Summer Solstice
June 20-22 (in Northern hemisphere)
But the short night is still chock full of magick! Tradition teaches us that herbs gathered for magic or healing on Midsummer Night's Eve are at their most potent. Fairies are more likely to be viewed that night as they come forth on their revels. Even Shakespeare knew these legends, and incorporated them into his play, "A Midsummer Night's Eve."
The Sun is at it's peak on the Solstice at high noon. Rituals held at that time honor the Horned God or Sun God at his peak of glory. With days of fiery glory, and nights of fey magic, Midsummer has an energy all it's own.
* Kindle fire in some primitive fashion at high noon on Solstice Day. Whether with flint and steel, a friction bow, or using a lens (magnifying glass), allow the Sun or some sheer muscle power to kindle some tinder and transfer the Sun's fire to a candle wick. Choose a 7-day candle in a bright orange or yellow, and carry the flame over into rituals that night and beyond. The Sun's power, captured in that candle, can be reserved and rekindled throughout the dark seasons.
* Sew up Sun charms from yellow or orange fabric, embroider them with solar crosses or sun faces (or yellow smilies!). Stuff them with solar-aligned herbs and lay the charms in the sunlight to charge them, or on the altar if it's cloudy that day.
* Bake sugar cookies, tinted with yellow or orange food coloring to offer as Cakes on the altar. The heat generated by the baking process is aligned with the Sun's fiery force. Decorate them with inscribed rays shooting out from the center, or with bright icing.
* Brew sun tea!
