A Simple Lughnasadh Rite Lughnasadh is the festival of the first harvest and also the feast of the Sacrificial King and to celebrate this things can be symbolically 'slain'. These things can be a harvest loaf, which can then be broken up or even a Corn Dolly representing the Corn King, which is then broken up, stalk by stalk. A gold candle can also be used and an offering of wine in thanks to the Old Gods and the land. The best place to perform your Rite is outside and you should start by thinking about what you would like to give thanks for. Then take your 'sacrifice', say the Corn King and as you take it apart say " I give thanks to the Old Gods for......( name it ). Blessed Be. If you are using a gold candle you can place a pin into the candle for each, so that as it burns they fall away one by one. When 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." Then take a sip of the wine and then pour the rest onto the ground, then remain and meditate for a while. |