Spellcrafting: Spells and rituals

Merry Meet.

Astrological Lughnasadh occurs this year on August 8, as does the cross quarter date. That means if August 1 came and went without an opportunity for a ritual, you still have time to celebrate the first harvest – literally and figuratively.

Two days later is a super full moon in Aquarius. On full moons, I like to give thanks for the abundance and blessings in my life. We are so quick to ask for what it is we need, want and desire, I think we sometimes forget to give equal time to rituals of gratitude and celebrating the gifts we have received. Remember, what has become known as the law of attraction states that we bring about more of whatever we focus on. So why not focus on that for which we are grateful? Here at the beginning of August are two such opportunities practically on top of one another. The suggestions below can be done on their own, or as part of a more formal rite.

A simple gratitude ritual involves writing down all the things for which you are grateful. Perhaps you want to do it in a gratitude journal, or on slips of paper placed in a jar or offering bowl or cauldron. You might want to add herbs, oils or gemstones for success, wishes, prosperity or protection. Holding the jar, the bowl or cauldron, focus your thoughts on your feelings of gratitude. If you like to raise energy by chanting, you might try:

If you worked with a jar, cap it and put it in a safe place. My offering bowl sits on my altar almost all the time, accepting tokens and symbols of gifts and appreciation.

Another idea is to write one or more thank you notes to people you are especially grateful to have in your life at this time, and then mail them.

To mark Lughnasadh, I typically set up an altar with the bounty from my garden and from nature. Sometimes that altar has been set in nature and left for those who call the area home. Arranging items is done as an expression of gratitude, of giving back to the universe for all it has given me. Sitting before it, I count my blessings, recognizing all that I have received, all that I am thankful for, and all that has come my way. I end by eating some of the seasonal bounty I’ve set aside for that purpose, often making corn pone or corn muffins with my grain of choice, along with munching on cherry tomatoes or blueberries (first offering some to the ground for the deities and fairies). Popcorn also works well. While I like a summer ale at Lughnasadh, mead is always good, as are seasonal beverages such as blueberry, cherry and tomato juice; or lemonade (again, offering some to the ground for the deities and the fairies).

I hope this gave you some ideas.

Merry part.

And merry meet again.