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Lammas - Flowers and Hecate


Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is a pagan holiday celebrating the first harvest. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of crops and to honor the gods and goddesses of agriculture.

The name Lammas comes from the Old English word hlāfmæsse, which means "loaf-mass." This is because it was customary for people to bring a loaf of bread made from the new grain to church on this day. The priest then blessed the bread, and the people would share it with each other.

Lammas is also a time for festivals and games. In some cultures, people would build bonfires and dance around them. There would also be competitions to see who could reap the most grain in time.

Today, Lammas is still celebrated by some pagans and Wiccans. However, it is also a popular time for people of all faiths to celebrate the harvest. Many festivals and events are held on Lammas, and people often enjoy traditional foods such as bread, pastries, and fruit.


Symbols of Lammas


There are many symbols associated with Lammas, including:

Wheat: Wheat is the most important symbol of Lammas, as it is the first crop to be harvested. It represents abundance, fertility, and prosperity.

Corn dollies: Corn dollies are small figures made from the last sheaves of corn that are cut. They are believed to represent the corn's spirit and are often decorated with ribbons and flowers.

Sun: The sun is also a symbol of Lammas, as it is at its height during this time of year. It represents life, growth, and warmth.

Fire: Fire is another important symbol of Lammas. It is often used in rituals and ceremonies to represent the sun's power and the harvest's warmth.





Lammas Traditions

There are many traditional practices associated with Lammas, including:

Baking bread: Baking bread is a popular tradition on Lammas. The bread is made from the new grain and is often decorated with harvest symbols.

Making corn dollies: Corn dollies are another popular tradition on Lammas. They are made from the last sheaves of corn that are cut, and they are often decorated with ribbons and flowers.

Building bonfires: Building bonfires is a traditional way to celebrate Lammas. The bonfires are often lit at night, and people would dance around them.

Celebrating with festivals: There are many festivals held on Lammas. These festivals often feature traditional foods, music, and dance.


   

Celebrating Lammas Today

Lammas is a time to celebrate the abundance of the harvest and to give thanks for the gifts of the earth. It is also a time to reflect on the cycle of life and to appreciate the warmth of the sun.

There are many ways to celebrate Lammas today. You can bake bread, make corn dollies, build a bonfire, or attend a festival. You can also simply spend time outdoors enjoying the beauty of the harvest season.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Lammas is a time to come together with family and friends to give thanks for the gifts of the earth.




Using Summer Flowers for Lammas

Summer is a time of abundance, and the flowers that bloom during this season are a beautiful way to celebrate Lammas. Here are some ideas on how to use summer flowers in your Lammas celebrations:

Decorate your home with flowers. Summer flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your home for Lammas. 
  • You can add them to vases, wreaths, or centerpieces.
  • Make a flower crown. A flower crown is a simple and elegant way to celebrate Lammas. You can make your own flower crown using summer flowers or purchase one from a local florist.
  • Bake bread or pastries with flowers. Adding flowers to bread or pastries is a delicious way to celebrate Lammas. You can use any type of summer flower, but some popular choices include lavender, chamomile, and rose.
  • Make a flower altar. A flower altar is a beautiful way to honor the gods and goddesses of agriculture. You can create your own flower altar using a table, a bookshelf, or even a windowsill.
  • Have a bonfire. Building a bonfire is a traditional way to celebrate Lammas. You can decorate the bonfire with flowers, and you can even roast marshmallows over the fire.



Here are some specific summer flowers that are associated with Lammas:

  • Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a symbol of abundance and prosperity. They are also associated with the sun, which is at its height during the Lammas season.
  • Cornflowers: Cornflowers are a symbol of the harvest. They are often used in corn dollies, which are small figures made from the last sheaves of corn that are cut.
  • Marigolds: Marigolds are a symbol of protection and good luck. They are also associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid, who is the patron saint of spring and agriculture.
  • Lavender: Lavender is a symbol of peace and tranquility. It is also associated with the element of air, which is believed to be at its strongest during the Lammas season.
  • Gladiolus: Gladiolus is a symbol of strength and courage. They are also associated with the Roman god Mars, who is the god of war.
No matter which flowers you choose, using summer flowers in your Lammas celebrations is a beautiful way to connect with the natural world and to celebrate the abundance of the harvest.

