Litha, June 21st
SUMMER SOLSTICE
“God and Goddess are at the peak of their power and the Sun is at its highest point "
We can celebrate this time of year as a way of giving thanks to life and for the fruits of our labour that we have reaped the first 6 months of this year.
At this MAGICKAL midpoint of the Summer, the peak of the year, we can take time to reflect and celebrate together all we have called in and achieved this year so far. It is also Mother Earths cyclical pause where we can feel into what we wish to call in for the last six months of the year.
S Y M B O L I S M
Summer Solstice Marks the Midpoint
THE SUN is at its highest point, the peak before it descends and the Seasons evolve in Winter
Bonfires were lit to honour the GODDESS at her fullest and the Sun God at his most powerful. Many still stay up all night until Sunrise on this Midsummer’s Eve.
Oak Trees: the Druid bonfires would be lit with sacred wood, particularly oak,for Summer Solstice. The Celtic name for Oak is ‘Duir’ which means ‘doorway’ — we are crossing the threshold, entering the doorway into the second, waning part of the year
(from The Goddess and the Greenman website.)
Elderflower: Elderflower is peaking at Midsummer, so it’s a traditional favourite. The Elder is sacred to the Mother Goddess and is often called the Witch’s Tree, the Elder Mother, or Queen of the Trees. It is protective with wonderful healing properties. It aids transformation, change and renewal, and we are at a major turning point in the Wheel of the Year, so the gift of Elderflowers is welcome.
(from The Goddess and the Greenman website.)
R E C I P E S
SOLAR SUN TEA (Agua Fresca)
Get a big glass jar of SPRING WATER and infuse your favourite fruits, herbs or edible flowers. Allow to baske in the SUN absorbing and infusing for 2-4 hours and then put in your fridge to seal in all the flavours. Then when your ready to celebrate the SUMMER SOLSTICE you can add ice cubes to your drinking glass, pour and enjoy!
Infusion ideas…
Pomegranate, dried hibiscus flowers & honey
Lemon Cucumber & Rosemary
Watermelon Lemon & Mint
Orange, Strawberries, Elderflower, Chamomile & Lemon
GRATITUDE PLATTER
A great way to celebrate the Solstice with Family and enjoy the Seasonal Fruits & Veggies on Midsummer’s Eve.
YOU CAN FILL YOUR PLATTER MEAD, FRUITS,SUCH AS STRAWBERRIES, APPLES, TOMATOES, PLUMS, FRESH LETTUCE LEAVES, SHALLOTS, FRESH HERBS, RAW RUNNER BEANS AND FRESH DIPS OF YOUR CHOICE. WITHIN A PLATTER WE CAN REPRESENT ALL THE GIFTS OF MOTHER EARTH THAT WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS.
EVERY DAY ASPECTS OF OUR LIFE ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO TEND TO THE ALTAR OF OUR LIFE,
And an opportunity to give thanks.
The Summer Solstice reminds this within us.
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L I T H A R I T U A L
Offering Plate
Leave an offering plate outside with some of the tasty snacks you enjoyed from the GRATITUDE PLATTER like Fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, seeds and anything you would like to offer to the birds, bees and your animal friends. The gift you give to them, you are also giving to the earth. When we remember them, we are remembering all of existence. Together we co-shape this earth in supporting each other, with these intentions we can all thrive.
As you place the plate on the earth, your garden or windowsill…
Give Thanks to the Four Directions
(below is an invocation you can recite, or if you wish you can create your own)
The Wisdom of the North, honouring the element of Air
I give thanks and I am grateful for you
The Illumination of the East, the element of Fire
I give thanks and I am grateful for you
The Innocence of the South, honouring the element of Water
I give thanks and I am grateful for you
The Insight of the West, honouring the element of Earth
I give thanks and I am grateful for you
Thank you Thank you Thank you
To the Web of life you have Co-shaped and Created
And so it is..
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You can infuse this plate with a prayer of gratitude or…
