Oak trees are much more than doorways – or so the Druids thought them so. In other cultures, they are homes to Nymphs called, Dryads. Each Dryad is born to a specific tree. They are linked from birth, through life and then death. If the tree dies, so shall the Dryad. A sure way to reap the horrific wrath of a God, according to Macedonians, is to maliciously harm a tree. August 1st is the first of three sacred days reserved for the Dryads.
The Welsh once had a Goddess named Blodeuwedd. She was created specifically for the God Llew Llaw Gyffes by Gwydion. This did not set well with Blodeuwedd. She didn’t like belonging to another without choice, as if she were some sort of property. So after falling in love with Goronwy, she had no choice but to trick Llew Llaw Gyffes into his own death. Unfortunately killing a God and making him stay dead are two different things. She didn’t succeed as far as the latter goes. Goronwy paid with his life and as far as Blodeuwedd, well, a newly reincarnated Llew Llaw Gyffes, turned her into an Owl so that she would spend her life alone. Today is an observance to her.
Perhaps Blodeuwedd should have thought twice before killing a god on Lammas, as in other Pagan Cultures, this marks the first Harvest of Corn and Grain when the God dies, giving life to the grain. He enters Mother Earth and marries her, becoming Lord of Shadow of the Underworld. He shall rule here come the darker months until spring, and then like the grain, his life shall be renewed.
Please see : August 1st Lammas, Lughnassadh Sabbath Info, Recipes & Ritual for more information and recipes concerning Lammas.
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