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by Ariadne
Litha, the Summer Solstice, also known as Midsummer, is the high point of the sun. At no other time will it rise so far in the north or be so high at noon. Midsummer marks the onset of the Sun's dying strength; however, the season itself is one of abundance. Flowers and herbs are in full bloom, the days are long and the nights hot and dry.
This is a festival of both fire and water. The sun is blazing in full force, yet the sky fills with thunderclouds and flashes of lighting. The European traditions universally used bonfires and commonly water as well in their Midsummer celebrations. Wheels covered with straw were lit on fire and then rolled down hills to land in a pond or were cast into water straightaway. Wreaths of herbs were taken to the bonfires. The ashes of the wreaths were believed to bring fertile fields, protect from lightning and disburse negative energies.
Midsummer is ruled by the Mead Moon, which is also sometimes called the Honey Moon. This is the origin of the traditional notion that June (Midsummer) is a favorable time of year to get married. Many of today's modern wedding traditions spring from pagan roots. Wedding bands are symbolic of the magick circle; throwing the bouquet and the garter are believed to be pagan customs.
The Summer Solstice, the longest day, is a time of triumph for the light. This holiday represents the Sun King in all his glory. In many Wiccan celebrations, this is when the Holly King, who represents the waning year, triumphs over the Oak King, who represents the waxing year. The two are one: the Oak King is the growing youth while the Holly King is the mature man. In Celtic mythology, Midsummer is the time of year when the Young God retreats to the ever-turning Wheel of the State. These are the enchanted realms of the Goddess Arianrhod, where the God must wait and learn before being born again at Winter Solstice. Ariarhod means "silver wheel", and her palace, known as Caer Arianrhod, is the aurora borealis. She is the Goddess of the astral skies, and She rules over the God's temporary refuge of death as Goddess of Reincarnation. The Celtic bard, Taliesin, after undergoing certain periods of life study, finally entered Arianrhod's castle to learn the secrets of death.
This is the best day of the year to harvest your magick herbs, especially roses, St. John's Wort and vervain. This is the longest day of the year, and some of the most potent magick is accomplished on this day. It is a good time for magick relating to strength, clarity of purpose, increased energy and fertility.
Altar decorations include summer flowers, love amulets, seashells, aromatic potpourri, summer fruits. Altar candle colors are red and gold.
Traditional incense: frankincense, lemon, myrrh, pine, rose.
Herbs for Midsummer: chamomile, cinquefoil, elder, fennel, hemp. Larkspur, lavender, male fern, mugwort, pine, rose, St. Johns Wort, wild thyme, wisteria and verbena.
Gemstones: all green gemstones, especially emerald and jade.
Traditional foods for this Sabbat: Summer fruits and vegetables, especially red and yellow in color, pumpernickel bread, ale and mead. Hot, fiery foods are good too...like Mexican.
This is a great day for barbeques or going to the beach. Include water in your celebrations, especially if celebrating with children. Swimming, running through the lawn sprinkler, water balloon fights (with red and yellow balloons, of course). Consider floating candles on a pool or even in a basin of water.