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August
1, 2005
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Volume
1, Issue 2
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Celebrate
Lammas by Making Wishes and Praying for Healing
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Now
is the height of summer, what is traditionally called
Lammas, or the First harvest. This is the time when
the first grains are gathered, fruits and veggies are
at an abundance, leaving a promise of more food to come
for storage into the winter months. But there are still
many things that can go wrong and effect the crops.
Traditionally, farmers would erected large Corn
Dollies in their fields and burn them in
hopes for a fruitful harvest. So, during the First Harvest
(which was a precursor to our modern Thanksgiving Day),
we celebrate our abundance or food, friends, and family,
and pray all will continue to go well.
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| Fun
and Easy Ways to Celebrate the First Harvest |
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Prepare
you home by decorating with fresh fruits, Corn
Dollies, and flowers. Start your day by lighting
red, white, and black candles to represent the Mother,
Maiden, & Crone (or the Father, Son, & Holy
Spirit, whichever you prefer). Hang sun catchers or
crystals in your windows to bring in the light. Braid
grain sheaves and hang them over your front door to
protect your home and family. Go out and enjoy a street
fair or festival (the Renaissance
Festival in Tuxedo, NY is a great one if you don't
mind the travel).
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| Don't
Forget the Kids! |
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Our ancestors
used this time of year to take pilgrimages to sacred wells
or pools. You can enjoy this tradition by going to a favorite
pond or fountain. Bring the kids and toss in coins while making
wishes. Tie a ribbon or leave a scrap of cloth on a nearby
bush or tree to cure an illness. As the material fades away,
know that the illness will fade as well. Baking bread from
scratch is another great way to include your kids or younger
family members in the festivities (see a real simple recipe,
complements of my many years as a Girl Scout, below). Before
you put the loaf in the oven, use an egg wash and paint a
symbol of something you would like to bring into your life,
like a $ for money, or a heart for love. Bake, and then share
the loaf with family and friends during a BBQ alongside seasonal
fruits and veggies. End your day toasting marshmallows and
making SMORES around a fire. Finally, before sending the kids
off to bed, let them toss their Corn
Dollies into the fire, say one thing they are thankful
for, and then share a wish they have for the future.
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Recipe
for Easy Yeast Bread
1 clean
dry coffee can with lid (grease well)
2/3 cup warm water
2 tsp. dry yeast (mix with the water)
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar
(mix all dry ingredients in separate
bowl)
2 tsp. Crisco Oil (add to dry ingredients)
Add yeast
mixture to dry ingredients and blend well. Knead for 5 minutes.
Put the dough in the can and cover. Place in a warm place
until the dough rises to the top of the can. Remove lid and
bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
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Enter
My Contest!
I'd like to thank everyone who had such nice things to say
about our first newsletter. Don't forget to enter our contest
to win a $50 gift certificate for
Readings by Lisa. Just tells us how you enjoyed
a service, like a Tarot reading, or an experience you've have
with a product, such as a spell. The best entries will be
displayed on my website. Contest ends August
30, 2005. Submit
your entry today.
Quick
Links
- Order
a Corn Dolly
- Readings
by Lisa Homepage
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Do You Like My Newsletter?
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