Midsummer

At Midsummer the pregnant Goddess is heavy with child. Fertility rites are performed to ensure the safe pregnancy and birth of the harvest and herds (both symbolic of the God).

Midsummer is the longest day of the year and the sun at the height of its power. Balefires are again lit to celebrate the approaching fatherhood of the God. The ashes were scattered over the fields or mixed with the feed for thier herds to ensure successful growth.

The blessing of animals is also performed at Midsummer. Ancient herders would bring a token animal to be blessed to protect their herds. Today witches ask for protection and blessings for thier pets and familiars. You may want to bless a protection charm at midsummer to be added to its collar.

Milk (symbolic of the pregnant, lactating Goddess) is a traditional food of the Midsummer feast. And lore says that leaving a bowl of miulk for the Faeries ensure their good will throughout the year.

At Midsummer the Holly King, who was dethrowned at Yule returns, slaying the Oak King and resuming his reign.

As many plants are at the peak of their growth, it is an opportune time to begin to gather herbs and plants, as was the practice of the Druids.

Two different sources site two different rituals to be performed on Midsummer by a woman hoping to concieve. One says that a woman who wants to concieve should squat naked in her garden on Midsummer, the other says that she should walk through her grden and pick some St. John's Wort.

Dieties & Mythical Beings

Prayers

Midsummer Prayer

In midsummer, under the luminous sky of everlasting light,
the laced structures of thought fall away
like the filigrees of the white diaphanous
dandelion turned pure white and ghostly,
hovering at the edge of its own insubstantial
discovery in flight. I'll do the same, watch
the shimmering dispersal of tented seeds
lodge in the tangled landscape without
the least discrimination. So let my own hopes
escape the burning wreck of ambition, parachute
through the hushed air, let them spread elsewhere,
into the tangled part of life that refuses to be set straight.
Herod searched for days looking for the children.
The mind's hunger for fame will hunt down all innocence.
Let them find safety in the growing wild. I'll not touch them there.

Prayer for Sunrise

Mighty Sun King, and Goddess Bright
I welcome you with this morning rite
I honour you for earth so green,
for beauty flowers, and powers unseen

Prayer for the Garden

Small plants, leaves and buds,
growing in the soil.
O fiery sun, may your rays of
light and warmth
bless us with abundance,
and allow these plants to blossom
with life.

A Prayer for the Beach

O mother ocean, welcome me in your arms,
bathe me in your waves,
and keep me safe
so that I may return to land once more.
Your tides move with the pull of the moon,
as do my own cycles.
I am drawn to you,
and honor you under the sun's fiery gaze.

A Prayer for the Fourth of July

Gods of liberty, goddesses of justice,
watch over those who would fight for our freedoms.
May freedom be given to all people,
around the world,
no matter what their faith.
Keep our soldiers safe from harm,
and protect them in your light,
so that they may return to their families
and their homes.
Goddesses of liberty, gods of justice,
hear our call, and light the sky
your torch shining in the night,
that we may find our way back to you,
and bring people together, in unity.

A Prayer to the Sun

The sun is high above us
shining down upon the land and sea,
making things grow and bloom.
Great and powerful sun,
we honor you this day
and thank you for your gifts.
Ra, Helios, Sol Invictus, Aten, Svarog,
you are known by many names.
You are the light over the crops,
the heat that warms the earth,
the hope that springs eternal,
the bringer of life.
We welcome you, and we honor you this day,
celebrating your light,
as we begin our journey once more
into the darkness.

Rituals & Traditions

An Ideal time to reaffirm your vows to the Lord and Lady or your dedication to following the old traditions.

On Midsummer Night, field and forest elves, sprites, and fairies abound in great numbers - making this a great time to commune with them. Traditionally a bowl of milkl is left out for them on this night.

Midsummer is one of the most powerful nights for magick of all kinds, especially healing, love magick, protection, purification, energy.

Personal Focus

It is a time of gratitude for the Earth Family. Your ceremony calls you to reflect on the growth of seeds that you planted in the earth.

Midsummer is a time to let go of old patterns, and objects that no longer serve your highest good.

Spend time before Summer Solstice contemplating the power you carry within from the Light of your Higher Self. Spend time contemplating the symbology of the Sun (Suil) and the guidance of the Divine. Review the power of Summer and the gift of realizing that all that you want to manifest, through the grace of the Divine, is yours to manifest now.

Colors

Decorations

Food & Drink

Oils

Incense

Herbs & Teas

Anise
Basil
Betony
Carnation
Chamomile
Cinquefoil
Copal
Corn
Daisy
Elder (particularly dwarf)
Fennel
Fern
Frankincense
Galangal
Heather
Heliotrope
Hemp
Honeysuckle
Ivy
Larkspur
Lavender
Laurel
Lemon
Lemon balm

Lily
Marigold
Mugwort
Mullien
Nettle
Oak
Orange
Orchid
Orpins
Pine
Plantain
Rose
Rue
Saffron
Sandalwood
St. John's Wort
Thyme (especially wild)
Verbena
Vervain
Wisteria
Yarrow
Ylang-Ylang