I choose not to pull the flowers but enjoy them right where they grow. Here are a few photos from my yard. 

Calling on Hecate for Lammas


Materials:

A basket or bowl
A handful of summer flowers
A black candle
A piece of paper
A pen
Instructions:

  • Go outside and find a spot where you can sit comfortably.
  • Gather a handful of summer flowers. You can choose any flowers that you like, but some good options include sunflowers, cornflowers, marigolds, lavender, or gladiolus.
  • Place the flowers in the basket or bowl.
  • Light the black candle.
  • Take a piece of paper and pen and write down your intentions for the Lammas season. What are you grateful for? What do you hope to achieve?
  • Sit quietly for a few minutes and contemplate your intentions.
  • Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
  • Visualize the flowers in the basket or bowl as a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
  • Open your eyes and call upon Hecate, the goddess of the crossroads, the moon, and magic.
  • Ask Hecate to help you manifest your intentions for the Lammas season. (invocation below)
  • Thank Hecate for her guidance and protection.
  • Blow out the candle.
  • Take the flowers inside and place them in a vase.

This ritual is a way to connect with the divine feminine and celebrate the harvest's abundance. By calling upon Hecate, you are asking for her help to manifest your intentions and to protect you on your journey. You also create a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the Lammas season.

Here are some additional tips for this ritual:

You can do this ritual in a garden, a park, or backyard.
If you are doing this ritual with children, you can have them help you gather the flowers.
You can also add other elements to the ritual, such as singing, dancing, or drumming.
After the ritual, you can use the flowers to decorate your home or to make a flower crown.

Rite of Lamma with Hecate

Hecate, triple goddess of the crossroads,
Moon of the night,
Guardian of the underworld,
I call upon you.

Come to me tonight,
On this night of Lammas,
The first harvest.

Bless my intentions,
And help me manifest my dreams.
Protect me on my journey,
And guide me through the darkness.

I honor you, Hecate,
And I thank you for your presence.





Remember, stay present and mindful.
Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson
Keybearer to the CoH🗝
Founder of the Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo.🔥
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️







In Focus - Divination - A Review

 Today I'm reviewing - "In Focus: Divination" by Steven Bright.

  • Book Link
  • Author Link
  • Release Date - November 30, 2021



I'll begin with the physical book.  I have reviewed other books in the In Focus series from Quarto Knows and they are all well made.  This hardcover edition comes with a lovely cover design as well as a 18X24 inch wall chart. It is full of illustrations and charts that provide a great deal of information, however I felt the font could be just a little larger on the title page. This book offers an well organized index, giving readers the ability to find information based on divination method or by object.

I have read several books based on divination.  Each had the typical methods that we all know. Mirror scrying, palmistry or firemancy to name a few.  This book delves off the beaten path by offering some methods that I had not heard of.  While including such topics as Tea Leaf Reading, Elder Futhark Runes, Reading colors and the I Ching; the author also includes some interesting chapters that I'll go into below.



Witches Runes - Based on incomplete text from the middle east, witches runes are said to be thirteen images that held power for the people of those times. According to the book, these runes are easier to read than some other types of runes based on their basic shapes and their limited number. The sun for example is a simple line drawing of the sun.  The same is the case for the star, the moon and the crossroads. The author provides a table with the runes and corresponding interpretations when the runes appear in pairs.  A pull of the man rune and the moon rune is said to indicate a secretive male.

