A symbol of the occult arts, self-power, and non-conformity, Baphomet has transformed through the centuries, and gained popularity in modern-day paganism. The first historical accounts of Baphomet come from the Knights of the Templar in the 11th century, who were accused of heresy for worshipping a goat-headed deity. Many thought this deity to be from the pre-Christian pagan religions of Central Europe. While the descriptions of the Horned God and Baphomet are very similar, the latter has evolved to fit a specific need in modern society..
The image of Baphomet has changed dramatically since the 11th century, and our modern depictions are heavily derived from Eliphas Levi’s 1856 publication of Dogmas and Rituals of High Magic. Shown above, Levi’s drawing depicts a humanoid figure with cloven hooves, a goat’s horned head, and wings. This image solidified Baphomet’s association with the occult sciences, and makes way for Aliester Crowley to adopt Baphomet in his “Gnostic Mass”.
Today, the most popular iconography depicting Baphomet is the 8-foot tall bronze statue commissioned by The Satanic Temple, temporarily housed at the Salem Art Gallery. The Satanic Temple continues to work with the image of Baphomet, adapting it to fit our modern day. Most notably has been the use of a male chest so that U.S. State governments could not reject the statue for being considered obscene. The statue was first unveiled in 2015 and moved to various locations in protest against displays of Ten Commandments monuments in public places.
Importantly, Baphomet has been used as inspiration for many depictions of demons or the Christian Devil. We see this in the witch community with the illustration for “The Devil” tarot card in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. The Devil deity has long been described as having a goat’s head or cloven hooves, so naturally, he would quickly become entangled with the imagery of Baphomet.
Baphomet and Pride Month
Due to their close association with the Devil, many individuals escaping fundamentalist religions identify with Baphomet as a symbol of personal freedom. The Satanic Temple used Baphomet’s image as an expression of religious freedom and to represent their core tenants of compassion, equality, and autonomy. In the occult arts, Baphomet represents the interconnectedness of all things and the balancing of opposing forces. There is an emphasis on the realization of self-power when it comes to worshipping them, as well as a focus on individual spirituality rather than an organized system of worship.
The popularity of Baphomet in the queer community should come as no surprise. The witchy community, in many cases, has been a respite for queer folks, especially those who come from fundamentalist Christian upbringings. Baphomet’s associations with pride, defiance, and non-conformity speak to many queer occultists, and this is why Baphomet has appeared in Pride imagery and artwork.
Pride is a celebration of all those individuals who do not fit heteronormative ideals of sexuality and gender identity, and a reminder of the efforts of queer folks throughout history to live freely and equally. Existing as a queer person is itself a rebellion, a declaration of non-conformity, and Baphomet’s spirit invites us to celebrate those qualities. Whether you are out and proud, still discovering your identity, or you love someone who is queer, you can petition Baphomet for bravery, enlightenment, and balancing of energies. Celebrate Pride Month with us this June!
With the nodes changing signs last month, we get our first solar eclipse in Leo since 2018. This is a big shift from the Pisces-Virgo eclipses we’ve been dealing with. The Leo-Aquarius axis is ruled by the Sun and Saturn, which are big, inescapable energies. The Sun is our vitality, our source for creativity, and Saturn is our responsibility and discipline. These hefty rulers lead me to believe that this eclipse cycle will drudge up plenty of inescapable change for many, especially those with the Sun or Saturn as their chart rulers (Leo, Aquarius, and Capricorn risings).
Solar Eclipses in Astrology
Ancient History
In antiquity, eclipses were one of the first astronomical phenomena used to divine the future; however, they were seen as bad omens and not the opportunistic thresholds for change we typically assign to them today. Change was definitely a part of their significations; however, it usually came in the form of death — of a monarch, crops, or other crucial element of society. They were big, destabilizing changes that shook a civilization as a whole. This makes sense when you consider that the luminaries, the Sun and Moon, represent everything to do with life: the Sun grows our crops and gives us warmth, the Moon gives us light in the dark and brings the tide in and out. The two represent our inner and outer vitality, that is why they are the two most personal planets in the practice of astrology. During an eclipse, their light is snuffed out, hidden by shadow. To ancient people, this was a malefic phenomenon; the life-giving light had been taken away.
Traditional Astrology
In Hellenistic practices, eclipse seasons are thought of as periods of time where the seeds of change are planted, although it may be hard to recognize those seeds as they are sown in the dark of the eclipse. The change is happening, but you may not notice until further down the line. Many astrologers report that they will experience the change when another important planet aspects the nodes in some way, rather than feeling it immediately during eclipse season.
In Modern Practices
Modern astrology views eclipse season as an opportunity to enact change for yourself: the conditions are ripe for shedding habits that no longer serve you, letting go of stagnant energies. They are also said to be portals to new experiences and opportunities, the cosmic doors opening and closing to create a new path.
The through-line for eclipse season is Big Change, and as with all transits, that change will be felt most by those of us with natal planets and angles interacting with the nodes. Look for personal planets or angles (ascendant, descendant, midheaven, or imum coeli) in the late degrees of Leo and Aquarius to see how this eclipse season might play out for you.
Eclipse in Leo
Leo, the only sign ruled by the Sun, signifies the source of creative energy, pride, self-confidence, and resilience. Solar eclipses in this sign can be tough because the Sun is being debilitated in its home sign, the place where it is supposed to be able to express its characteristics freely. Thus, the effects of the eclipse may be felt more sharply.
This eclipse in Leo will be about learning to shed any overconfidence or pridefulness that gets in the way of connecting with others, letting go of our cravings for external validation, and finding those hidden fountains of creativity within ourselves. What are the obstacles that keep you from expressing your truest self? What holds you back from your creativity? Use this time to rest and reflect on these themes and how they show up in your life.
🌾 A First Harvest Gift: Sneak Peek of Our 2026 Lughnasadh Zine 🌾
The Wheel is turning once again, and we’re delighted to share the first glimpse of Asheville Raven and Crone’s 2026 Lughnasadh Zine.
This free sneak peek includes the first nine pages of this year’s beautifully crafted seasonal guide. Journey into the history and mythology of Lughnasadh, explore the story of Lugh and Tailtiu, discover the deeper meaning behind Lammas, and reflect on the ancient wisdom woven into the First Harvest.
Later this season, we’ll be releasing the entire zine as a FREE digital download, featuring over 40 pages filled with correspondences, rituals, recipes, magical crafts, herbal wisdom, altar inspiration, seasonal reflections, and practical ways to celebrate the First Harvest in your own home.
Whether this is your first Lughnasadh or you’ve been walking the Wheel of the Year for decades, we hope this preview helps you deepen your connection with the season and inspires your own harvest celebrations.
"The First Harvest reminds us that every seed carries the promise of abundance.”
The History
Lughnasadh, sometimes called Lughnasa or Lammas, marks the first harvest and falls midway between the Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox. Celebrated around August 1st, it is one of the oldest seasonal festivals of the Celtic world and signals the beginning of the harvest season.
Unlike the abundance celebrated at Mabon, Lughnasadh exists at a more subtle turning point within the year. The fields remain green and the sun still shines warmly overhead, yet the observant eye can already see the first signs of change moving through the landscape. Grain bends heavy in the fields, berries ripen on the bramble, and seeds begin to form where blossoms once stood. The earth quietly begins its preparation for autumn.
The festival takes its name from the Irish god Lugh, a deity known for his mastery of many arts and skills. Warrior, poet, craftsman, musician, king, and magician, Lugh embodied excellence, ingenuity, and the power that comes through dedication to one’s craft. Yet the origins of Lughnasadh are not centered solely upon Lugh himself, but upon an act of remembrance and gratitude. According to Irish tradition, Lughnasadh was established by Lugh in honor of his foster mother, Tailtiu.
The harvest is never simply gathered:it is earned through patience, stewardship, and love.
Tailtiu was a great queen and earth goddess who cleared the forests and wild lands of Ireland so fertile fields could be cultivated for her people. Through tremendous labor she transformed wilderness into farmland, creating the conditions necessary for future generations to thrive. The work was so demanding that it ultimately cost her life.
Following her death, Lugh established funeral games and seasonal gatherings in her honor. These assemblies became known as the Aonach Tailteann, bringing communities together for athletic competitions, trading, matchmaking, storytelling, music, and celebration. While these gatherings honored Tailtiu’s memory, they also acknowledged a deeper truth: every harvest requires sacrifice.
This theme remains at the heart of Lughnasadh today. The grain harvested during this season symbolizes more than food alone. It reminds us that abundance comes through effort, patience, and devotion. The first harvest is not simply a celebration of what has been gained, but an acknowledgment of what was given in order for that harvest to exist.
As the wheel of the year begins its slow turn toward autumn, Lughnasadh invites us to notice the subtle shifts unfolding around us. It is a season of gratitude, preparation, craftsmanship, and reflection—a time to recognize the fruits of our labor while beginning to prepare for the changes that lie ahead.
The Etymology and Linguistics of Lughnasadh
The name Lughnasadh comes from the Old Irish word Lugnasad or Lughnasa, meaning “The Assembly of Lugh“ or “The Gathering of Lugh.” The first portion of the word refers to the god Lugh, the celebrated Celtic deity of skill, craftsmanship, sovereignty, and many arts. The second portion, násad or nasadh, refers to an assembly, gathering, fair, or ceremonial meeting.
The modern pronunciation of Lughnasadh is often rendered as “LOO-nah-sah,” though regional pronunciations vary throughout Ireland and Scotland. The shorter form, Lughnasa, remains commonly used in modern Irish.
