THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

SUMMER SOLSTICE - Litha

 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.

AMAZON

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

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Merry meet, friends!

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

Merry meet, friends!

I hope you were able to enjoy the Blue Moon last week. We had clouds/ rain here but I put my charging plate and my new candle holder in the west window to take in some energy.

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Merry meet, friends!

A new month begins! Summer Solstice will be here before we know it!

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

A RARE BLUE MOON

 Merry Meet, friends!

We are in for a treat tonight night. A rare blue moon will appear in the sky. Why a 'blue moon' and what makes this one special?

First, a blue moon is when a full moon appears twice in the same month. This one appears on both the first day and the last day of this month. We were blessed with a full (flower) moon on Beltane, (May 1st) and we'll experience the next one tonight, May 31st. While we do have two full moons, I don't recall in my life time having them appear on the first and last day in a given month, nor could I find anything in my research. This will not appear again until 2053. If you're wondering, I will be 92. Do your math and see where you will be. Something to aim for? 

This full moon will be the farthest from the earth in its rotation, meaning because the sphere will not be as close to the sun, it will appear smaller and less bright. This will also be known as a 'micro moon' because of the distance and size appearance.

This full moon in our terms means heightened energy providing a bonus round of magic. This is the perfect time to charge, tools, crystals, etc. I'll be setting out my charging plate and a few other things that need a good cleansing and recharging.

But what if it's cloudy? Does this mean less energy because we can not see the moon? No. Energy passes through barriers and obstacles. That is how the energy reaches within our tools and within ourselves.  For more on the spiritual meaning of the Blue Moon, check out THIS POST on the Pagan Grimoire website where you can learn more about the magic and ritual suggestions.

I'm linking you to a video from a YouTube channel called 'Secrets of the Universe'. Within the video monologue you'll learn another interesting fact about this moon.

Blessed Be!

~ Rain

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!

Blessed Be!

~ Rain