Litha - 21st June (Summer SolsticeĀ Ritual)
Also known as Alban Heruin by the druids. this this the longest day of the year- a day on which both light and life are plentiful. As Lord of the Forests, the Sun God is at his strongest on this day. Known at this time as the Green Man, he is often seen seated on a throne: he is often acknowledged in early churches in the guise of the Green Man, as a face surrounded by foliage. Midsummer Nightās Eve is of importance for many people because of the folk customs still associated with it. Modern wiccans sometimes mistakenly refer to this time as Beltane- Beltane is actually the word for May Festival which has its own ritual.Ā
This ritual is also a celebration of the Goddess. She is now with child and natures reflects this with the fruitfulness of the harvest. Now is when energy overflows; needless to say this is a fine time for magical and purifying rites.Ā
Summer herbs such as Lavender & WisteriaĀ
Red Candle (To represent the Sun God)
Green Candle (To represent the Earth Goddess
Fill the pouch with herbs,as you fill it, think of all your negativities and difficulties being placed in the bag along with the herbs. Light the white candles. Place the cauldron in the middle of your altar. and say.
āNow at Midsummer, at Litha the time of light, I acknowledge the turning wheel for, As from today, the light begins to fadeā
Ā Light he green Goddess candle on theft of the cauldron place the water in front of the candle and day.Ā
āLady of power, I ask for your blessings.ā
Light the red candle to the right of your Cauldron and say.Ā
āGod of fertility and fruitfulness, I ask for your blessings.ā
Pick up the herb pouch, hold it up while sayingĀ
āLord of the sun, Burn away the negativity, purify me through your powerful lightā
Ā Ignite your pouch use the flame from the red candle drop the pouch into the Cauldron and say.Ā
āGreat Goddess and God on this enchanted night i pray for your guidance in self-understanding and worldly perception. Ā Afford me delight and happiness and ward off any danger brought by my doing.ā
As the pouch burns, it clears away all your negativity. When it has burnt out, signify your appreciation b pouring a little of the water into the cauldron where it mixed with the ashes. Ā Spend a little time contemplating the gifts of the God & Goddess.
Finally dispose of the water and ashes by pouring them into the bare earth. Leave the red & green candles to burn out.
Have a blessed Summer Solstice everyone.Ā