Blessed turning of the Wheel! Many modern Pagans, polytheists, and Heathens are observing the summer festival of Lughnasadh, also called Lammas, Lughnassa, and Harvest Home.
Lughnasadh, celebrated on August 1, is a traditional Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season. It is one of the four cross-quarters fire festivals, the others being Samhain, Imbolc, and Beltane. The name Lughnasadh derives from the god Lugh, the Celtic god of light and master of many arts and skills, including crafts, warfare, poetry, and healing, as well as his foster mother, Tailtiu.
Lughnasadh is the first of the three harvest celebrations, followed by Mabon and Samhain. The Asatru festival of the first fruits is called Freyfaxi, in honor of the Norse god Freyr, associated with fertility, prosperity, peace, and good harvests. He is often depicted as a god who brings bountiful crops and ensures the well-being of the land and its people.
Both celebrations consist of feasting, songs, games, thanksgiving, and the reaping of the first fruits and grains of the season.
Typically celebrated on August 1, Lughnasadh is one of the yearly fire festivals and marks the first of three harvest celebrations.
Harvest festivals have a long history in a huge variety of cultures. Having enough food is a good thing to celebrate, and it’s downright fun. Having enough to get through the next season and be able to make both beer and bread is even better, and definitely deserves a party. But in this day and age few of us harvest any kind of food with our own hands, and although gardens are growing in popularity, only a tiny proportion of us harvest the kind of bounty that provides security through the cold months. I think one result is that we tend to focus on the mystical meanings of bread and life while ignoring the seemingly mundane but fundamentally necessary part of the harvest: work. – Literata
Lughnasadh marks the halfway point and holds the liminal space between the Summer Solstice and the Autumnal Equinox. Freshly baked loaves of bread and other baked goods are generally included in rituals as a reflection of gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
In the Southern Hemisphere, Imbolc is being celebrated as the wheel turns from Winter and begins the journey towards Spring.
Just ahead of the Feast of Diana in mid-August, Pietas – Comunità Gentile, the Italian Religio Romana organization, announced a new Temple of Diana. Pietas is based in Rome and has affiliates in cities throughout Italy, including Bologna, Genoa, Milan, and Palermo. It is an umbrella religious entity and charity for its Greco-Roman religious affiliates. Temples are built in places where Pietas has a thriving community.
The new Temple of Diana in Rome [via Facebook]
The Temple of Diana in Rome has been completed in its essential geometries. The sacred inauguration, marked by the laying of the foundation stone, took place on July 21, led by priests and esteemed initiates of the city.
In the coming days, the gardens surrounding the temple will be enhanced with the planting of over 45 plants, creating the sacred grove, or “Lucus.” Decoration and arrangement activities will continue to enrich the temple’s ambiance.
The revival of temples and ancient traditions continues in Pietas communities as new temples are built across Italy. A new temple is now active, “offering a sacred space designed to bring enlightenment and clarity to our society.”
Complimenti!
Ave Diana!
A new video emerged on YouTube a few days ago from the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, UK. The video titled ‘Amulets, charms, and witch bottles: Thinking about ‘magical’ objects in museum collections through collaborative interaction between academics and curators with Pagans, witchcraft practitioners and other communities with spiritual investment’, is a MOLA Impact Acceleration Account project supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
The short film produced by ACAP media shares a workshop run by the project team in January 2024.
Mystic South was a success!
The annual conference is now in its 7th year and by all accounts it was extraordinary. The conference kicked off on Thursday, July 18, and concluded on Sunday, July 29th in the afternoon. The presentations were excellent and too much to cover and this year’s headliners, Morgan Daimler, Sen Elias, and Wendy Mata did an outstanding job. Druid John Beckett referred to Mystic South as a “necessary retreat” and this year shared “11 Things About Mystic South 2024“.
Thumper Forge presented on Discordian Cosmogony that was as hilarious as it was interesting. Apparently, Thumper, Kelden, and Vini may have a synthpop band in the works. You can read all about it at Things You Hear at Mystic South, 2024 Edition.