Reading Shells - (Conhomancy) This type of divination is used around the world and according to this book they are central in practices originating in West Africa and is used in Santeria, Umbanda and Candomble religions. The author instructs the reader on how to choose a shell, the shapes and styles of shells and then breaks down each.  An Abalone for example is associated with peace, love and compassion. The way the shell falls can indicate its meaning, the dull side up would be a lack of these qualities, while shiny side up would be an abundance. 

Reading Flowers - (Floromancy) This type of divination is typically a handed down tradition kept within families with hand drawn images and meanings that are then interpreted by the reader with their own experiences added.  Some flowers have a widely accepted meaning that goes outside the magical community such as the red rose as being a symbol of love while the yellow a symbol for friendship.  The divination beings with the practitioner placing a group of flowers in a vase or on a table and the client picks one using their own intuition.  The reading is delivered based on the meaning of the flower chosen. Though typically meanings are kept within the practitioners lineage, the author has provided a simple chart with a list of flowers and their meanings for the reader. Gardenia equates to secret love, yellow carnation to rejection and the daisy to innocence or hope.  The author goes on to outline the parts of the flower and their meaning and give a detailed overview of flower scrying.  Over all one of the most interesting chapters for me in this book.



This book comes with so much more information. With over fourteen chapters, the author takes us on a journey of divination from around the world. PLUS a huge wall chart included!  I found it to be informative and entertaining. I believe this would be a great book for even the most experienced diviner as it offers a look into some not so common methods.  I highly recommend taking the time to check out this book.

Namaste

Sosanna




Herbal Remedies Made Simple - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Herbal Remedies Made Simple by Stacey Dugliss-Wesselman and Susan Gregg.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Herbal Remedies Made Simple



Author Links - Link - Stacy & Susan
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link - Stacy & Susan
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link - Stacy & Susan
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an atheist witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need for a deity. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 13 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.


As usual I'll start out with a review of the physical book.  This book is great for using as a working reference book.  The cover is hard, smooth and very sturdy. It is over average size, but slightly wider than your average book.  When the front cover is opened it is immediately apparent that this is not your normal herbal book.  This book comes in a spiral biding with the pages split in half.  There is, however not in the traditional sense, a contents page and a small index in the back of the book. 

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Herbal Remedies Made Simple
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Herbal Remedies Made Simple
 


The top and bottom halves of the book are not intended to be read together. It appears that the self care (skin, hair, etc) are on the top half while the herbs associated are on the bottom.  This book includes excellent photos of the process of creating assorted body products such as the Comfrey Joint & Bruise Salve on page 52 and 53.  I personally have used Comfrey many times for this type of treatment and let me just say it works wonders.  Other recipes include a body powder, a clarifying shampoo, Almond & Orange Sugar scrubs just to name a few.  The instructions are clearly written and the ingredients are somewhat common.  Most traditional kitchen, garden or herbal witches will have these ingredients readily available.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Herbal Remedies Made Simple
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Herbal Remedies Made Simple



The bottom half of the book is dedicated to herbs. It is separated in the categories such as strength and heart & mind.  Each page comes with a vibrant photo and an explanation of the herb.  Thyme for example is covered on page 50.  The author tells us that Thyme strengthens our will. It is recommended to use Thyme to purify the space and fill it with love and peace.  It is said to fill you with peace, love and increase willpower.  Witch Hazel branches are said to relieve the pain of loss and it is recommended to carry leaves from the branch in your pocket if you have lost someone to ease the pain on page 44 of the book.  The author offers us a page on Willow and how to use it to clear spirits, conduct a healing ritual or use them as a window to manifest dreams.

Overall this is a great book for getting started with Herbal Remedies. I think that it would make a great addition to any witch's personal herbal library.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Herbal Remedies Made Simple


Flowers from July - A Witch's View

I'm a bit late sharing these but as I was cleaning out my Drop box I found these photos from July.  I love flowers.  I hope you enjoy.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

A Witch's View - Flowers II

Took another trip to Lowe's and wanted to share some of my flowers with you.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson