Pronounced: lood-na-sahd

Also known as: Lammas, August Eve, Feast of Bread, and Harvest Home

Northern Hemisphere Date: August 1

Southern Hemisphere Date: February 2

Astrological Sign: 15 degrees Leo

Primary Focus:
Bread harvest, fire harvest, grain harvest, games of sport, blessing rites, payment of debts, weather magick

Origins:
Lughnasadh originates from the Celtic Sun God, Lugh, who presided over the first grain harvest of the year. Lammas means "loaf-mass" in old Anglo-Saxon.

Meaning:
It is the time of the first harvest, when the plants of spring wither and drop their fruits or seeds for us as well as to ensure future crops. Bread is baked in honor of the first reapings of the grain harvest in the God's honor.

Myth:
The God loses his strength as the Sun rises farther in the South each day and the nights grow longer. The Goddess watches in sorrow and joy as she realizes that the God is dying, and yet lives on inside Her as Her child.