New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
Lammas: the first of the three harvest sabbats. Offer blessings to Lugh and collect petals from the flowers in your yard and garden for drying. No doubt you have planted flowers that have special meaning for you; for example, marigolds and sunflowers for the sun and roses for love. Consult almanacs to see what gatherings are best done at night. After complete drying, place the petals in airtight, clearly marked and dated glass containers. A local craft shop can help if you are unsure of the ...
To see if the rain has stopped for good, look to the sky. If you see birds, it's a good sign that the rain has finished. However, to be sure, watch the birds in flight. Say aloud: "Birds of the air, fly without care. Will it rain here? Will it rain there?" If the birds fly off, stop chanting and look closely at the direction they fly. Say: "To the east, 'twill be clear. To the south, storm you'll hear. To the west, never end. To the north, Sun descend." From Scott Cunningham's Book of ...
In ancient Rome, honoring Neptune on this, his sacred feast day, was believed to ensure rainfall and prevent drought from damaging crops. The Romans celebrated this wonderful watery god by having a picnic. You can enjoy your own Neptunalia outside for lunch or dinner on this day. Brew an infusion made from spring water and three bay leaves. Bless it under the summer sun and sprinkle it over your garden. Say: "Mighy Neptune, your triton held high, protect my garden, in this season so ...
The long days of sun are upon us. Take time to celebrate and observe these long days, before they shorten too much. Set your alarm for a few minutes earlier than sunrise. When you wake, go outside and watch the sun rise, and mindfully delight. Appreciate the quiet, privacy, and sanctity of early morning. Walk in your neighborhood, weed your garden, or sit and watch the sun's gradual climb into the sky. Say: "Long days, short nights, summer sun, in you we delight, Strong rays, blessing ...
