Lugh

Culture: Irish (Celtic)   Also called: Lugh Lámhfhada ("of the long arm"), Samildánach ("skilled in many arts")

Lugh is admitted to the court of Tara only after proving mastery of every single craft practiced there, when no one else could claim to master them all; he later leads the Tuatha Dé Danann to victory against the oppressive Fomorians. The harvest festival Lughnasadh, held around 1 August, bears his name and, by tradition, was founded by him in honor of his foster-mother Tailtiu.

Associations

Mastery of skills and crafts, the harvest, the sun (in later folk tradition), strategic victory.

Ways people honor him (modern)

• Practice and take pride in a specific skill or craft, ideally more than one
• Mark Lughnasadh with the first grain harvest, bread-baking, or games
• Read the Cath Maige Tuired for his admission to Tara and role in the battle
• Reflect on many small skills adding up to real capability

Approach any deity with respect and do your own research. Practices vary widely between traditions, and modern devotional practice often goes beyond what survives in ancient sources.