Lughnasadh is here which means it's the official beginning of the harvest season! It's a time when corn is ready to be cut and berries are ripe for the picking. What is Lughnasadh? Lughnasadh, or Lammas, marks the midpoint between the summer solstice and fall equinox. It is the final four of the Celtic fire festivals. The name Lughnasadh means "an assemby (nasad) of Lugh (Lugh)," a Celtic god who represents the sun and noble qualities. It marks the official start of the harvest season, and is the first of three harvest festivals (followed by Mabon and Samhain). Lammas and Lughnasadh are often used interchangeably, however, Lammas is a Christianized version of Lughnasadh that began in England. The name comes...
It's hard to believe that the summer solstice is here! Today marks the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere. What is Litha? Litha, or Midsummer, is the celebration of the summer solstice, the sun, and the Earth's abundance. It is typically celebrated between June 19th-23rd. The name "Litha" comes from the Old English Līþa, which was used to when referring to the months of June and July. History Midsummer is one of the oldest and most widely celebrated seasons across the world. Different cultures have celebrated the solstice for centuries, using it as a day to give thanks to the sun and sun gods for the warmth, light, and abundance it has brought throughout the year. Celtic Traditions BONFIRES - Large bonfires were lit (often using oak...
Spring is jumping to life and Beltane is here to celebrate the fertile grounds which are ready to be sowed. Beltane is a celebration of fire, sex, passion, and marks the official start of the summer. What is Beltane? Beltane is the second of the four Gaelic fire festivals of the year. It takes place between April 30th - May 1st and marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It's also known as May Day or Lá Bealtaine. The name stems from the old Scottish Gaelic bealltainn, which means "bright fire," signifying the first of the summer. History Beltane was known as the beginning of summer, particularly to the ancient Celts who tended to livestock. Herdsmen would move...
I know I'm late on posting this one, but better late than never! The second Sabbat of The Wheel of the Year is Ostara, meaning it's officially springtime! What is Ostara? Ostara is the spring/vernal equinox, which marks the day in which the day and night are of equal lengths. The days are growing longer as we move towards summer and Ostara marks the halfway point between winter and summer. Ostara is the celebration of rebirth, renewal, and balance. The sunlight is returning from the dark days of winter and it's beginning to make an impact on our landscape. Bulb flowers are beginning to sprout from the ground, the birds are singing again, and tiny leafy bulbs can be found on...
In the Gregorian calendar, the Wheel of the Year begins with Imbolc. The Wheel of the Year was extremely important to ancient Celts as it dictated the agricultural cycle of plowing, sowing, harvesting, and resting. The Wheel of the Year is still followed today and includes four Fire Festivals and four cross-quarter celebrations. What is Imbolc? Imbolc, also known as St. Brigid's Day or Candelmas, marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is celebrated between January 31st and February 2nd. This day is a celebration of fire, home + hearth, and the lengthening of the days as spring draws nearer. The festival which focuses on celebrating the earliest signs of spring: longer days, the returning warmth of the...
