Midsummer’s Correspondences
The magickal correspondences for Midsummer are simple and natural ones. Colors are gold and green— gold to celebrate the might of the sun and green to symbolize the leaves on the trees, all of nature, and the Faerie realm, which are all at their peak of influence and magickal power. Some eclectic magickal traditions may choose a celestial theme of deep blue and golden suns and stars. I like to think of those celestial decorations as symbols that represent the best influences of the moon, from the zodiac sign of Cancer, and the strength of the sun at the Solstice.
Also, just to keep things interesting, there is a watery theme to Midsummer as well. People did make journeys to sacred wells for cures at Midsummer. Wells, springs, and the life-giving summer rain are just as important to the crops and your own garden as the sunshine, so keep that in mind.
If you want to try something different for Midsummer, you could play up the beach/ water/ summer theme. I have seen a “magickal mermaid” ocean theme successfully used for Midsummer. It was hauntingly different, ethereal, and gorgeous— think of lots of starfish and sand dollars cleverly arranged on an altar, with iridescent seashells and blue beach glass scattered around the base of off-white candles and crystal-clear bowls of water. Again, these could be links to the zodiac sign of Cancer the crab. However, a beach-inspired Midsummer celebration sounds enchanting, doesn’t it? If you live along the ocean or coast, I imagine that this would be gorgeous Midsummer altar décor and a distinctive theme for any ritual performed on a shore, beach, or in your own back yard.
Animals and insects that are traditionally linked to Midsummer festivals are creatures such as honeybees, eagles, hawks, goldfinches (a favored faerie bird), butterflies, dragonflies— oh, and don’t forget those lightning bugs!
Lightning bugs, or fireflies, have long been associated with the fae and the elemental kingdom. On soft nights in June the lightning bugs are out in force, putting on quite the show for children— and for any magickally minded, young-at-heart adults who care to watch.
Seasons of Witchery: Celebrating the Sabbats with the Garden Witch
Ellen Dugan
Witches Of The Craft® 