harvest within.
