Saturday, July 31, 2010

Lughnasadh Eve - Hecate's Night

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

21st Day of the 8th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hestia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Tinne/Holly
24th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Tinne/Holly
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon sets: 11:38AM EDST
Moon rises: 10:52PM EDST
Moon in the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The shores of
home.
Sun in Leo
Sunrise: 6:16AM EDST
Sunset: 8:36PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
of your neglected friends would most enjoy
hearing from you?"
Beltaine (Calan Mai) Quarter
of the Year
July 31st, 2010

Today there minor magickal energies for rites of protection.  Light the Lammas fires at sundown.  Also this being the last day of this month - it is time for honoring Hecate.

Lughnasadh Rite

   Not only is this the festival of the first of the harvest but it is also the feast of the Sacrificial King.
There are many things which can be symbolically 'slain' at this time: a harvest loaf, which can be broken up, or a Corn King which can have stalks, or bunches of stalks, removed until he is no more. If you are working alone, a gold candle can take the place of a more complex sacrifice. As with all Sabbats it is important to reflect balance in your Rites, so you should also make an offering of wine in thanks to the Old Gods and the Land.
   If it is at all possible, perform your Rites outside. Start by thinking of all the things that have been given to you in the past season, and for each take a part of your sacrificial 'victim' and say, "I give thanks to the Old Gods for .... (name it). Blessed Be."  If there is a group of you, take it in turns. Where you are using a candle, it may be as well to place a pin into the candle for each, so that as it burns they fall away one by one. When the victim is dismembered, or all the pins have dropped, make your offering: Hold the wine up and say, "I give thanks to the Old Gods who bring life and light, death and rest, rebirth and renewal. May they accept this offering. Blessed Be." Take a sip of the wine and then pour the rest onto the ground, remain and meditate for a short while.
[From: Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

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