Summer Solstice

[RisiaSkye]

Morgaine: Some stray thoughts...

Because the Solstice represents the transition between a waxing season and a waning one, it's the high point of the year for invoking healing energy, celebrating fertility and love-magick, and working divinations (visions, premonitions and astral flight are easiest at a Solstice sabbat).

{Aside to any non-pagan readers: this old tradition of dreams, prophesy, and love are actually not as alien or arcane as they may seem either. If you've read or seen Midsummer Night's Dream, you've seen evidence of this spiritual force and the folk tales of Solstice from Shakespeare's time.}

If you decide to cast a circle, as the rituals others have posted require, it's best to cast it with an arrangment of stones as they won't be moved by wind and are natural components of the space in which you're celebrating Midsummer.

Rose, pine, and lemon are all easily obtainable and highly fragrant plants (and scents) associated with the Solstice. The traditional colors are blue and green--blue for healing, the astral plane, and divination; green for fertility, abundance, and nature's cycle of maturation.

A fairly popular custom holds that if you ask the Oak King and the Goddess' help during your Midsummer celebration, you'll dream of your destined mate that night.

Have a lovely Summer Solstice, everyone.
Blessed be,
Risia

 

[paganangel]

Traditions include girls collecting seven to nine different wildflowers and placing them under their pillows in hopes of dreaming of their future loves. Boys use a copper coin.



Scandinavian Midsummer Solstice Recipes:

GlöggSpicy Hot Red Wine)

dried peels of half a bitter orange
1 teaspoon cardamom seeds
20 whole cloves
1 stick of cinnamon
a small piece of ginger
1/2 cup vodka
one bottle red wine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 rounded cup of granulated sugar
blanched almonds and raisins to taste

Place orange peels, cardamom seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger in a glass jar with the vodka. Cover and let stand 24 hours.
Strain vodka and discard spice.
Combine red wine and the vodka in a pan.
Add vanilla, sugar, almonds and raisins.
Heat covered for a few minutes, but do not boil.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Sipulipiirakka (Onion Pie):
serves 6

1 package active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (105°-116°F)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 pounds sweet onions
1/4 pound diced smoked ham
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
salt to taste
1 tablespoon caraway seeds

In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand 5 minutes.
Add salt, butter, and flour.
Beat until dough is smooth.
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Grease a quiche pan.
Cut onions into thin slices.
Place in a saucepan along with ham and cook over low heat until onions are soft.
Remove from heat, stir in sour cream, eggs, salt, and caraway seeds.
On lightly floured board, roll out dough and fit into quiche pan.
Pour filling into dough.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until crust is browned and pie is set.

sounds like some nice stuff to be licked off of you.

 

[WhiteRose]

I work solitary now, but for years our coven went up into the mountains for a long 5-day weekend of camping for Summer Solstice. The campground was small and only had about seven campsites, and was set back from the road in a small valley. We always went early and grabbed the back three or four campsites (depending on how many of us went), and at the back of the campground was a small clearing that was perfect for our rites.

Normally, in town we worked indoors and generally only worked our rites outdoors from Beltane through Lammas due to the weather here, so it was always a real treat to get away from the city for Summer Solstice. Working outdoors in a fairly secluded place, but still having to deal with cowans (hehe MUGGLES *lol*) around us, we were robed/costumed for Summer Solstice.

We only had problems from the other campers once, in fact one year there was a group of Cub Scouts who sat down outside the Circle and watched our entire ceremony *g* which was rather odd, but they behaved very well and didn't interupt, and several years we had people come up to us the next day and ask questions about what we were doing but in a very non-judgmemental way and more out of curiosity than anything else.

I remember in one of our early years, it started raining before we even got there, and rained ALL weekend, but we went ahead with our rituals anyway, and just as the HP was calling upon Cernunnos, we were answered by a huge bolt of lightning followed immediately by a tremendous clap of thunder. It was perfect.

 

[ltlwitch]

Here is a rather formal ritual for Lamas if you are intrested....

........ We celebrate this winter solstice and turn now the wheel of the year. SO MOTE IT BE!"

IJ think you ment Yule, She had asked for Litha

Blesseds Be~
ltlwitch

 

[ltlwitch]

another thought

After reading through the posts, i noticed that the Wicker Man was not added to the suggestions. So, if you have space for a bon-fire, you could also create a wicker man. It is easy and fun to gather up all kinds of burnables! make him what ever size you wish, and as the sun sets on litha (represents the death of the sun/god) light your man and dance around him sending him on his journey with wishes and love.

I hope your ritual goes well, whatever you decide to incorperate

Blessed Litha and Blessed Be!

~ltlwitch~

 

[Guest]

Lady RainMaker,
I found this site and I thought it might give you some more ideas.

http://www.ritualhut.com/f~summ.htm

 

[IrishWolfhound]

"Here is a rather formal ritual for Lamas if you are intrested.... "

I didn't know those furry critters had rituals. And I think it's spelled llama.

And the ancient celts didn't keep llamas, I'm fairly sure. But if morgy plans on having llama rides at this party, I'll be happy to help. I like llamas.