Now as I took a deep dive into the history of the word Lugh, I found myself wondering: why the word Lugh, and where else in the world does this language appear?
As it turns out, the story of Lugh stretches far beyond the shores of Ireland. The deity we know as Lugh in Irish mythology appears to be part of a much older and far-reaching tradition that once spread across much of Celtic Europe. Long before the medieval Irish stories were recorded, a deity known as Lugus was honored throughout regions that now encompass Ireland, Britain, France, Spain, and parts of Central Europe.
The traces of his name remain scattered across the landscape like breadcrumbs left behind by history. Ancient settlements, hills, and sacred places bore his name. Perhaps the most famous example is the city of Lyon, France, known in antiquity as Lugdunum, meaning “Fortress of Lugus” or “Hill of Lugus.” Similar place names appear throughout former Celtic territories, suggesting that Lugus was once among the most important and widely revered deities of the Celtic world.
But what did the name itself mean?
The answer is not entirely certain, yet many linguists trace the name Lugus to ancient Indo-European roots associated with brightness, radiance, and shining light.
At first glance this may seem to point toward a solar deity, and indeed early scholars often described Lugh as a sun god. However, modern interpretations reveal something far more nuanced.
In many ancient cultures, light was not merely physical illumination. Light represented wisdom, inspiration, intelligence, creativity, and divine insight. To be “bright” was to be skilled, knowledgeable, and capable. This understanding aligns beautifully with the Lugh of Irish mythology, who is remembered not for ruling the sun, but for mastering every art he encountered.
Lugh, Vega, and the Lights of Lughnasadh
As I explored the history of Lugh, I found myself looking not only toward the fields and harvest traditions of the Celtic world, but upward toward the night sky itself.
While no surviving evidence directly connects Lugh to a specific star or constellation, the heavens surrounding Lughnasadh offer some intriguing parallels. During the first harvest season, the brilliant star Vega shines high overhead in the constellation of Lyra.
One of the brightest stars visible in the northern hemisphere, Vega dominates the summer sky much as the first harvest marks a pivotal turning point within the agricultural year.
The symbolism becomes even more interesting when we consider the qualities associated with Lugh. His name is often connected to brightness, radiance, and brilliance. He is remembered as a master of many arts—a poet, musician, craftsman, warrior, and king. Likewise, Lyra has long been associated with music, inspiration, and divine artistry in many cultures.
During the era when Lughnasadh traditions emerged, the seasonal first harvest aligned much more closely with the actual constellation of Leo than it does today. Whether coincidence or meaningful symbolism, the themes associated with Leo—sovereignty, courage, leadership, creativity, and radiant power—echo many of the qualities found within the mythology of Lugh himself.
A Star Between Ages
One fascinating astronomical detail surrounding the season of Lughnasadh involves the brilliant star Vega, found within the constellation Lyra. During the first harvest season, Vega shines prominently in the evening sky, making it one of the most noticeable stars visible across much of the Celtic world.
As the fields ripen below, Vega shines overhead, inviting us to remember the larger cycles that guide both heaven and earth.
While there is no historical evidence directly linking Lugh to Vega, the symbolism is intriguing. Both are associated with brightness, prominence, and a commanding presence within their respective realms.
Even more remarkable is Vega’s place within a much larger cosmic cycle. Due to a slow movement of the Earth’s axis known as precession, the position of the North Star changes over thousands of years. Around 12,000 BCE, Vega served as the pole star—the fixed point around which the heavens appeared to turn. Over millennia that role shifted to other stars, including Polaris today.
Yet the cycle continues. In approximately 12,000 years, Vega will once again become the North Star.
Whether viewed through a scientific, symbolic, or spiritual lens, Vega offers a beautiful reminder that the rhythms of nature extend far beyond a single season or lifetime. As we celebrate the first harvest and witness the subtle turning toward autumn, the stars above continue their own ancient cycles, moving through spans of time almost beyond human comprehension.
Like the harvest itself, they remind us that endings and beginnings are often part of the same sacred process.
Lammas, Wyrd, and the Turning of the Wheel
While Lughnasadh carries us into the world of Lugh and the ancient Celtic assemblies, the name Lammas emerges from a different cultural stream. Rooted in the Anglo-Saxon traditions of early England, Lammas comes from the Old English word hlāfmæsse, meaning “Loaf Mass.” The word combines hlāf, meaning loaf of bread, with mæsse, meaning mass or religious service.
Bread has long symbolized nourishment, gratitude, and the transformation of grain into community.
Historically, Lammas marked the blessing of the first bread baked from the newly harvested grain. The first sheaves gathered from the fields were milled into flour, baked into a loaf, and offered in gratitude for the harvest. Though Christian in form, the festival remained deeply connected to the agricultural rhythms that had shaped the lives of the people long before Christianity arrived.
