Summer Solstice

[Sparky]

Since the beginning of summer is almost upon us, i wanted to know who celebrates the Summer Solstice and how they go about doing so. I really would like to celebrate the Solstices and Equinox myself, but i am clueless as to how.

[Sephrenia]

I'm kinda new to this too, but I realy like the ritual in Rae Beth's 'Hedge Witch'. Since the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, and afterwards the year wanes, we have to align ourselves with the change. She suggests that we find within ourselves a quest, like the Sun God's, concerned with self-exploration and inner development. Think about what brings you fulfilment and what direction you may wish to take in the next half of the year to bring about that fulfilment.

Also, twin bonfires are symbolic of the two sides to the Sun God - His outer power and His inner power - and ergo the two phases of the year, so you could have a good blaze, dance around, drink to your hero/ine's quest!! It's always great dancing round bonfires!

[Aequitas]

C'mon everyone knows how to celebrate! ;)

Dont let yourself get too caught up with symbolism, pomp, ceremony, what to eat/what not to eat, which author says which sympathetic ritual works with which solstice, et cetera. Gather up people closest to you and party like there's no tomorrow. That is the point of Litha. :)

[WitchJezebel]

C'mon everyone knows how to celebrate! ;)

Dont let yourself get too caught up with symbolism, pomp, ceremony, what to eat/what not to eat, which author says which sympathetic ritual works with which solstice, et cetera. Gather up people closest to you and party like there's no tomorrow. That is the point of Litha. :)

sounds good to me!!

[Rain Gnosis]

psst. also see the "Similar Threads" listed below.

[WillowSageheart]

If you want to do a group thing, you can go to witchvox.com and see if there are any public celebrations in your area. That's what I do for most these days. There is a Unitarian church near me, and different types of groups hold different celebrations. Its usually a lot of fun, plus you get a chance to observe different rituals.

[Jenne]

I totally agree, and have done before, that getting a group of friends together and just celebrating is a good way to go. Also, joining public/group rituals in your area is also a very special way to commemorate the turn of the wheel.

I also like to do personal rits and ceremonies, things that communicate from me to the Goddess and to the Earth that I recognize the wealth and bounty that is given to me and I appreciate it. I also like to include elements from that Season to recognize the change in temperature, foliage, etc. It's just a way to make it personal. I think that is the key in *any* ritual--that you make it part of you and from you. One o the main reasons I love this path is for that very reason--you can make it as personalized as you want.

You can either look up online at various websites what is seasonally appropriate, or you can just look around you, see what you can see, and use that. You see a fallen branch, break it up and use it to decorate your altar. You notice pistachios are on sale at the market, buy a few and use them as an offering. Etc. Bonfires at the beach are always fun--that's what a couple of friends of mine and I did last year--and the symbolism is great! And there's just something so energizing about a great huge fire!

Whatever you do, I think just recognizing the Sabbat in your own way that pleases you is the best route you can take. Save the stressing over details for your mundane life, lol! :spinner:

Just my two cents!

[zakzekezedd]

I actually had to celebrate this morning at sunrise..(tomorrow is a wash trust me)...As long as whatever you do comes from your heart, and makes you feel good then it's the best thing, even if it's only a candle and some incense and a thank-you prayer. And yes, the cats have truly enjoyed the flowers ::)..

[Epona44]

At the low point on my parent's land there is a spring fed pool, and I light floating candles and place them in the water. I bring offerings of herbs and sit quietly by the pool until the candles sputter out.

It's a time to rejoice in the coming of summer, the waning of spring, and the growth of the crops. Because this is the longest day, from now on the nights will grow longer.

When the last candle is gone, I pull them out and take them away with me.

That's my way.

[WillowSageheart]

Epona, that sounds like an absolutely wonderful way. I think if there was somewhere like that down here, I'd be there every chance I got. Light one for me. *smile*

[AmbivalentMirage]

I did a small, solitary ritual. Although I'm a member of an online coven, we had nothing planned... so I persued a ritual on my own. You can find it: here (http://www.xanga.com/contentlatest.asp?user=jewitchery&nextdate=06%2F21%2F2003&cal=1&tab=events&fid=0&bflag=z) in my new online book of shadows which is almost empty right now. ;) :D