Emotional Healing at Lughnasadh: Rituals, Remedies, and Practices

Heal your heart and bolster your spirit at Lammas.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the beginning of August is the time of Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas.

This first harvest festival marks a time of abundance and gratitude for the fruits of the earth, but it is also an opportunity for heart healing and introspection.

We can harness the bright, expansive, nourishing energies of Lughnasadh to nurture our mental health and emotional well-being.

Here are some simple rituals, remedies, and practices for emotional healing at Lughnasadh.

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1. Gather and Celebrate the Harvest of Emotions

Just as we gather the physical harvest of crops during Lughnasadh, we can lovingly create space for the emotions that have ripened within us. Take time to acknowledge and embrace your feelings, both positive and challenging. Choosing a sacred space for emotional reflection, perhaps near a bountiful garden or under a golden sun, can amplify the process.

2. Perform a Ritual of Release and Renewal

During Lughnasadh, the Earth undergoes a shift, shedding its bountiful growth to make way for the next season. Similarly, we can engage in a ritual of release and renewal to let go of emotional baggage and make space for new growth. Write down any painful emotions or past hurts on paper and safely burn it in a fire (perhaps in a cauldron or pot), symbolizing the release of those burdens.

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3. Do a Healing Meditation

At sunrise or any other time when the bright sun is visible in the sky, sit in quiet contemplation and practice a healing meditation. Feel the earth beneath you, holding you and providing stability and safety. Visualize sunlight enveloping your entire being, soothing emotional wounds and bringing comfort. Breathe energy from the earth and sun in and out, and feel the rays of the sun and the earth’s nourishing energy infusing your entire body, aura, and emotions with strength and positivity.

4. Cleanse and Heal with the Water Element

The water element is associated with emotions and healing. On Lughnasadh, consider taking a cleansing ritual bath with sea salt, lavender, or rose petals to get your emotions flowing. As you soak, breathe consciously and sense the water and breath washing away old emotional pain and blockages.

Or try this energy healing bath ritual.

5. Connect with Nature

Like all sabbats, Lughnasadh is a time to connect with the natural world and the seasonal energies in effect at this time. Spend time in nature: a park, the woods, the ocean, or even your own backyard. Embrace the beauty around you and allow the healing energies of Mother Earth to comfort your heart and rejuvenate your spirit. As you relax, notice each element in turn: earth (rocks, soil), air (clouds, breeze, birds, flying insects), fire (the sun), water (any body of water nearby), and spirit (the conscious aliveness that unites and animates all things).

Here’s a video where I share my simple practice for connecting with nature and the elements outdoors.

6. Create a Healing Altar

Set up a sacred space or altar dedicated to emotional healing during Lughnasadh. Include elements that feel soothing and healing to you, such as crystals like rose quartz for unconditional love and healing, or dried herbs like chamomile or spearmint for soothing stress.

Other great additions to your Lughnasadh healing altar would be fresh, local, seasonal fruits and vegetables from your garden or a farmers’ market, wildflowers or seasonal flowers, wild grasses or grains, and candles.

Here are the basics of assembling an altar.

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7. Journal for Self-Discovery

Even though I’ve experienced it time and again, every time I journal I’m surprised by how much clarity and comfort it provides.

This Lughnasadh season, take time to express your feelings, thoughts, and aspirations on paper. Reflect on your growth and progress over the past year, as well as your intentions for the future.

Here are some journal prompts for Lughnasadh:

What emotional challenges or situations have you been through this year? What feelings are still there in your heart or body in response to these challenges or situations? How can you feel, heal, and transform? How can you best take care of your mental and emotional wellness? How can you let the sunshine in?

Feel like journaling even more at Lughnasadh? Here are some journal prompts for self-love.

At this first harvest festival, let us gather the fruits of emotional healing and shore up the sweet bounty of positivity and love for the seasons ahead. May the transformative energies of Lughnasadh support you in your ongoing self-care, helping you find emotional wholeness and balance.

Are you going to try any of these Lughnasadh healing practices? Did this post spark any additional ideas for your healing and self-exploration work? Please share any thoughts you have in the comments below.