The ever-glowing and irrepressible, Raina Starr, broadcasted a live episode of Desperate House Witches. The live show is still available along with amazing guests and marvelous rants.
TWH shared some scenes from the Mystic South Marketplace.
–
Congratulations to Mystic South Organizers!
The Mystic South Team
Editorial Note: Some board members of Mystic South Conference are staff at The Wild Hunt. These individuals were not involved in the writing or editing of this article.
At Mystic South, we got our first look at all The Witch’s Sun Sign Series led by Ivo Dominguez with dozens of contributors and published by Llewellyn. The books cover stories of Witches from each of the sun signs as well as spells, exercises, recipes, and stories to strengthen your practice.
Congratulations, Ivo!
The Wild Hunt is grateful for the community’s continued support.
The Wild Hunt is very grateful to our readers for your recent financial support and amazing words of encouragement. We remain one of the most widely-read news sources within modern Paganism, and our reporters and columnists remain dedicated to a vision of journalism for and about our family of faiths.
As a reminder, this is the type of story you only see here. This is how to help:
Tax Deductible Donation | PayPal Donations | Join our Patreon
You can also help us by sharing this message on your social media.
As always, thank you for your support of The Wild Hunt!
Do you have news to share with our community?
Announcements? Elevations? Events?
Let us know at pcn@wildhunt.org.
Research Request
PARTICIPANTS WANTED
Project Title – By Whose Authority: ‘Accuracy’ of Ancient Greek Religious Practices by Contemporary Practitioners – Questionnaire for Ethnography Chapter
This study is being conducted as part of my, Aneirin Pendragon’s, PhD Thesis in the Classics Department at the University of St Andrews.
We invite you to participate in an online questionnaire concerning aspects of religious worship and the role of authority for adults (18+) who identify as Hellenic Polytheists or closely related religions that concerns worship of the Greek gods in a contemporary context. This questionnaire will take approximately 20-30 minutes. Individuals will have the option to elect to do in-depth interviews on a voluntary basis to expand upon what they answered within the questionnaire, to be scheduled with those who volunteer to do so.
If you are interested, please get in contact using the details below. You will then be given a Participant Information Sheet that further details my research and have the opportunity to ask questions, before being asked whether you consent to participate.
Contact Details
Researcher: Aneirin Pendragon
Prof Jason König (Supervisor)
Dr Ralph Anderson (Supervisor)
Contact Details:
Aneirin Pendragon
ap362@st-andrews.ac.uk
+44 (0)1334 462600
Prof Jason König (Supervisor)
jpk3@st-andrews.ac.uk
+44 (0)1334 462600
Dr Ralph Anderson (Supervisor)
rta1@st-andrews.ac.uk
+44 (0)1334 462600
Τίτλος Εργασίας
Σύμφωνα με Ποια Αυθεντία: Η ‘Ακρίβεια’ των Αρχαιοελληνικών Πρακτικών Λατρείας των Σύγχρονων Λατρευτών – Ερωτηματολόγιο για το Κεφάλαιο Εθνογραφίας
Η έρευνα αυτή διεξάγεται ως μέρος της διδακτορικής διατριβής της Aneirin Pendragon στο τμήμα Κλασικών Σπουδών στο Πανεπιστήμιο του St Andrews.
Σας καλούμε να συμμετάσχετε σε ένα ηλεκτρονικό ερωτηματολόγιο που αφορά τη θρησκευτική λατρεία και το ρόλο της αυθεντίας σε αυτήν για ενήλικες (18+) που προσδιορίζονται ως Ελληνικοί Πολυθεϊστές ή ως μέλος άλλης, στενά σχετιζόμενης, θρησκείας που περιλαμβάνει τη λατρεία των Ελλήνων θεών στη σύγχρονη εποχή. Αυτό το ερωτηματολόγιο θα διαρκέσει περίπου 20-30 λεπτά. Οι συμμετέχοντες θα έχουν την επιλογή να λάβουν μέρος σε εις βάθους συνεντεύξεις εθελοντικά, ώστε να αναπτύξουν τις απαντήσεις που έδωσαν στο ερωτηματολόγιο. Οι συνεντεύξεις αυτές θα οριστικοποιηθούν κατόπιν επικοινωνίας με τους εθελοντές που θα προσφερθούν.
