Summer Solstice

Today, on Summer Solstice also known as Mean Samhraidh, Midsummer and Litha, the sun is at its zenith, thus marking the longest day of the year. The Celtic people celebrated this day four thousand years ago by gathering at Stonehenge and honoring the height of power of the Sun.

I intend a magnifi-scented summer solstice for each of you. Take a moment to acknowledge this time by creating a
small ritual in tune with your lifestyle.

Rituals, festivities and gatherings for this high holiday began on Wednesday and extend to the New Moon on June 25th.



Yesterday, in acknowledgment of Midsummer, I had an opportunity to harvest Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea for steam distillation.
During the gathering we paused to walk a Lavender Labyrinth. The labyrinth is a path helpful in facilitating clarity and transformation. Walking the lavender labyrinth with the intoxicating scent and the hum of bees was magical. The labyrinth is associated with the pilgrimage of enlightenment, it is a form of meditation, quieting the mind and facilitating a connection with the divine. Similar to the associations with the holy grail.


According to Yasmin Galenorn the affirmation for this day is:
"I attract love and faery magic to my life."

Iconography of solar worship includes:
The Sun
The Sidhe
Fey faery folk
Goddesses: Tatiana, Rhiannon and Epona the Horse Goddess
The Cornucopia of fruits
Elder, Sambucus nigra: leaf, flower and berry
Fire
Mars and Jupiter
Gold
Salamanders, and their ruler Notus or Djin
Tarot suit of wands
Colors red and orange
Stone: Moonstone
Flower: Rose
Fruit: Peach
Direction: South
Animals: Swan, Bulls, Stags and Horses

What iconography will you use?

I read that the Celtics would honor the Oak and adorn it with garlands of flowers. Our property has three Coastal live oaks, Quercus agrifolia and two Quercus lobata. Each of these will be honored this day, as well as the seven we are defending on the lot next to us.

Many different essences are associated with the Summer Solstice, however the two that seem to be most appropriate are Calendula and Orange. Both of these exist in many forms to work with for creating a special anointing balm or oil. Be mindful, however, orange essential oil is photo-toxic and should be used in small amounts.