Sabbat Series Lammas
The Sabbat series was originally commissioned by a pagan client and became a celebrated series after exhibiting on two occassions. The Series has proved Popular as individual or series poster reproductions
Lammas or Lughnassadh, February 2nd Southern Hemisphere sun 15degrees in Aquarius
The first of the pagan harvest festivals, In Irish Gaelic, the feast was referred to as 'Lugnasadh', a feast to commemorate the funeral games of the Irish sun-god Lugh. However, there is some confusion on this point. Although at first glance, it may seem that we are celebrating the death of the Lugh, the god of light does not really die (mythically) until the autumnal equinox. And indeed, if we read the Irish myths closer, we discover that it is not Lugh's death that is being celebrated, but the funeral games which Lugh hosted to commemorate the death of his foster- mother, Taillte. It is sometimes referred to as the Celtic Fire Festival. It is also the time of to honor the Goddess as the Queen of Abundance
The 'Catherine wheel' was a feature of ritual celebrations and the firworks that bear its name still capture a degree of the symbolism. St Catherines feast was often associated with the time of Pagan Lammas celebrations. Catherine herself was not a greatly loved patron of the Catholic Church as she had mythical connertations that sat uncomfortably with the Catholic Church her worship gave rise to the heretical sect known as the Cathari. A Large Wooden wheel was taken to the top a hill or mountain, covered with tar and set alite the burning wheel was then sent hurtling down the hill or mountainside. This Pagan rite symbolises the end of summer the wheel identifiable with the sun-god in his decline. The sun king reaches the autumn of his years, and his rival or dark self has just reached puberty.
The Goddess weeps at His passing, yet knows that He will return again, for He has left His seed... She is fertile by His passing on. The Goddess Who was young in spring is now a matron, mature; She is Demeter in mourning the loss of Persephone.
Where the God is SunKing, He is now aware that His power is fading, yet He blazes all the brighter. There is a poignancy at this time of the year, a pleasure coupled with the knowledge of dark winter's approach.
