Merry Meet, friends!
I am so pumped for today. While our solstice is to be wet & stormy, I am celebrating tonight - ahead of the change. Does the timing matter? I don't think so. Everything we do in our practice is about intention.
While the Summer Solstice must be amazing to experience at Stonehenge, we can bring the magical elements into our lives here at home. With the Sun entering Cancer, this is a time to celebrate GROWTH and ABUNDANCE. Did you know that it is believed that the term 'LITHA' came from Tolkein?
Like many of the winged creatures, bees are a critical element of the season. Like the bees, summer is a time when we ramp up our energies to nurturing our gardens as well as any herbs we might want to include in tinctures, and spells for later use. Things are coming into their peak, using their energy to carry us to the fall when harvest begins in earnest.
In Lincolnshire UK the bee is associated with witchcraft. It's believed that a Witch once had a bee as her familiar and a pet. (Emma Kathryn - The Witch's Datebook 2026). it's also believed that bees carry messages between the worlds so if you see one in your garden and would like to send a message, ask if he would be willing to do so. If he sits still, as if listening, whisper your message then watch him fly away. This would be a great time to either make sure your garden is full of florals for them to pollinate. If you don't have your own hives, check in your area for a beekeeper or ask around at a local farmer's market to source your raw honey.
Speaking of winged creatures, create an inviting place for the fairies. Include them in your Solstice Ritual, inviting them to live amongst your garden. Keep in mind, a 'garden' doesn't have to be a large, expansive area. A collection of potted plants, window boxes, etc. will still make them happy when kept.
Food is the best part of any celebration. I plan to make sugar cookies with icing to form the sun. I also found a Sangria recipe in the Seasons of Witchery by Ellen Dugan that sounds tasty. Since I'll be staying up late, I might forgo the usual Zquil for a bit of peach schnapps in the Sangria.
Fire is an important element to the Summer Solstice. If you can have a fire ring, or use of a chiminea then you're all set. But what if a real 'fire' isn't an option. Use a cast iron cauldron or a dutch oven and use OUTSIDE. Place three yellow candles inside the vessel and light them. If your beliefs follow a particular path, you can burn an oak leaf in honor of the Oak GodYou can also use Sparklers (PLEASE use safely. This article from American Pyrotechnics have tips)
One thing I'll be doing tonight is making a dark Chamomile tea to dye papers for my BOS. I think they'll add a little something extra to my BOS. (If they turn out, I'll post pictures at some point.
However you choose to celebrate this special time, please be safe.
Blessed Be!
~ Rain
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