Lammas Meditation
Lammas, celebrated around August 1, marks the first harvest and the midpoint between summer and fall. It is a time of abundance and gratitude, as communities honor the earth's gifts and the hard work that has brought them to this moment. The festival’s name, derived from "loaf mass," reflects its ancient tradition of baking bread from freshly harvested grains, symbolizing sustenance and connection to nature's cycles. Lammas also signifies a shift in energy, as the vibrancy of summer begins to wane, and the slower, reflective pace of autumn looms on the horizon. This seasonal transition invites us to pause, acknowledge our achievements, and contemplate the balance between growth and completion.
Meditation during Lammas is particularly powerful because the holiday aligns with the themes of gratitude and introspection. By taking time to reflect on personal growth, the fruits of our labor, and the lessons of the year so far, meditation helps us connect with the deeper rhythms of life. The energy of Lammas encourages us to celebrate what we have achieved while preparing for the quieter, more restorative season ahead. Meditating on the symbolism of harvest can deepen our awareness of the seeds we have planted—whether in relationships, projects, or personal development—and how they have flourished. This practice fosters mindfulness and gratitude, making Lammas an ideal time to cultivate inner peace and clarity as we transition into the next phase of the year. And if you enjoy this, there are three more Lammas meditations featured in our new book, The Lammas Companion.
Make yourself comfortable and let your mind and body feel calm. Let's begin.
Lammas Guided Meditation
Welcome to this calm space. Lammas, or Lughnasadh, is a celebration of the first harvest, a time to honor the abundance of the earth and reflect on the fruits of our labor, both literal and metaphorical. This festival, rooted in ancient traditions, marks the ripening of grains and the baking of the first loaf of bread. It’s a moment to pause, express gratitude, and prepare for the transition from summer's peak into the quieter days of autumn.
This guided meditation will help you align with the themes of Lammas: gratitude, abundance, and the cycles of creation. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your personal “harvests” and embrace the gifts of growth, even as you acknowledge the work still to come.
Before beginning, create a sacred space for your meditation. You might:
Light a candle to represent the warmth of the sun and the hearth.
Place items like grains, wheat, or bread nearby to honor the Lammas harvest.
Sit comfortably, ensuring you feel grounded and supported.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and exhale slowly. Let the busyness of the day fade away as you settle into this moment.
Imagine roots growing from the soles of your feet, sinking deeply into the earth. Feel the stability and nourishment of the ground beneath you.
Visualize yourself standing in a field of golden grain, the warm sun on your skin. The wheat sways gently in the breeze, and you feel a deep connection to the earth’s abundance.
Say to yourself silently or aloud:
I am connected to the earth and its cycles of growth, harvest, and renewal.
Take a few deep breaths, letting the energy of the earth flow upward into your body.
In your mind’s eye, picture yourself holding a woven basket. This basket represents your efforts, dreams, and goals over the past year.
As you walk through the field, gather the grains that symbolize your personal harvest. With each handful of wheat, reflect on something you have accomplished or nurtured this year:
A goal you’ve achieved.
A relationship you’ve strengthened.
Personal growth or wisdom you’ve gained.
Feel gratitude for each of these gifts. As your basket fills, recognize the abundance you’ve created in your life.
Say to yourself:
I honor the efforts and energy that have brought me to this moment of abundance.
Now, look around the field and notice the parts of the crop that are dry or no longer fruitful. These represent areas of your life where you may need to release old habits, fears, or unfinished goals that no longer serve you.
Visualize yourself gathering these dry stalks and placing them in a separate pile. With love and gratitude for the lessons they’ve brought, imagine a gentle fire consuming them, transforming them into ash that will nourish the soil for future growth.
Say to yourself:
I release what no longer serves me, making space for new growth and possibilities.
Now, focus on the full basket in your hands. Feel the weight of your accomplishments and blessings. Imagine taking these grains to a warm kitchen where you knead them into dough, transforming them into a loaf of bread.
As you bake this bread in your imagination, reflect on the ways you can share your abundance with others. Perhaps it’s through acts of kindness, creativity, or offering support.
When the bread is ready, picture breaking off a piece and eating it. Feel the nourishment and gratitude flowing through you, a reminder of the cyclical relationship between effort and reward.
Say to yourself:
I am grateful for the abundance in my life and the opportunity to share it with others.
Take a moment to express gratitude for the earth, the sun, and the cycle of life that makes the harvest possible.
Bring your awareness back to your breath. Take three deep breaths, feeling grounded and present.
When you’re ready, open your eyes and return to your day, carrying the spirit of Lammas with you, one of gratitude, abundance, and mindful transition.
Lammas reminds us of the beauty in life’s cycles, teaching us to pause and celebrate the blessings of each stage. Let this meditation serve as a grounding practice to honor your journey and the gifts of the season.
More on Lammas
Want to explore more about Lammas after your Lammas meditation? Here are some places to start:
About Lammas: The first harvest holiday
How to Celebrate Lammas: Harvest, abundance, and community
Lammas Associations: The symbols that connect with this holy season and celebration
Lammas Journal Prompts: Journal prompts relevant to harvest, gratitude, and more
The Lammas Companion: Spells, rituals, coloring pages, and more
