The next Great Witches Sabbath falls on the first days of August, depending on whether one counts it astrologically, or as it often was the case with Pagan Holy Days, they were connected to certain events in the agricultural cycle and tied to natural phenomena that were observed around a certain time of the year, such as the blooming of certain flowers and trees, or harvest of a particular crop.
Lughnasadh, like every Pagan Holy Day, has a dark side. It is not just a feast of games, festivals, and markets. These competitions were once held as sacred tournaments in honor of the Gods, to whom the former Champion was given as a Sacrifice, to be replaced by the new one. We have evidence of this in later Christian lore, which oddly states the date of the death of the King on August 2nd, in the woods that were once sacred to the Horned Lord.
The Feast of the Sacrifice of the Kings approaches. Now is the time to let go of our heroes who no longer match our standards. As it always is, a New Hero rises, and the Old Hero is replaced by the next generation.
Passing on with legacy and honor is another theme for contemplation, as the 8th month corresponds with the astrological House of Death. Like the Archdruids of the past, we can chose to voluntarily pass on our power to the ones meant to replace us, or we can have them fight and let them force us to succumb, holding onto our status till the bitter end.
Sometimes, the passing Archdruid was tricked into committing a blasphemous act, and by offending the Gods and failing to carry out their duty, the failed Priesthood was then chosen as a Sacrifice. Let’s remember all that as we approach the Feast of Lughnasadh.
📜 My writing is 100% fan-supported 💜 Consider a donation of any amount
