Your Daily Love Horoscopes for Tuesday, June 21st

General Horoscope

We are finally graced with a day of integration on this first full day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Our focus turns to home and family for emotional security during the Sun’s month-long visit to the sign of the hard-shelled Crab. Retreating from the outer world gives us plenty time to nurture ourselves and those we love. Although a lunar connection with jovial Jupiter brings joy, an afternoon Moon-Pluto hookup agitates our passions.

Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

You wish you could recapture your lost innocence, but yesterday’s lofty ideas have transformed into today’s heavy workload. It’s not that you’re overwhelmed with all the logistics; in fact, you’re eager to get started. It’s just that you grow increasingly pragmatic about the limitations of your time as the day wears on. Instead of adhering to your I-can-do-everything attitude, set yourself up for success by adjusting your goals to align with reality.

Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20

You’re riding a wave of productive energy now, yet it’s up to you to make the most of the momentum. You might be able to breeze through the day without breaking a sweat, but kicking back is not a wise use of the current cosmic conditions. Instead of waiting until a crisis motivates you to take action, set ambitious goals and make a sincere commitment to reach them. Going the extra mile today determines your future success.

Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20

You lighthearted Twins are known to be champions at avoiding discussions about difficult issues. You can make it look like you’re diving into the topic, only to smoothly waltz around the edge of an emotional abyss. However, you’re driven to dig deeper today in order to process intense feelings that are impeding your progress. Sometimes you need to head directly into the center of the storm in order to reach your destination.

Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22

People won’t be able to push you around today just because they have good intentions. Friends might claim that they are trying to help you, even if you believe they’re overstepping your boundaries. You may need to be very firm when you tell others to back off. There’s no need to be afraid of an intense encounter now, especially since it’s your right to make decisions for yourself. As author Anne Lamott wrote, “No. is a complete sentence.”

Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22

There is little room for negotiation today when it comes to managing your schedule. You know what you need to do at work to finish your assignments and you’re not in the mood to waste time with anyone who stands in your way now. Use every potential distraction as fuel to hone your concentration. Remember the words of Winston Churchill who said, “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.”

Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22

You possess the power to create great change today, yet it’s up to you to decide where to focus your energy. Your actions impact others in a profound manner, especially if you are actively involved in a social cause. You seem to be a magnet for positive transformation, even in the realm of personal relationships. However, you will be more effective now if you widen your perspective and work for the good of many rather than your own individual interests. John F. Kennedy said, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22

Your sense of loyalty to your parents or siblings can create stress if your social life pulls you in a different direction. The proverb, “blood is thicker than water” holds special meaning for you today. Even in the midst of disagreement, family relationships have more weight than those with friends and coworkers. Although you might be pushed to make a decision, in the final analysis there’s really no conflict. When you are guided by your moral compass all the little things fall into place.

Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21

Your unwavering integrity is like a bright light that shines on those who know you well. Your closest friends appreciate how seriously you listen to their problems and the wisdom you share with them. Although you may often be a rock of stability in someone else’s life, sometimes you’re the one who needs a shoulder to lean on. Psychologist Bren Brown says, “What makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful.” Don’t hold back from those you love; show your strength by revealing your truth, even if you’re not perfect.

Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21

You may be unusually cautious around others today, revealing your feelings only on a need-to-know basis. However, your personal values give you a stronger sense of purpose now that can be inspirational to your peers. Rather than carefully skirting around a discussion of your core beliefs, bring them out into the open for everyone to examine. Whether or not someone shares your perspective, they will respect your actions even more once they see that they are aligned with your heart.

Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19

You’re not a pushover just because your actions can appear so magnanimous now. You are willing to go the extra mile to help someone in need until your motives are brought into question. But it’s unlikely that anyone would pick a fight with you today because your body language is clearly saying, “Don’t mess with me.” Nevertheless, refrain from overreacting because your need to protect your heart could inadvertently precipitate the very same conflict you wish to avoid. There are no winners when egos engage in battle.

Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18

You’re not interested in meaningless social encounters today; you would prefer to withdraw from the crowd and focus on your goals. In fact, you might see other people as potential distractions now rather than possible partners. You have plenty to accomplish and believe you’re better off doing it alone, whether it’s true or not. As long as you don’t hurt anyone’s feelings, a bit of solitude is good for your soul.

Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20

Your friends have your back today and may bail you out in ways that you don’t expect. Thankfully, it’s unlikely you will even need to ask for help now; it just seems to magically arrive out of the blue in the nick of time. Nevertheless, it’s not a good idea to idly stand around waiting for assistance from the universe. You are much more likely to get lucky if you work hard and answer the door when opportunity knocks.

Part of the Daily Insight Group

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, June 21st

Aries

It can be difficult these days for you to build up momentum, dear Aries, with your ruler, Mars, still retrograde. In just over a week’s time, Mars will turn direct and you’ll begin to see more progress. Ideally, you’ll return to projects and plans with renewed confidence. Although what’s around the corner may not be clear for you right now, try your best to put your faith in the unknown. Today brings responsible and ambitious energy nevertheless, and this helps you to focus on current priorities. It’s a good day for feeling you’ve accomplished something worthwhile.

