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Next Sabbat - Midsummer
Also known as: St John's Day, Litha Celebrated: June 20-22
Midsummer is the celebration of the Summer solstice, the day when the Sun is at its zenith and we have the longest day. Solstice comes from the Latin word meaning "stand still", which is exactly what the Sun appears to do on both the Winter and Summer solstices: at either extreme, it seems as if it will never change. The Saxons called the month of June "Aerra Litha" and the month of July "Aeftera Litha", and although some have speculated "Litha" is a general word for Summer, it is more likely to mean "light".
Midsummer is a fire festival that celebrates the high point of the light half of the year. It also celebrates the union between the benevolent Sun and the fruitful Earth. This is when most people begin to harvest their herbs. Vervain, yarrow and St John's Wort are three herbs said to have magical powers if gathered on Midsummer Day.
The bonfire is a central concept of Midsummer rituals. The fire represents the Sun in all its glory conquering darkness. People leap the flames or the coals for luck and blessing; the smoke is wafted over livestock to protect them from disease. Alternatively, the livestock is driven between two fires to accomplish the same purpose. The ashes of a Midsummer bonfire are said to have astonishing curative powers.
This is a Sabbat greatly concerned with faeries, and there are several stories and myths involving them which are told around this time of the year. Some say that if you brew a potion of thyme and drink it, or put drops of calendula juice on your eyelids, you will be able to see the faeries on this night. Whether you seek them or not, leave a bowl of milk and honey and a slice of bread out for the faery folk on Midsummer Night to show your respect!
Concepts: bonfires are lit to celebrate the sun, usually on hilltops to reflect the sun's height; divination performed for health and love; citrus fruits are eaten; the battle of the Holly King and the Oak King ends in the defeat of the Oak King, and the Holly King begins his reign over the increasingly short days
Gifts & Suggestions
Fairy Dust incense sticks
Fairy Dust incense cones
Fairy Dust Magickal Oil
Planetary Incense Powder - Sun
Coventry Creations Male Forces (Sun) Blessed Herbal Candle
| Midsummer:
Magical Celebrations of the Summer Solstice (0738700525) By Anna Franklin Midsummer is one of the most ancient, widespread, and joyful Pagan festivals. The sun rises to the height of its power on the summer solstice, and Midsummer Eve is filled with fairy mischief and magic. Anna Franklin reveals the origins and customs of this enchanting holiday with myths and lore, magic and divination; traditional summertime treats and recipes; seasonal rituals; and herb craft |
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Great Encyclopedia of Faeries (0684869578) By Pierre Dubois The world of Faeries has never been more enchanting than in this richly detailed, imaginatively illustrated catalogue of its magical denizens. Filled with legend, fact, and literature, The Great Encyclopedia of Faeries provides portraits of the most famous faeries, reveals their most sacred places, and describes the secrets of their elvin souls. |
| Complete
Encyclopedia of Elves, Goblins, and Other Little Creatures Author: Pierre Dubois This giant, gorgeously illustrated encyclopedia documents the lives of elves, goblins, hobgoblins, gnomes, imps, pixies, and sprites with whimsy and wonder. The most extensive volume on the various types of little creatures and fairyfolk, The Great Encyclopedia of Elves, Goblins and Other Little Creatures illustrates each unique species with charming, luminous, detailed drawings, and includes the folklore and fairy tales collected through extensive research. As a result of twenty years of patient research, the author, Pierre Dubois, has created portraits of hundreds of species. For each one, he wrote a tale starting from authentic anecdotes, spiced with spirited humor. The illustrations of Roland Sabatler portray each strange and wonderful creature and the marvels and mysteries of the habitats they live in |
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