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One of the Lesser Sabbats, also known as Midsummer or the Summer Solstice. It is
the longest day of the year when the Sun is at its zenith, and consequently the shortest night. The Sun reaches its peak,
and we enjoy the warmth of the longest day of the year. In times past, sacred fires were built on hilltops. People danced
ceremonially around the fire for luck and protection. Burning herbs were taken from the flames and used to bless the livestock.
Burning herbs in sacred fires at Midsummer is a tradition that is still carried on today. It is also a festival of community
sharing and planetary service, and as such it is an ideal time to make a pledge to Mother Earth of something that you will
do to improve the environment or the welfare our fellow creatures -- human or animal -- and then begin carrying it out. In
many Wiccan traditions, Midsummer symbolizes the end of the reign of the waxing year's Oak-King, who is now replaced by the
Holly-King of the waning year (who rules until Winter Solstice). The Goddess is viewed as pregnant from her union with the
God at Beltane. The child she carries is a reincarnation of the God, who will be born again at Yule.
Correspondences
Moon
Dyad Moon, Lovers Moon, and Mead Moon
Symbols
Fire,
Sun Wheels, Faeries
Colors
White, Red, Gold, Green, Blue and Tan
Gods/Goddess
all Father
Gods and Mother Goddesses, Pregnant Goddesses and Sun Deities
Traditional Foods
Fresh vegetables of all
kinds and fresh fruits such as lemons and oranges. Other standard fare may be pumpernickel bread as well as Summer squash
and any yellow or orange colored foods. Flaming foods are also appropriate. Traditional drinks are ale, mead, and fresh fruit
juice of any kind.
Gemstones
Emerald, Jade, Lapis Lazuli
Herbs and Growths
Mugwort, Vervain,
Rose, Honeysuckle, Lily, Lavender, Ivy, Yarrow, Fern,Elder, Wild Thyme, Daisy, Carnation.
Incense
Lemon,
Honeysuckle, Lavender, Rose, Wisteria.
Woods Burned
Oak
Magical Affiliations associated with Litha
Creativity, God Energy, Power,
Psychic Attainment and Love.
Focus of Litha
On this day, the
noon of the year and the longest day, light and life are abundant. We focus outward, experiencing the joys of plenty, tasting
the first fruits of the season.
Midsummer Ritual Mead
2 1/2gallons water
1 cup
meadowsweet herb
1-cup woodruff sprigs
1-cup heather flowers
3 cloves
1 cup honey
1/4cup brown sugar
1 cup
barley malt
1 oz brewer’s yeast
Pour the water into a large cauldron or kettle. Bring to a boil and add the meadowsweet herb,
woodruff sprigs, heather flowers, and cloves. Boil for one hour and then add the honey, brown sugar, and barley malt. Stir
thirteen times in a clockwise direction, and then remove from heat.
Strain through cheesecloth and allow the mead to
cool to room temperature. Stir in the brewer’s yeast. Cover with a clean towel and let it stand for one day and one
night. Strain again, bottle, and then store in a cool place until ready to serve.
Midsummer Ritual Mead is an ideal
drink to serve at Summer Solstice Sabbats, as well as during all Cakes and Ale Ceremonies and Esbats.
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