Whether you call it Lammas, Lughnasad or something else, many Pagans will celebrate the halfway mark (cross quarter) between Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox (Mabon) on August 1st. Traditionally, this is a harvest festival and concentrates on the harvest of grain. Baking and/or eating bread is a great and simple way to celebrate the season. I’ve created a simple candle ceremony for those who like to celebrate the sabbats in a simple manner – or those who are so busy with life, work and family that they need something quick and easy!
Items needed:
- A candle of your choice: Traditional colors for this sabbat are golds and yellows, but a white candle is always a good substitute. If you have one on hand, a candle that smells like something baked would work nicely, too. (You can even find candles on Etsy that smell like a cinnamon bun, birthday cake or fresh baked bread!)
- A lighter or matches
- A drink: Since beer is brewed with yeast, like bread, it’s a very appropriate drink for this sabbat. Try a nice ale, porter, stout or a wheat beer. Mead, wine or juice are also good choices.
- A slice of bread: Homemade is awesome, but a slice of a nice whole grain bread (or some Wonder Bread, we won’t judge) is just fine, too. Alternately, if you can find a cookie that represents a man (like a gingerbread cookie or one of those character cookies you can find in your grocery store’s bakery), you can “sacrifice” it, as was the tradition of old. Your neighbors will appreciate this choice over a large burning wicker man in the back yard, believe me.
- A candle snuffer (optional)
Ritual:
When you have a few moments, gather your items, and center yourself. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths, and consider the sabbat. This is the time to be grateful for what this year’s harvest is bringing you, and for having enough to feed your family and asking for blessings through the rest of the summer and fall.
When you feel ready, light the candle. You can say something like:
I light this candle in gratefulness of the plentitude which has blessed me/my family. I ask the Lord and Lady to continue their blessings on me/us, and to spread those blessings near and far so that others share in our bounty as well. In gratitude, I eat this bread (or sacrifice this cookie man as a symbol of), and give thanks to deity and nature for their generous bounty.” Eat the bread, drink the drink (saving a bit of each to put outside as an offering) and take as much time as you like (or can!) to count your blessings and maybe consider how to help spread those blessings to others.
When you feel ready, snuff out the candle and go about your day!
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Thanks Mrs. B. this is just what I need for this years Lammas, I have been so busy with getting my girls ready to go back to school(they start Aug.9th)that I have not had time for anything else, so this will work perfectly.
A nice ritual – it's too hot here to do anything long and dramatic outside, so this is just what I need for tonight.Happy August Eve!
I loved this…thank you so much for helping us to realize that it doesn't matter how big the ceremony/blessing or how quick, it takes just a matter of moments to give a quick thanks. Besides, any moment where I can have a nice cold beer with a slice of homemade bread and a quick thought of what matters most to myself in these hectic days is where it counts. May the Goddess bless and guide us all. Brightest Blessings! These were wonderful ideas. )o(
I love the cookie idea! I have always been very hesitant with my neighbors (I think the one to my left is an SS soldier reincarnated) about what they see, and so most of what I do starts inside where I can go outside to just meditate… with lots of citronella candles it!!Thanks!
This is a perfect little rit for Lammas! Thanks for sharing
Lammas is a sweet sabbath and I loved your ritual, I'll try this on the next one.And oh, bow down to you kris for posting my favorite Cernunnos ever!! lol Thank you!Kisses from us.PS: I left a comment about the graphic at your FB before reading the post here!
Thanks for sharing! I love the idea of 'sacrificing' the cookie
This blog is most excellent!