In the month of August, there are several pagan holidays that are celebrated by different cultures around the world. These holidays often have a strong connection to nature and the changing seasons. One of the most well-known pagan holidays in August is Lammas, which is celebrated on August 1st. Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, marks the halfway point between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. It is a time to celebrate the first harvest of the year and give thanks for the abundance of the summer season. Many people create corn dollies or bake bread in the shape of a grain goddess as part of their Lammas celebrations.
In Ireland the Assumption is called by the Gaelic name ‘Féile Mhuire ‘sa bhFomhar‘ and an ancient legend has it that bathing in the sea on August 15 has a health-promoting effect.
The prince was one of the Principality s most notable figures in that during World War II he managed to keep the Principality neutral and inviolate, and soon after he led Liechtenstein s economic development from a predominantly agricultural economy to becoming one of the states with the highest per capita income. Lúnasa was originally not a single-day holiday, said Morgan Daimler, a witch and independent scholar who studies and writes about Irish folk culture and religion.
Many people create corn dollies or bake bread in the shape of a grain goddess as part of their Lammas celebrations. Another pagan holiday in August is the Feast of Hecate, which is celebrated on August 13th. This holiday honors Hecate, a Greek goddess associated with witchcraft, magic, and the night.
Wiccan Holidays: Celebrating the Sun on the Sabbats
Wiccan holidays, or Sabbats, are timed to the seasons and the Earth's natural rhythms. Sabbats celebrate the Earth's journey around the sun, called the Wheel of the Year, and Wiccans refer to commemorating the Sabbats as Turning the Wheel.
Most Wiccans celebrate these eight Sabbats annually:
- Yule, Winter Solstice: December 20, 21, 22, or 23 Yule is the longest night and the shortest day of the year. Some Wiccans consider Yule to be either the year's beginning or the end. This is the time to celebrate the return of the light. Yule is the solar turning of the tides, and the newborn Sun offers a fresh start and, literally, a new day. It's a time of renewal and hope.
- Brigid, Imbolc, Candlemas, Imbolg, or Brigid's Day: February 1 or 2 Brigid, or Imbolc, is a preparation for spring. At Brigid, Wiccans clean and organize their living environments, as well as their minds and hearts, in preparation for the upcoming season of growth. It's a time to shake off the doldrums of late winter and light the fires of creativity and inspiration.
- Eostar, Spring Equinox, Ostara, or Oestarra: March 20, 21, 22, or 23 Winter is now over. Light is increasing. The day and night are equal in length at the equinox. Spring has arrived or is coming soon. Eostar is the time of fertility, birth, and renewal. The ice is thawing, and the growing season for plants and animals begins. Growth is the theme of the day.
- Beltane, May Eve, Beltaine, Bealtaine, or May Day: April 30 or May 1 Beltane is the time of the marriage and union of the Goddess as Mother Earth and the God of the Greenwood. It is an ancient fertility festival marking the beginning of the planting cycle. The festival was to ensure a good growing season and a bountiful harvest. Beltane is light-hearted and joyful.
- Litha, Summer Solstice, or Midsummer: June 20, 21, 22, or 23 Litha is the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Light triumphs, but will now begin to fade into darkness as autumn approaches. The crops are planted and growing. The woods and forests have reached their peak fullness. This is the time of abundance for wildlife, including people! The holiday is joyous.
- Lughnasad, Lughnasadh, or Lammas: August 1 For the ancient Pagans, Lughnasad was a time of both hope and fear. They held hope for a bountiful harvest and abundant food, but they feared that the harvest wouldn't be large enough and that the cold months would be filled with struggle and deprivation. At Lughnasad, modern Wiccans also face their fears, concentrate on developing their own abilities, and take steps to protect themselves and their homes.
- Mabon, Fall Equinox, or Harvest Home: September 20, 21, 22, or 23 At Mabon, the day and the night are equal in length, in sublime balance. For many locations, Mabon coincides with the final harvest of grain, fruits, and vegetables. Mabon, also called Harvest Home, is the time of thanksgiving. The beauty and bounty of summer gives way to the desolation of winter, and the darkness overtakes the light.
- Samhain, All Hallow's Eve, Hallowmas: October 31 or November 1 For many Wiccans, Samhain marks the New Year and is the most important Sabbat. It's the time to remember the ancestors, and the time to celebrate the harvest and all that has been accomplished over the year.
It is a time to honor and seek the guidance of Hecate, as well as to celebrate the power of the moon and the dark aspects of nature. In addition to Lammas and the Feast of Hecate, there are also various local and regional pagan holidays celebrated in different parts of the world in August. For example, in Ireland, there is the Puck Fair, a three-day festival held in the town of Killorglin. The festival includes a parade, music, dancing, and the crowning of a wild goat as the King of the Puck. Overall, August is a month filled with pagan holidays that celebrate the abundance of the summer season, honor ancient deities, and connect with the natural world. These holidays provide an opportunity for people to come together, give thanks, and connect with their spiritual beliefs in a way that is deeply rooted in nature and the changing seasons..
Reviews for "The Spirit of Lammas: A Deep Dive into the Pagan Festival of August"
1. John - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with "Pagan Holidays in August". The story was confusing and the characters were one-dimensional. It felt like the author had no idea where the plot was going and just threw in random events to fill the pages. I struggled to connect with any of the characters and found myself scanning through the pages just to finish the book. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written story.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Pagan Holidays in August" but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The writing style was overly descriptive to the point where it became tedious to read. The plot lacked depth and the pacing was inconsistent. Additionally, the characters were uninteresting and lacked development. I was hoping for a thought-provoking and engaging read but instead, I found myself disengaged and uninterested in the story. While the concept was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired.
3. Michael - 2/5 - "Pagan Holidays in August" was a letdown for me. The story started off strong, but as it progressed, it became confusing and convoluted. There were too many subplots that seemed unrelated and the transitions between them were abrupt. I found myself struggling to keep track of the different storylines and ultimately lost interest. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it for those seeking a cohesive and engaging read.
4. Emily - 1/5 - I found "Pagan Holidays in August" to be incredibly boring and uneventful. The pacing was slow and there was a lack of tension or excitement throughout the entire book. The characters were flat and lacked depth, which made it difficult to care about their journey. The plot felt meandering and I couldn't find a clear direction in the narrative. I was hoping for an intriguing and captivating story, but unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an immersive and exciting read.