#loafmas

Okay folks. First of all, HAPPY LAMMAS/LOAFMAS/LUGHNASADH! Today is especially important because it marks my first holiday as a fledgling witch. I will be making a proper Lammas post later today. 

First, I thought since I finished sharing the story of how I started this journey, it would be a good idea to post these 13 great principles of Atheopaganism from this website. They all ring true to my heart:

1. I understand that the metaphorical is not the literal. Meaningful experiences are either created by our minds, or have yet to be explained by science.

2. Honor the earth. Earth sustains us and inspires us with its beauty. Without it we are nothing. As part of caring for the earth, try to find fulfillment in culture and community instead of the accumulation of things.

3. I am grateful.

4. I am humble. I do not get carried away by despair or pride, and I do not take myself, my travails, or triumphs too seriously.

5. Laughter and humor are powerful tonics.

6. I enact regular ritual in observance of my identity as a naturalistic pagan.

7. I celebrate diversity and respect differences.

8. I recognize and embrace my responsibility to those who come after me.

9. I acknowledge that freedom is tempered by responsibility.

10. Pleasure is inherently good, so long as others are not harmed in its pursuit.

11. Knowledge is never complete. There is always more to be learned.

12. I conduct myself with integrity in word and deed.

Goodness this is nerve wracking. I think that Lammas is a great sabbat to start with because it’s easy to honor in little ways and can be pretty casual, so there’s not a lot of pressure to go all out. Things I have done to celebrate so far:

All green clothing

Decorated my altar with herbs from the yard

Soaked up and appreciated the sunlight and warmth

Made blackberry pancakes (so good)

Things I plan to do before the day is over:

Reflective journaling about things I am grateful for

Read poetry about the first harvest and gratitude

Honor the sunset