Of course, I will be busy, sitting naked on her lawn looking like a celtic buddah. And so everyone knows, its not the belly you rub for luck on celtic buddahs.

 

[ltlwitch]

"Here is a rather formal ritual for Lamas if you are intrested.... "

I didn't know those furry critters had rituals. And I think it's spelled llama.

LOL

Too funny!

If you were serious though, its also called Lughnassad. Named for the Celtic solar God Lugh. The Catholics changed it Lammas "loaf mass" after the loaves of bread that were traditionaly baked and eaten for this festival. I don't think they had any llama's in thier bread either

~ltlwitch~

 

[RudeNastyAssBitch]

Merry Meet!

Three Years Ago I Had An Earthlink For My Daughter On The Solstice!

The Husband Was Happy To Have Gotten The Placenta Outta Our Freezer LOL

Litha, Lughnasad And Beltane Are My Favorites Must Be The Fire Aspect Of It! LOL

Go And Grab A Copy Of, "The Spiral Dance" By An Author Named Starhawk! It Was My First And Favorite Plunge Into The Beauty Of The Ancient Religion!

Love & Light,
RNAB

 

[ltlwitch]

Re: Merry Meet!

Litha, Lughnasad And Beltane Are My Favorites Must Be The Fire Aspect Of It! LOL

Love & Light,
RNAB

Don't forget about Yule and Imbolc !

Fire fire everywhere!!!!

I love it too

BB~
ltl

 

[RudeNastyAssBitch]

Wonderful Times They ALL Are!

But The Others Are In The Winter

I Like The Warmer Times Of The Year Best!

I Live In Canada Where We Recieve All The Seasons

Skyclad In A Toronto Winter?

I Think NOT! LOL

 

[ltlwitch]

Brrr!

THat would be TOO cold!!

 

[ltlwitch]

time to get out that wool cloak! and lots and lots of dancing LOL

 

[Silverluna]

the key thing to remember....

Do something you are comfortable with...if it's dancing naked....then so be it...just if you're a newbie like me....do what you are comfy with...I usually just meditate...or something...what day of the week is the solstice? If its friday...ill be with my LARP friends....heheh....vampires and wicca ...LoL oh the possibilities...if its a wednesday...that's another night i have free from the confines of summer class...

Chances are i will look up a spell to help reduce stress or something....or maybe one for time management? (lol!!)


What is the point of my post:
~Remember , always do what you feel is proper....
regardless of what others say is proper.
~Take time away from the crowd, if you are in a crowd, and just feel things.
~Enjoy yourself!

*Grin* Blessed Be!
silverluna

 

[MorgaineLaFay]

Thanks Everyone

 

[IrishWolfhound]

Always a pleasure to post on your threads, my lady of storms.

(Will you really have llama rides? I like llamas. They have those great big sweet eyes.)

 

[MorgaineLaFay]

Always a pleasure to post on your threads, my lady of storms.

(Will you really have llama rides? I like llamas. They have those great big sweet eyes.)

For you, we'll have llama rides.

I made it rain yesterday

 

[freakygirl]

For you, we'll have llama rides.

I made it rain yesterday

You gave me one hell of a good laugh by making it rain when you did.

Mr Freaky had just gotten the lawn mower out back to the worst part of the lawn.. Sudden downpour and he was soaked before he could get back into the house.


Thanks

 

[MorgaineLaFay]

*chuckling*

I swear I did! Okay so we DO live in the wettest state, I was at work, I was memorizing this chant in my head. I kept saying it over & over. Pretty soon this huge dark cloud hovered over downtown. The clouds kept growing for hours. And then the rain came.

I had this silly grin on my face all day.

 

[IrishWolfhound]

For you, we'll have llama rides.

I made it rain yesterday

Way cool. I knew I loved you for a reason. Llamas & rain.

With that combo I'll bring my own 12 y/o Jameson to drink & I'll be the very mellow naked celtic buddah on your lawn.

 

[MorgaineLaFay]

I'll take that naked celtic buddah and raise you a naked rain goddess.

 

[IrishWolfhound]

I'll take that naked celtic buddah and raise you a naked rain goddess.

And seeing the naked rain goddess will most certainly raise the lucky part of the celtic buddah.

 

[weed]

What wonderful responses here.

My idea would be to set up an altar on a rock or log where those who like can leave something for the moon that night. Perhaps a flower or some tobacco, a special stone or whittled wood, or for some a personal item such as an earring or scarf tjat can be picked up at the end of the night. Each offering should be left with thanks to the moon (or any higher power) for the glory of the night.

Smudging with sage or lavender can be a great way to invite folks into the spirit of things. Smudgesticks can usually bought be at health food stores but just some loose herb in a stoneware pot or shell can be smoldered and shared, the smoke cleansing to the spirit.

 

[MorgaineLaFay]

What a wonderful idea! Thank you so much. I am gathering quite the collection for my party.

 

[Summery]

My lil Rain Maker...

I think you need to have Summery over for Summer Solstice.
I have a few interesting rituals...

*chuckling*