Taurus

While life is about slowing down in many ways these days, dear Taurus, today’s energies especially favor social interaction. You can most certainly keep it light, but it’s a good idea to mingle and share. This is a fine time for all things educational, as well as for publishing and travel matters. The chance to expand your world is with you now, and you can feel very confident about finding ways to enlarge your scope. You’re willing to offer advice and to speak about personal plans and goals, even if they are not entirely clear, as you enjoy the feedback you receive from others, which tends to jumpstart your own thinking processes. This is also a potentially good day for personal appeal and romantic endeavors.

Gemini

While there is a general feeling that life’s little problems are dissipating, dear Gemini, responsibilities tend to surface for you today. Taking them well is just one of the many things that make you shine right now, however, and you may very well enjoy a small challenge or mystery today. You are certainly capable and competent, and you have the chance to prove it, minus the pressure to perform. Superficial interactions are likely to feel especially unappealing now – you are craving more intimacy and depth in your experiences. Family and personal matters tend to fare well today.

Cancer

Your bigger focus of the day is to help foster a sense of balance and peace with others and in your personal environment, dear Cancer. As you aim to please, the trick is to maintain a strong sense of identity while you
attend to the needs of others. This way, you are immune to resentment when imbalances do emerge. True equality is what should be aimed for now, so if the thought “I am doing it for you” arises, you know you’re heading in the wrong direction. There is good energy for teaming up, communicating, and getting to the core of a matter. You’ll feel better being “in the know” as recent uncertainty has been burdensome.

Leo

Your appetite for material comforts increases today, but so does your desire to bring in more money, dear Leo. As long as you can find a healthy balance between these two drives, you will come out ahead. Your confidence in your ability to attract what you want into your life is strong, and your ability to
put your emotions aside in order to make decisions is probably the key to success right now. With much emphasis on the privacy and endings sector of your solar chart, you are in a period that requires you to slow down, tie up loose ends, and practice patience.

Virgo

Your energy levels improve today, dear Virgo, largely due to increased motivation and ambition. You tend to assert yourself and act independently now, but not in an offensive way or in a manner that creates resistance in others, making it easier than usual to achieve what you set out to do. Creating something and sharing it with others is a satisfying way of expressing yourself with the Moon stimulating the area of your chart that rules your creations all day. This is a time for honoring your “inner child”, and your ease with expressing this part of you can inspire positive feedback. Romantic feelings can also be stirred now, more than usual.

Libra

You may be able to put some of the “outstanding” issues of your personal life to rest, or at least tie up some loose ends, dear Libra. There is greater focus and ambition with you today. You are coming across as especially credible right now. Even if a good part of you would prefer to keep a low profile today, and this is a strong tendency with the Moon in the lowest part of your solar chart today and tomorrow, others tend to notice what you’re doing, and the feedback is generally and thankfully positive. Today’s energies are strong for feeling rooted and secure. Support comes from behind the scenes.

Scorpio

Good advice can be exchanged today, dear Scorpio. Working together with others in a team yields the best results for the time being, and you are the natural leader. It’s a good time for earning respect. You don’t need to ask for it – your manner commands it! You’re inclined to keep yourself especially busy today. You’re curious, engaged, and alert. However, you also tend to go a little overboard. Think about problems to the point that it increases your understanding, and then consciously let go if you begin to obsess. While Mars is still retrograde in your sign and you may not be certain about some projects and plans, this is a fine day for research and effort.

Sagittarius

You have certainly been learning to rely on yourself with Saturn in your sign, dear Sagittarius, and sometimes the lessons involved can be on the difficult side. However, these days you’re finding more need for companionship, even if relations are not always easy. Today, the hectic pace of your schedule is beginning to slow. As your load lightens, so does your mood, and this changes everything! Even so, it’s also a good day for practical matters. Irksome things are no longer bigger than life to you – you are not letting the small problems get to you. This is a good time for income, gifts, and money matters in general.

Capricorn

With the Moon in your sign all day, dear Capricorn, you may be moody, but if you handle this blast of personal energy well, you can find yourself filled with new ideas and hope. You can also be filling up with conviction and ambition as the Moon aligns with power-conscious Pluto and harmonizes with faithful Jupiter. You believe in yourself and your endeavors now. You’re inclined to want to do your own thing today. Going out of your comfort zone just a little can ultimately train you to put faith in yourself and the world around you. Small doses work best as you grow to trust that you’re perfectly capable of handling uncertain situations.

Aquarius

While seeing the big picture is always helpful, a bit of tunnel vision at the right time can truly push something forward, dear Aquarius. It’s a good day for focusing on what it is you truly want and working out the finer details that ensure things work well. Today and tomorrow, with the Moon traversing your privacy sector, you’re likely in the background or working behind the scenes in some manner. This helps take some of the extra outside pressures off. Your own desire to meet challenges, however, is another story! You are more ambitious and interested in bettering yourself, so that pressures experienced today tend to be your own, although quite enjoyable and useful.