Αν ενδιαφέρεστε, παρακαλείστε να επικοινωνήσετε χρησιμοποιώντας τα παρακάτω στοιχεία επικοινωνίας. Θα σας δοθεί ένα Έντυπο Πληροφόρησης Συμμετεχόντων, το οποίο αναλύει την έρευνά μου περαιτέρω και θα έχετε την ευκαιρία να κάνετε ερωτήσεις πριν απαντήσετε για το αν συναινείτε για τη συμμετοχή σας στην έρευνα.
Στοιχεία Επικοινωνίας
Ερευνήτρια: Aneirin Pendragon
Prof Jason König (Supervisor)
Dr Ralph Anderson (Supervisor)
Στοιχεία Επικοινωνίας: Aneirin Pendragon
ap362@st-andrews.ac.uk
+44 (0)1334 462600
Καθηγητής Jason König (Επιβλέπων)
jpk3@st-andrews.ac.uk
+44 (0)1334 462600
Dr Ralph Anderson (Επιβλέπων)
rta1@st-andrews.ac.uk
+44 (0)1334 462600
Upcoming Conferences and Events
Green Spirit Festival (August 2-4, 2024)
Celebrate the first harvest of the year at Circle Sanctuary’s annual 3-day Green Spirit Festival from Friday, August 2nd to Sunday, August 4th at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve near Barneveld, Wisconsin.
The sacred wheel has turned and brought us to the season of the First Harvest. As summer begins to wane and fall begins, we’ll reflect on what we have sown and reaped. Join us as we gather to celebrate our harvests with a special concert on Friday night by Pagan folk musician and bard, Mama Gina.
Workshops, family programming, mindful nature walks, and a labyrinth will take place throughout the weekend. On Saturday, a hybrid workshop, Sacred Oak Magic will be offered both online and in-person. In this workshop, Rev. Selena Fox will explore Oak lore, ceremonies, symbology, and divinities associated with Oak trees along with ritual uses of Oak leaves, acorns, and wood.
Registration is required and the deadline to secure your spot is Wednesday, July 31st. You can register for one, two, or all three days with options to attend the concert only for $25 and the online workshop on Sacred Oak magic for $20. The cost of in-person attendance for the full event is $135 for adults. To register, or to learn more, please the conference site.
Circle Sanctuary is a non-profit international Nature Spirituality resource center and legally recognized Nature Spirituality church. Founded in 1974, Circle helps people from many spiritual orientations connect with each other as well as with the spiritual dimensions of Nature.
New Orleans Alexandrian Grand Soiree (August, 8, 2024)
The New Orleans Alexandrian Grand Soiree is hosted by The New Orleans Coven, the Ponchartrain Coven, and the Salem Coven and will be held at Potions, a magical speakeasy located above Fritzel’s Jazz Bar at 733 Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. You’ll need a password to get in, which is “Rose Ankh!” Enjoy this nighttime party with Alexandrian High Priesthood Brian Cain, Christine Stephens, Levi Rowland, and Elie Barnes, and meet the Covens. Alexandrian Witchcraft is a Priesthood that follows the teachings and practices of Alex and Maxine Sanders. As one of two traditions within the line of succession, we are not eclectic; we are a Priesthood with power and purpose. We are Witches of the Book and occultists who belong to a rich tapestry of the Craft. As occultists, we are innovative and curious; as witches, we do not mix our drinks. Alexandrians focus on and are known for dedication, good manners, and good training. Join us in our nocturnal revelry of witchcraft, wine, and revelation.
HexFest (August 9 -11, 2024)
Tales of the magic of the Crescent City of New Orleans stretch back over centuries. It is an enigmatic place where Voodoo, Hoodoo, Witchcraft, and even Christianity blend at a crossroads of spiritual power. On August 9 to 11, 2024, the Witches of New Orleans present HexFest: A Weekend of Witchery held in the heart of the historic French Quarter. The conference opens with a Riverboat Ritual and dinner, held on an authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River, followed by two full days of workshops, drumming, and ritual at The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, a venue riddled with a history of hauntings. HexFest has gathered Witches, rootworkers, Voodoo priests, and other magical teachers from within New Orleans and around the world to offer their time-honored wisdom. More information is available on the HexFest site.
