Wheel of the Year: Lughnasadh, Lammas, & The Start of the Harvest

Michelle Lewis, The Blessings Butterfly

Oh Hey, New Witch! If you’ve recently found yourself on the magickal path, you’re no doubt somewhere between “OMG I’M A BABY WITCH EVERYTHING IS AMAZING!!!” and Holy Sh!t/Information Overload. Fear Thee Not, this post is just a tidbit to give you some basics to help you understand the Lughnasadh/Lammas Sabbat.

What is it and How do I say it?

Lughnasadh is a Gaelic word that refers to a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season. The pronunciation of “Lughnasadh” can vary slightly depending on regional accents and dialects. In general, the pronunciation is something like “LOO-nuh-suh” or “LOO-nuh-sah.” The “gh” in “Lugh” is silent, and the emphasis is typically on the first syllable.

Lugh is a prominent figure in Celtic mythology and is often associated with the pagan holiday of Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh. Neo-pagans and in more recent decades Wiccans celebrate Lammas as the first harvest on the Wheel of the Year.

Witch Tip: The terms may be used interchangeably. You do whatever works for you.

Lugh Lore

One significant aspect of Lugh’s mythology is his role as the dying and reborn god. Lugh’s story follows the cycle of the seasons and the agricultural calendar. As the god of the harvest, Lugh represents the corn, grain, and other crops that are harvested during the summer months. At Lammas, which marks the first harvest, Lugh is associated with the cutting down of the grain, symbolizing his sacrifice for the sustenance of the community.

The theme of Lugh’s death and rebirth reflects the cyclical nature of life and the agricultural cycle. As the grain is harvested, it dies, but its seeds are saved for the next planting season, ensuring the continuation of life. Similarly, Lugh’s sacrifice represents the cycle of death and renewal, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life, death, and rebirth.

Learn More

Want to get some more Wheel of the Year 101? Check out this overview and stay tuned for more of my upcoming articles of each of the Sabbats.