A Wiccan Bible - Exploring the Mysteries of the Craft from Birth to Summerland

Liber ab Sol (Book of Sun)^151

upon yourself to provide the water? Gatherings around swimming pools and other spots

where a person might cool off and restore balance are very appropriate. Vanilla and mint

ice cream make wonderful deserts for this celebration, as does lemon Italian ice.

If the summer heat is not enough or if you want the visuals of a fire, the evening will

be greatly complimented with a roaring bonfire, drumming, and dancing. However,

hosts and hostesses should pay close attention to their guests’ hydration and signs of

hot weather injuries. Remember that ritual is sacred theater that celebrates real life,

and as the heat is very real it will be an influence on your ritual. Should the Summer be

particularly hot, rites based on the story of Persephone are appropriate without re-

spect to which side of the equator one finds oneself. This is a wonderful way to educate

children as to the importance of balance.

Lughnasadh

Summer is at the senior/Crone stage. Winter is entering the third trimester.

Also known as: Ceresalia, Elembius, First Harvest, Lad Day, *Midsummer, Lammas,

Thing’s Tide.

Date: Approximately July 31st, August 1st or 2nd, this Holiday is actually found on the

day that rests in the middle of Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox.

God associations: Lugh.

Gemstone associations: Citrine, Peridot.

Plant associations: All Grains that Harvest Early (especially Rye), Blackberry, Crab

Apple, Frankincense, Ginseng, Grapes and Grapevine, Heather, Lavender, Pear, Po-

tato, Sloe Berries.

Color associations: Green, Orange, Red, Yellow.

* See Summer Solstice

Lughnasadh Incense

4 parts Frankincense

2 parts Lavender

1 part Heather

Lughnasadh Oil

10 drops Frankincense

10 drops Lavender

Solitary/General—It is likely the name Lughnasadh comes from the god Lugh. In

their book Eight Sabbats for Witches, the Farrars tell us the translation is ‘the com-

memoration of Lugh.’ I like to call it ‘Lugh’s Night’. Now remember, I do very much

believe Wicca is a world religion, but as this is the name so many use to note this Holi-

day we should wonder: Just who is Lugh?

p WB Chap 08.p65 151 7/11/2003, 5:52 PM