Midsummer Solstice / Litha (21 June) —by Míchealín Daugherty
The waxing sun reaches its highest point before beginning its slide into darkness. It is the longest day of the year and the earth is lush and green. In terms of sacred marriage, the god is at the peak of his power and the goddess is heavily pregnant with new life. As a holiday, it was not celebrated by the Celts until they came in contact with the Norse. As often happens with ancient festivals, many of the customs of Beltane are also celebrated at Midsummer — maypole dancing, fertility rites and divination spells, to name a few. But the most famous tradition is probably the bonfire. Even today in northern counties, Midsummer blazes dot the landscape, encouraging and strengthening the sun. With the sun at its peak, so are the faeries and fey. Some of the lightning bugs you see may actually be faeries flitting about. Tonight is the night to pay them homage. Midsummer marks the turning of the Wheel from the light half to the dark half of the year. The day is symbolised by the Green Man in his guise of Oak King. Just as the Holly and Oak kings battled at Yule, they again battle for supremacy now; but the time it is the Holly King, god of the waning year, who will win. Sacred Herbs. Traditionally, most herbs are at their full peak by this day; thus herbs gathered on this day are extremely powerful and are often used fro magickal or healing concoctions. In Wales, this is known and "Gathering Day" in honor of herbs. Notably, Celtic Druids gathered their sacred plants on this day, especially mistletoe (known as the "Golden Bough"), which they would hang to dry for future ceremonial use. In Voodoo and Santeria, mistletoe gathered on this day is used in gris-gris bags; and Swedes collect it to honour their sun god, Balder and the goddess, Friga. Lavender is also a Summer Solstice herb. The Celts use it for hand fastings and it is believed to be an aphrodisiac. It is often burned as an incense for parents-to-be. Decorate your home or altar with fresh flowers, particularly yellow ones that represent the sun. On this night elves and faeries gather in great numbers, so do not forget to honour them in your observances. Another sacred herb at this time is Vervain, which is believed to enhance fertility, and often used as an amulet for virility and protection. For Wiccans: Use a green or white altar cloth, and burn yellow, gold, red or blue candles. Burn lavender or musk incense. Wear some of the flowers and herbs you gathered as decoration in your hair. Tie tiny bells or ribbons to your wand to appease the fey. Rise at dawn. I usually dress in yellow, and wear a topaz that I have. As the sun appears on the horizon, toast with orange juice, or beverage of your choice, and say something like:
At this point, you may wish to make an offering of flowers (sunflowers, marigolds, dandelions or other yellow sun-like flowers), herbs (betony, St. John's Wort, vervain, rue, chamomile, mugwort, lavender, rose petals, or any of those listed above) and/or a beeswax candle. It is also appropriate to leave something for the faeries. You may also wish to tie a sprig of rowan or rue, with three flowers from St. John's Wort, and a red ribbon, and hang it on your door. Or, make a witches ladder.
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Page last updated: 10 May 2009
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