ALSO  CALLED:
Lughnasad, Lamas, Lammas, August Eve, Feast of Bread,
Harvest Home, Lughnasa, Feast of Lugh, Lúnasa, Lunasda, Lunasdal, and Lùnasad in Scotland; Laa Luanys and Luanistyn

DATE:
Traditionally, August 2nd.
Astrologically, 15 degrees into leo, near August 7th.

This is the time of the first Harvest and all share in the fruits of this harvest.  The plants of spring wither and drop their seed to ensure future crops.  Summer's warmth and bounty is remembered in the food we eat.  Each meal is an attunement with nature, and we are reminded that nothing is constant.

This is the time of the Corn God.  The Sun King dies with the waning year and gives his life so that the earth will live.  The Goddess now acts as Mother.  The God loses his strength as the days grow shorter.  The Goddess watches in sorrow and joy as she realizes the God is dying, yet lives on inside Her as Her child.

It is traditional to bake a figure of the God with bread dough and use it for the simple feast ritual.  Weaving wheat or corn dollies are also traditional.  Plant the seeds of fruit consumed in Ritual.  If they sprout, they will grow with love as a symbol of union with the God and Goddess.

TRADITIONAL FOODS:
all breads and grains, berries, crab apples, cake, cider

HERBS:
all grains, grapes, heather, blackberries, sloe, crab apples, pears