Author: Sister Bridget Corfield

In the enchanting realm of folklore and mysticism, there exists a captivating link between the Three Harvests and witchcraft. As autumn's golden hues paint the landscape, the Three Harvests—Lughnasadh, Mabon, and Samhain—play a significant role in both agricultural traditions and the mystical world of witches of all kinds. This delightful connection transcends time and geography, revealing a tapestry of interconnected beliefs and practices.

To begin our journey, let's delve into the first harvest, Lughnasadh. Celebrated in early August, this Celtic festival marks the beginning of the harvest season. It's a time when the fields are ripe with grain, and the earth offers her bounty. Witches, often seen as guardians of nature's cycles, harness the energy of Lughnasadh to honor the Earth's generosity and to manifest their intentions. It's a period when spells for abundance and prosperity are cast, and the echoes of the harvest's first fruits resonate with the rituals of the natural world.

Moving forward to Mabon, the second harvest celebrated during the autumn equinox, we find another layer of connection between the Three Harvests and witchcraft. As day and night achieve perfect balance, witches recognize this equilibrium as an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Mabon serves as a time to honor the autumnal harvest, with crafting elaborate altars adorned with symbols of abundance, like apples and gourds. We use this period to give thanks for the bounty of nature and to attune themselves to the changing energies of the season.

The final harvest, Samhain, is perhaps the most famous, as it coincides with modern Halloween celebrations. For Vodouisants, it is a time for Ancestor service and more!  This sacred time, observed at the end of October, marks the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of winter's slumber. Witches and practitioners of all kinds view Samhain as a liminal space when the veil between the physical world and the spirit realm is thin. It's a time for divination, honoring ancestors, and seeking wisdom from the other side. Many may perform rituals to communicate with departed loved ones or to harness the potent energies of this time for their magical endeavors.

As we contemplate the harmonious dance between the Three Harvests and witchcraft, we find a delightful interplay of nature, spirituality, and tradition. These celebrations, rooted in the agricultural cycles of our ancestors, have evolved into a modern enchantment that weaves its way through the tapestry of life. Whether you are a practitioner or simply a lover of folklore, the Three Harvests offer a bewitching connection to the rhythms of the natural world and the mystical realms beyond.

In conclusion, the Three Harvests and witchcraft share a charming and symbiotic relationship, as we draw inspiration from the bounty and magic of each seasonal celebration. These ancient traditions continue to resonate with those who seek a deeper connection with nature and the mysteries of the universe. So, as we revel in the beauty of autumn's colors and the warmth of the hearth, let us also celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions that connect us to the past, the present, and the enchanting world of nature.