Celebrate Lammas ~ Count your blessings!

Lammas, often called Lughnasadh, is the first harvest celebration and while it does mark the middle of summer, most will see it as the beginning of cooler weather as Autumn starts to descend. It is a cross-quarter holiday, halfway between the Summer Solstice (Litha) and the Autumnal Equinox (Mabon). On the Wheel of the Year, it is opposite Imbolc. Since this is the first of the harvest festivals, and there's still plenty of time left in the growing season, this is a good time to make a blessing for any further abundance to come into your life.

At this time we are thankful for the first harvests of the season, mostly grains and fruits, and will include these in our sabbat feast. Traditionally this is a time to bake bread. If you've never made bread before, it can be somewhat tricky. Mostly because humidity (and sometimes altitude) plays a BIG factor in letting the dough rise! I've learned this the hard way that bread you make in CO, will not be the same sort of bread you get in OH or even FL and little tweaks will need to happen. Now, I would include my super secret bread recipe, but lemme tell ya.. it's a PAIN to get right. So in order to save everyone's sanity, I'm going to put up my second favorite bread recipe; CORN BREAD!! I absolutely love corn bread!! It's also really easy to make! Here's what you'll need:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup white sugar (I've also tried this with 1/3 cup of white and 1/3 cup of brown sugar! YUM!)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8 inch square pan or a loaf pan.
2. Melt the butter on the stove or in microwave. Stir in sugar. Add eggs and beat until blended. Combine your milk with baking soda and stir into butter/egg mixture. Then add in cornmeal, flour, and salt.. There'll be some lumpiness so don't drive yourself crazy trying to get it smooth. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. For the last few 1-2 minutes you may want to baste with some melted butter to get a nice crispy, golden brown crust.

Now besides being thankful for the fruits of our labor, this is also a great time to focus on the skills that we have since this is also known as the Festival of Lugh. Lugh is not only a God of Light, but also of arts, crafts, and skilled work! With honoring the God Lugh, games and sports are played to celebrate strength and good health. What better than an afternoon game of horseshoes in the backyard! Since we're talking arts and crafts, items made for the household at this time are also blessed with good fortune. And because we're talking about a harvest holiday here and I love crafting incense from home grown herbs and flowers, what better than a Lammas incense recipe!!

1 part Acacia, 1/2 part Anise, 1 part Chamomile, 1/2 part Cinnamon, 1/2 part Meadowsweet, and a few drops of Apple blossom oil

Combine all the dry ingredients together and apply a few drops of oil for your scent preference. Apple blossom is rather strong so take it a drop at a time!! Once you mix it all together, set it out in the light of the sun for it to be blessed before burning!  

Lammas, like Beltane, is a traditional time for handfastings. If you're already married or in a committed relationship you may consider a  renewal of vows or a statement of your commitment! Family plays an important role as well. Give your loved ones a small present to show your appreciation! As Summer's end nears, remember its warmth and generous sunlight as the nights become longer we are reminded that nothing in the Universe is constant. 

I can be reached for life awakening readings at LivePerson and email or facebook. If you'd like any further information on personalizing your spiritual path you can send me a message at my email or facebook.


May this Lammas bless you all with lots of love, and have a plentiful harvest!