rose druid

Legend

In Irish legend, Balor of the Evil Eye was the chief of the Famorians, a clan of ruthless sea demons who ruled oppressively. Balor was prophesied to be killed by his grandchild, so when his daughter gave birth to triplets, he tossed them all into the ocean to drown. Thankfully, one of those babies was rescued by Mannanán Mac Lir, god of the Sea. With the help of Taltiu, goddess of the Plains, Mannanán raised the boy as Lugh, whose name means ‘light.’

When Lugh grew up, he wanted to make a name for himself and join the Tuatha Dé Dannan, the pantheon of Irish gods who were at war with the Famorians. When Lugh requested entry into their fortress, he was asked what kind of skill or ability he could provide to make their clan stronger. When he told them he was great warrior, they said they already had the best warrior. When he told them he was a talented poet, they said they already had a poet. When he told them he was a healer, harpist, sorcerer, cook, blacksmith, and much more, the Tuatha Dé Dannann claimed they already had a person for each position. Lugh thought for a moment, and asked “But do you have a person who can do ALL of these things?” Admitting they did not, the Tuatha Dé Dannan allowed Lugh to join their clan. Eventually, he slew Balor, overthrew the Famorians, and was made King of the Tuatha Dé Dannan.

Lugh’s Worship

Let’s break down how Lugh was actually honored and worshipped back in the day. First and foremost he is a god of Skill and Craftsmanship. Just like in his story, Lugh was believed to have limitless talents, and was thought to favor those who dedicated their life to honing a craft.

There’s a common misconception about Lugh being a solar deity… as a god of Light, he’s associated with the Sun, certainly, but he’s equally associated with the lightning of a thunderstorm and the fire of the forge.

Lugh is also a god of Harvest and Agriculture. In another part of his myth, when Lugh was away at battle, his foster mother, Taltiu, reshaped the plains to be fit for agriculture when he returned to rule as King. The goddess worked so hard, she “died” of exhaustion and became one with the land. The harvest festival of Lughnassadh was believed to have been started by Lugh to honor his mother’s sacrifice, and to celebrate the reaping of summer grains.

Lugh was also worshipped as a god of Justice. Not only was he King of the Tuatha Dé Dannan, but he was also their Judge, passing just laws and fair punishments when needed. Lugh was so associated with justice and truth that he was often invoked in the swearing of oaths to ensure that they would be kept.

And of course, Lugh has been worshipped as a deity of Victory and Battle as the god who rallied the rest of the Tuatha Dé Dannan and strategized the battle plans that ended the Famorians’ rule once and for all. He was also the father of Cú Chulainn, the greatest warrior and hero of Irish mythology.

Though Lugh was originally an Irish god, his worship began to spread through the Celtic lands and eventually continental Europe. Over time he became associated with Hellenic deities such as Hermes and Apollo. The Romans even worshipped him as Lugus, a triple deity with three faces. His best known epithets are ‘Master of All Skills,’ and ‘the Shining One.’

Correspondences of Lugh

Symbols of Lugh: Spear, corn dolls, wheat, lightning, forge, hammer, ravens, the Sun, gold.

Plants, herbs, and spices: wheat, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, calendula, sunflower, and ginger.

Incenses: Frankincense, sandalwood, and dragon’s blood.

Crystals and Stones: agate, aventurine, citrine, tiger’s eye.

Offerings: Bread, wheat, grains, berries, ale, works of skill or creativity, yellow or orange candles. I find Lugh also likes (I kid you not) Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, Irish whiskey, and peach or mango flavored green tea.

Working with Lugh

So if you want to work with Lugh (or any new deity) I would suggest reading up on his myths and looking up artwork depicting him (maybe even making some of your own). Then try making an altar or shrine for him using the list of correspondences above. Pray to him, try meditating on him and his myths, and then write down any messages or spiritual impressions you get during your meditation. Some areas you might ask Lugh for blessings or guidance in include:

Protecting yourself and others.

Keeping healthy boundaries.

Finding your inner strength, power, or latent talents.

Growing in your crafts and hobbies, and honing your skills.

Finding creativity and passion.

Career planning and success.

Success in your personal goals.

Learning and seeking knowledge.

Becoming more confident and assertive.

Overcoming obstacles.

Manifestation and living your dreams.

Seeking truth and justice.

Helping you commit to your promises, both to yourself and others.

Becoming more action oriented.

Overcoming your fears and finding courage.

Abundance and prosperity.

An Evocational Prayer for Lugh

Hail Lugh, god of Skill, Light, Justice, and the Harvest!

Oh Shining One, Long Armed Lugh,

You are lord of all that is bright, you are master of every skill and craft, of every art and ability.

Son of the Sea and the Plains, chief of the Tuatha Dé Dannan, I ask that you help me to rise, to rise as tall as the summer wheat, as strong as the greatest warrior.

Lord Lugh, I humbly ask for your aid and guidance in deep respect and reverence. I invite you to my altar and offer these gifts to you.

Mighty Lugh, hail and welcome!