Midsummer, Summer Solstice, June 20-23, dependent on actual astronomical event.
Held on the longest day of the year, the Solstice is the celebration of light’s triumph over darkness and that of the bountiful beauty that light brings into life. Flowers are common in the circle, roses and bright cheerful wildflowers are upon the altar and usually worn by all. It is the changing point of the year, and the celebration of the spiral dance of the year is common among Wiccans. It a celebration with much joy, and much feasting. Many wiccans will attire themselves in bright colors and equally bright adornments of flowers. Litha’s usual food fare may include honeycakes or cornbread. Litha is not celebrated by all sects nor in the same way.
In the past, bonfires were leapt to encourage fertility, purification, health and love. Midsummer is a classic time for magick of all kinds.
Litha Herbs
Well, we all know it isn’t mid-summer at all…not by the present day calender anyway…it is June 21, the beginning of summer but since people of old did not actually count summer as a season, rather a natural progression of spring, it is no longer the middle of the growing season. This is also the longest day of the year. It is also the time of year when we begin to see the first fruits of Beltane form and ripen, the Union of the God and Goddess has been successful and is already beginning to produce that which can be harvested and eaten.
CHAMOMILE–is used to invoke the God and will make us aware of the Father of Nature. You may do this by either including in the ritual cup or the incense.
CINQUEFOIL–add to the ritual cup and incense.
ELDER–stand among the Elder to see the little people and the Faeries. Use the blossom in your ritual but ONLY if your goals are clear and your ethics are pure! It is very powerful and if your intentions are not pure…well…watch out.
FENNEL–tie together bunches and hang them around your home, the Circle and/or the altar as it is considered an herb of Protection for the home and family.
HEMP–if you’ve got some..share with me! This is the night to try out the time honored and very quaint spell of sowing hemp seeds around the church at mid-night. The intended purpose of this has something to do with love…I say something because sources will say doing this will cause you to either…1)dream of your true love and who he/she will be or already is…2)the first person you meet the next day is your true love…3)your true love will come and stand beneath your window while you sleep. Take your pick and let me know the results. In the Pagan/Wiccan religions hemp is an herb of Vision. This does not mean smoke pot all the time, rather that it is reserved for those times of divination alone and for this purpose the fresh juice of the plant should be used rather than smoking a joint.
LAVENDER--traditionally this is tossed into the bonfire to ensure a safe year and good harvest. It is also used as the primary ingredient in the incense and may be taken in the ritual cup. It is capable of invoking Hecate and Saturn. It attract energy of an extremely high vibrational nature and is used in meditation before or during the ritual to increase awareness and bring inner calm and freedom from emotional stress.
MALE FERN–this is the night when this plant should be gathered. It is one of the most potent magickal Aphrodisiacs. Especially useful in males.
MISTLETOE–if you will be wanting this plant for later magickal workings this is the night to gather it.
MUGWORT--is used in the ritual bath and the ritual cup (in a small amount). It is an herb of Protection, tossing some into a fireplace of cauldron is said to keep the home safe from lightning, some burnt in the room brings protection to the children.
ROSES–adorn the Circle and altar with RED rose petals. Also use some in the incense for the Blessing of the Circle.
SAINT JOHN’S WORT--should be gathered upon this night. Stomp on a patch or toss some into the ritual fire to see and commune with the Faery Folk.
VERBENA–gather the new plants for the coming year and toss what you have left from the previous year into the fire. It is considered an herb of Protection and Immortality.
[pcig category=litha show=category_name,post_title links=category_name,post_title hide_categories= order=asc orderby=title]