As I explored the roots of Lammas, I found myself drawn to another ancient Anglo-Saxon concept: Wyrd.
The word wyrd is often translated as fate or destiny, but its deeper meaning is far more mysterious. Linguistically, it is related to the Old English verb weorþan, meaning “to become.” Rather than describing a fixed future, Wyrd speaks to the unfolding of events, the weaving together of actions and consequences, and the continual process of becoming.
In the Germanic worldview, life was not viewed as a straight path but as an ever-unfolding pattern. Choices, deeds, relationships, seasons, and circumstances all became threads woven into a larger tapestry whose full design could rarely be seen from a single moment in time.
When viewed through this lens, Lammas takes on a deeper significance.
The loaf blessed at Lammas is not simply bread. It is the visible result of countless unseen processes. Seeds were planted months before. Rains arrived or failed to arrive. The sun crossed the sky. Hands tended the fields. Time worked its quiet transformations. Potential has now become reality.
In many ways, this is the very essence of Wyrd.
The grain has become bread.
The seed has become harvest.
The unseen has become visible.
The Wheel of the Year itself reflects this same mystery. Each season emerges from the one before it. Imbolc becomes Ostara. Ostara becomes Beltane. Beltane becomes Litha. Litha becomes Lughnasadh. Lughnasadh becomes Mabon. Mabon becomes Samhain. Samahin becomes Yule. The wheel turns endlessly, carrying within it the consequences of what came before and the possibilities of what has yet to unfold.
Perhaps this is why Lammas feels so reflective despite arriving amidst the abundance of summer. It reminds us that every harvest is the result of countless choices, actions, and circumstances woven together through time.
We stand not only among the fruits of the season, but among the manifestations of what has been becoming all along.
Whether viewed through the Celtic lens of Lugh’s mastery or the Anglo-Saxon understanding of Wyrd, this season asks us to pause and witness what has taken shape. The first harvest is more than a gathering of grain. It is a revelation of the patterns we have been weaving, often without realizing it, since the wheel began its turn once again.
Whether you’re building an altar, baking bread, or gathering herbs, every ritual begins with intention.
If you’re preparing your altar or gathering supplies, we’d love to welcome you into the shop. From herbs and candles to ritual oils, incense, crystals, books, and our curated Sabbat Collection, we’re here to help you celebrate the season in a way that feels meaningful and authentic.
And if you’d rather celebrate in community, there’s still time to join us for our Lammas/Lughnasadh Witchcrafting Workshop on Saturday, August 29th from 2:00–4:00 PM. Together we’ll explore the magic, folklore, and practices of the First Harvest while crafting seasonal ritual tools and honoring this sacred turning of the Wheel.
The harvest has only just begun, and we’re so grateful to share this season with all of you.
When we first shared the opening pages of this year’s Lughnasadh Zine, our hope was simple: to spark curiosity, inspire reflection, and invite you into the magic of the First Harvest.
Today, we’re delighted to say...
The wait is over.
The complete 2026 Lughnasadh Zine is now available as a FREE digital download! Follow the QR Link above or find it directly on our website by following the link: tinyurl.com/kazt4b5p
Inside, you’ll discover more than forty beautifully crafted pages exploring the rich mythology, folklore, history, correspondences, rituals, recipes, crafts, and seasonal wisdom of Lughnasadh. Whether you’re learning about Lugh and Tailtiu for the first time, baking your first harvest loaf, weaving a corn dolly, crafting ritual oils, or simply seeking a deeper connection to the turning of the Wheel, this guide was created to accompany you every step of the way.
We hope this zine becomes something you return to year after year; a companion for your harvest celebrations and a reminder that every season invites us to grow a little deeper into ourselves.
If this preview inspires you to celebrate, we’d also love to welcome you into Asheville Raven and Crone. Our shelves are filled with thoughtfully curated herbs, candles, ritual tools, books, handcrafted products, and seasonal treasures to help you create a meaningful Lughnasadh celebration. Whether you’re building your first harvest altar or continuing a long-held tradition, we’re honored to be part of your journey.
Thank you for allowing us to walk the Wheel beside you.
May your harvest be abundant, your hearth be warm, and your spirit forever nourished by the magic of the First Harvest.
Blessed Lughnasadh from all of us at Asheville Raven and Crone.
With the nodes changing signs last month, we get our first solar eclipse in Leo since 2018. This is a big shift from the Pisces-Virgo eclipses we’ve been dealing with. The Leo-Aquarius axis is ruled by the Sun and Saturn, which are big, inescapable energies. The Sun is our vitality, our source for creativity, and Saturn is our responsibility and discipline. These hefty rulers lead me to believe that this eclipse cycle will drudge up plenty of inescapable change for many, especially those with the Sun or Saturn as their chart rulers (Leo, Aquarius, and Capricorn risings).
