Ember Grant
Lugh, the many-skilled, is a significant figure in Celtic cultures. Lughnasadh means “the assembly of Lugh.” This time of year around August 1 has long been a time to celebrate this hero. In addition, the first harvest typically occurs around this time.
Burning Spell for Letting Go
Lughnasadh is an ideal sabbat for letting go of things you no longer need. It’s also a good time to examine your life to see if anything is holding you back or keeping you from reaching your potential. Agriculturally, at this time of year we celebrate the “first harvest” but, often, to make room for the good things in your life, you must clear away what’s no longer needed. Think of it this way—burning the field, so to speak, not only clears the area but can regenerate the land and nourish it for new growth.
Fire is a fierce element and, like all the elements, it can be destructive yet transformative as a result. Because of its ability to “burn through” barriers to success, the element of fire is useful for spells that help you make progress, clear obstacles, and make necessary changes in your life.
You will need one candle and a section of ribbon or twine approximately 6 inches long. Try to find a black candle for this spell, or use white. You’ll also need a piece of ribbon or twine (any color) to represent your obstacle or challenge. The ribbon needs to be long enough for you to hold safely over the candle flame without burning your fingers.
Prepare the candle and your sacred space as desired. Light the candle. Hold the ribbon and visualize it as a barrier you need to get through. It can be a fear, bad habit, or anything you’re trying to overcome. It can even be a relationship that is holding you back or anything you feel is a weight that’s holding you down. Name it out loud as you hold the ribbon:
This ribbon represents (what you’re trying to break free from).
Hold the ribbon horizontally in the candle flame as you visualize overcoming your barrier. When it’s burned in half, say:
Barrier removed, complication severed, no obstacle resists, I am no longer tethered.
Bury the pieces of ribbon in separate places or throw them into separate waste receptacles. Allow the candle to burn out. You can relight it over several days, if necessary. In fact, to increase the potency of this spell, repeat it every day for ten days.
“Good Morning” Candle Spell
We often associate candles with evening and nighttime rituals, but this spell is intended for the morning. It’s a “good start” spell for the day, especially on days when you can use a boost of positive energy.
Mornings, with the sunrise, are often viewed as a “fresh” or “new” start—each day a chance to start over. We say phrases like “Things will look better in the morning” or “You’ll gain a new perspective in the light of day.” There is much folklore about daybreak and the sun, with the new dawn’s ability to dispel evil, which can’t abide the light. And, of course, the myths of many cultures involve worship of the sun or a solar deity; in fact, the Celtic hero-god Lugh (for whom this sabbat is named) was associated with the sun.
If possible, burn the candle as you prepare for your day—while getting dressed, enjoying your morning coffee or tea, eating breakfast, or even while exercising. You can burn it while you’re in the shower or watering the plants—just make sure you don’t wander too far from the candle while it’s burning.
A white candle is a good, all-purpose choice, but yellow or gold are appropriate as well; you can use any color that makes you happy. That’s the point, really—to brighten your day both literally and figuratively. Burn the candle in whatever holder suits the candle you’ve chosen. If possible, choose a candle or holder adorned with sun shapes, engrave sun symbols on the candle, or both.
Visualize the sun’s power as represented by the burning candle; both are essential for life. Obviously the sun helps make life possible, but fire, too, is essential—think of all the advancements in human civilization that have been accomplished because humans learned how to use fire. As with the sun, many cultures have myths about how humanity came to possess the gift of fire. These two precious sources of light and heat are truly life-giving. Symbolically, happy people are said to have a “sunny” disposition, energetic people are said to possess a “spark,” and intelligent people are “bright” or “brilliant.”
Since you may not have time to let the candle burn out completely, you can snuff it out and relight it whenever you need it. You can keep this candle on your table, dresser, even the bathroom counter. Let it be a symbol and reminder of a bright day ahead. If necessary, focus on anything specific you anticipate for the day ahead that may cause difficulty. You can also use the candle to promote general positive energy and protection.
Each time you light it, say these words:
Fire light my way today, fierce and bright throughout the day;
my inner flame keeps harm at bay, no matter what may come my way.
Light the Way
In Celtic myth, there was a prophecy that Lugh would kill his grandfather. To try and avoid his fate, the grandfather locked Lugh and his mother in a box and tossed them into the sea. Of course, they were rescued and Lugh became a great hero. The motif of a child foretold to overthrow a parent or grandparent is common in mythology.
Use this candle spell to guide the way for anyone who is “lost”—either literally or metaphorically. Or, use it for yourself. Remember, if you’re performing the spell for another person, get their consent if possible. This spell can also be used for a pet or even an object.
You will need three yellow candles of any size. Arrange them in appropriate containers or on a large plate. Visualize your need and the outcome. As you light each candle, whisper these words:
In sky or sea or ground,
let what is lost be found.
I ask the aid of Lugh
to find the path that’s true.
Allow the candles to burn out and discard them.