Enchanted! Metaphysics & Mystics Market (August 23- 24, 2024)
Artists, crafters, makers, readers, energy healers, witches, fairies, dragons, and oddballs… join us for a weekend of MAGIC in Fayetteville, AR! Learn about esoteric and healing arts, and metaphysical practices, and meet mystic-minded friends. Discover a world of spiritual tools, paths, and wisdom. Ask questions about yoga, tarot, crystals, and energy healing. Support unique, uncommon artists and crafters, and live musicians! Everyone has a little bit of magic inside… come and discover yours! This is a family-friendly, indoor, rain-or-shine event!
Southern California Divination Conference (August 24, 2024)
Anaheim, CA – Mark your calendars and secure your tickets, divination enthusiasts! The Commons of Modern Pagans and Spiritual Seekers (COMPASS) is thrilled to present the 2nd Annual Southern California Divination Conference, an exclusive event that will immerse Southern California in mystical insights and spiritual connections!
The portals will open on August 24, 2024, at our new location, the Crown Plaza Hotel, Costa Mesa, CA. This year, our theme is Dispelling Myths, Rumors, and Fantasies of Divination.
Join us for a transformative journey into the realm of the mystical, where seasoned practitioners and curious novices will explore ancient arts, modern techniques, and everything in between.
This year’s speakers include a diverse range of experts such as Thalassa, Jennifer Morris, Orion Foxwood, Juliet Kurth, and many more. Whether you’re drawn to Tarot, astrology, runes, or other forms of divination, this conference promises to ignite your intuition and deepen your connection to the unseen forces guiding our lives.
Don’t miss out on our early Bird Tickets, available online for just $75 and including a buffet lunch. On the day of the event, tickets will be $80 at the door. Secure your tickets through the COMPASS website before August 18 to enjoy this special offer.
Take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourself in a weekend of magic, wisdom, and community. Save the date and get ready to unlock the mysteries of the universe at the 2nd Annual Southern California Divination Conference!
Swamp Mystics (September 7, 2024)
The Temple of Limitless Light has been serving the Tallahassee area by teaching the basics of magical energy techniques. We strive to empower people curious about the unseen and mysterious depths of the world and present ancient concepts as tools that can be used to consciously cultivate an abundant life out of the malleable material of energy. We focus on grounding, creating sacred space, and the elements. We offer our services freely.
Magic is alive and rising out of the humidity of the Southeastern USA. We call together Mystics, Witches, Sorcerers, Spellcasters, and Practitioners of the Ancient Paths for a Convocation! Magic will be the focus of all of our presentations culminating in the Mass of the Goddess Community Ritual. This year’s featured headliner is Frater Barrabbas.
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Mystic Cats Tarot, by Michelle Romo, published by Sterling Ethos.
Card: Five (5) of Cups
The next seven days are apt to shine a light on disappointments, loss, and recent failures. There is the potential to become mired in the past and overwhelmed by self-doubt. The key to moving forward is forgiveness, the ability to let go of the past and being willing to embrace the future and new opportunities.
Conversely, coming to a realization of how past losses and setbacks have paved the way for the current circumstances and feelings of sadness is likely. Introspection allows for the acceptance of personal mistakes and provides the opportunity to embrace the past in a way that offers hope for not repeating previous missteps.
And now for some Lammas Music
Whoops!
And for Imbolc
May the First Harvest of Lughnasadh or the First Fire of Imbolc bring you and your loved ones much joy!
The Wild Hunt is not responsible for links to external content.
To join a conversation on this post:
Visit our The Wild Hunt subreddit! Point your favorite browser to https://www.reddit.com/r/The_Wild_Hunt_News/, then click “JOIN”. Make sure to click the bell, too, to be notified of new articles posted to our subreddit.