The midsummer solstice (Litha, Longest Day, shortest night) is today, June 20th

Summer solstice 2017 in the Northern Hemisphere will be at 9:24 PM 

 The summer solstice is the time of nature's bounty and abundance. The element is FIRE, the direction is south, and all around us we are surrounded by color and fragrant aromas  from blossoming roses, wallflowers, lavender, honeysuckle, and jasmine.

The Earth is midpoint on her journey around the sun. It is the first day of summer and the longest and strongest day of the year! Mid-Summer is the time when we celebrates the full powers of life and the beginning of the change from a waxing to a waning year. Summer solstice is the festival of the Goddesses of the south corner, and of creative energy. Many rituals often include large bonfires where sacred herbs are thrown into the fire. However, for those who would like to create a meaningful sacred fire ritual but live in the city and do not have access to large open areas where fires may take place, you can use votive candles set in a large wok filled with sand and adorned by a nest of branches or drift wood.

ALTAR & OFFERINGS:

Roses are the most common flowers of midsummer. Witches of the past and present adorn themselves in rose crowns, and they were also made for all of the women of the circle. The fruits of Summer, are symbols of abundance and love, and so are offerings of Honey.

 PYRITE

A piece of Pyrite in the home or workplace energizes the area around it and imparts an immediate increase in vitality. It overcomes intellectual fatigue due to overwork and tiredness of the nervous system by stimulating blood flow to the brain, increasing mental clarity, focus and recall. Pyrite is available HERE

Ritual

Outdoor rituals are best now because everything is in full bloom, if there is no danger of fire, a bonfire should be set earlier in the day for the evenings festivities. Meeting early in the day to gather berries, and herbs for the ceremony, as well as adorning each woman's naked bodies. If there is access to play in the woods, or swimming in a creek, ocean, or stream go for it!
"Today we celebrate our strengths and power as womyn. The flames of the candles and fire represent our energy and passion. With our dances and our songs we celebrate life to its fullest. The bonfire and candles are lit."
A candle is passed around, to the left and each woman repeats:"my name is ____ I am a powerful womon." She then states the ways in which she is powerful in her life. The group repeats, as we say it so shall it be" after each woman has spoken. The rattle is then passed several times. When you have the rattle,you can ask the group to focus on your wishes or share a poem, dance, story, or song. Wimmin jump the bonfire (or candle) as high as they are able, making wishes as they do. Also herbs, and slips of paper with lists of those things in your life,your character, your environment, that you wish to be rid of, are thrown into the flames accompanying wishes.

Love spells are cast on this night. Everyone wishing a love spell can bring it to the group with an idea of exactly how she wishes it done. Z. Budapest "Grandmother of time" has a couple of very potent love spells, or you may compose your own.

A shell, or conch is passed around the circle full of honey, along with a smaller bowl of cut persimmons, grapes, cut kiwis, along with other sweet fruit. As it is passed (to the left), everyone takes time to focus and put her personal power or essence into the contents. The bowl is passed a second time and wommin dip their fingers into the honey and eat the fruit, repeating "I taste the sweetness of life and of womyn." The ritual is closed with drumming, the feast is prepared, and the party continues.

*midsummer ritual created by the lovely high priestess Ffiona M.