August 1st marks the Celtic holiday of Lughnasadh (pronounced loo-na-sa), which is the beginning of the grain harvest. The importance of grain to life is evident in virtually every deity structure in every religion on Earth. The entire preparation of grain from seed to harvest parallels the life-in-death and death-in-life aspects of the Great Goddess, Mother Earth.

Lughnasadh marks the last heyday (hayday) of the Sun God (Lugh). It's the time of the Barley Moon, a time when the symbolic aspects of the life-sustaining elements of grain spill over into every part of life. In ancient times the last chaff of wheat or grain to be cut was kept and crafted into a corn doll. At Lughnasadh, she is called Corn Mother. In the spring, she becomes Corn Bride, the Maiden Goddess Bride. She is Macha, the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, Crone), who presides over the Celtic calendar of holidays. While the various Celtic Gods wax and wane in power, Macha retains her strength and superiority in all Her aspects.

In a traditional meditation during Lughnasadh, participants are encouraged to visualize themselves on the back of a crow (an important member of the Celtic fetish family), flying over fields bright with sunlight. People are singing as they rake the hay into mounds, and you are so close you can smell the fresh hay and hear the harvesters' song. The Sun of Lugh is high in the sky, but His strength is waning. As you alight in a nearby oak tree, there is a sense of peace and security as you are wrapped in Macha's wings. Rest. You are in Her arms, the wings of the Mother, and basking in the warmth of the Father's rays.

This is a time of robust health and erotic energy. The ancient tribes met during this time of the year to gather news, settle any disputed arguments, arrange marriages, and show off strength and skill. As might be expected, celebrations are held outside, under the bright blue sky, and in addition to sporting events and horse races, there is mighty feasting.

The source for this account, Laurie Cabot, in "Celebrate the Earth," gives many ideas on how to celebrate this festival. "We bring corn, fruits and vegetables, baskets of bread and bunches of summer flowers to our outdoor magic space. We light gold and yellow candles, and add one candle each to represent the colors of the rainbow. A mixture of herbs ruled by the sun are placed within easy reach...You will need any or all of the following sacred woods: holly, oak, hawthorn, ash, willow, alder, fir, furze, heather, aspen and yew." In describing the all-important "what to wear," Cabot continues, "many who attend come dressed in white or yellow... Some of us paint our faces with sunflowers, adorn our hair with flowers and ribbons..." And, as might be expected, "The important part of enjoying a magically made meal is to thank the Goddesses and Gods for the eternal bounty of the land and then to eat, drink and make merry!"