Pisces

The day’s energies favor careful planning rather than spontaneous moves, dear Pisces, but this doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. In fact, you can be quite inspired now. While it may not be your typical approach, you might want to allow yourself extra time to absorb all the details. Be attentive and focused, and you will learn important information. Team work fares well, although you can also take care of a lot of business with a partner. This can be a good day for business matters and your reputation or status in general.

The Balance of the Signs & Elements for Tuesday, June 21st

CANCER STRONG
Nurturing, protective, tenacious, emotional sensitive, watery, strong roots. Can be overly protective, unwilling to let go, timid, reclusive.
CAPRICORN STRONG
Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.

BALANCE OF ELEMENTS

FIRE WEAK
We are not very goal-oriented right now, or motivation to pursue our goals may be waning/lacking. Changes feel overwhelming. Enthusiasm may be low, we argue less, and we think more than we take action.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
WATER STRONG
We are more compassionate, emotional, and intuitive than usual, and we may react emotionally to situations, possibly at the expense of logic or practicality.

BALANCE OF MODES

CARDINAL STRONG
We are ready to take action and to take on challenges, and can become frustrated with stagnant conditions.
FIXED WEAK
We may be open to change but may not have much follow-through.

LUNAR PHASE: FULL MOON
Moon 180 to 135 degrees behind the Sun.
We are concerned mainly with the nature of relationships and are made aware of recent imbalances. Something can come to fruition. Our concern is not limited to personal relationships, but relationships of all kinds. Our cards are on the table.

Astrology of Today – June 21, 2016

Summary:

The Moon is in Capricorn all day (until Wednesday, June 22nd, at 4:08 PM).
The Moon is waning and in its Full Moon phase.
A Full Moon occurred yesterday, and a Last Quarter Moon will occur on June 27th.
Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from April 17-June 29).
The Sun spends its first full day in Cancer (the Sun transits Cancer from June 20-July 22).

Current Moon Phase for June 21 is Waning Gibbous

June 21
Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 99%

The Moon today is in a Waning Gibbous Phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with a illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9am and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning. During this phase the Moon can also be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon.

PHASE DETAILS FOR – TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 99%
Moon Age: 15.76 days
Moon Angle: 0.51
Moon Distance: 391,080.32 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 152,042,332.83 km

MoonGiant.com

Calendar of the Moon for Tuesday, June 21st

Calendar of the Moon

Oak Tree Month

Color: Black
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a black cloth place the vase of oak branches, a hammer, a metal lightning bolt, a sun symbol with the rune Sigil upon it, and a Green Man with an oak-leaf face.
Offerings: Give thanks for personal victories.
Daily Meal: Serve salad with each meal, arranged in the circular pattern of the Green Man.

Duir Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the Sun’s height.
Response: Now is the time when the leaves reach to the heavens.
Call: Now is the time when the Oak King spread his arms.
Response: Now is the time when we reach with him for the Sun.
Call: Now is the time when we return to the ancient grove of the Druids.
Response: Now is the time when we witness the Sun’s sacrifice.
Call: Now is the time when we go forth in glory.
Response: Now is the time of the turning of the year.
Call: Hail to the wren, soul of the Oak King!
Response: Hail to the sky, crown of the Oak King!
Call: Hail to the Earth, bed of the Oak King!
Response: Hail to the Sun, lover of the Oak King!
Call: Hail to the guardians of the door!
Response: May they guard us well, O oaken beams!
Call: We have no need to guard ourselves….
Response: For the Gods will guard us.
Call: We have no need to hide behind bolted doors….
Response: For now is the time to be open to the Sun!
Call: Like the Green Man, we speak through the oak!
Response: Like the Green Man, our voice is the strength of the earth!
Call: Like the Oak King, we do not fear the lightning!
Response: Like the Oak King, we will accept all repercussions!
Call: We have no shame for our actions….
Response: For all that we do, we do from a place of worthiness.
Call: For all that we do, we do from a place of honor.
Response: For all that we do, we do from a place of love.

Chant:
By my body I be earth
By my spirit I be fire
Call the lightning to my heart
Bring my soul what I desire

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for Tuesday, June 21

Calendar of the Sun
21 Lithemonath

Day of the Crab: Beginning of Cancer

Colors: Silver and grey
Element: Water
Altar: Set a cloth of grey and silver, and a silver crescent moon, shells, a vessel of salt water, a cup of milk, cakes shaped like the moon on a silver tray, and the figure of a crab.
Offerings: Food, which should then be donated to the poor and hungry.
Daily Meal: Shellfish. Milk and dairy products, from any animal, especially foaming milkshakes. Moon-shaped cookies. Soft white food such as rice, tapioca, or mashed potato. Oatmeal. All food should be cooked, none raw save the milk.

Invocation to Cancer

Child of the changing Moon,
Dweller between earth and sea,
Dancer of the ebb and flow,
Mother whose breasts flow with life,
Loving fountain of karuna,
Whose gift is Feeling,
Bless us with the ability
To know our own hearts,
And to gather our loved ones
About our hearth
In love and safety.
By the power of kin and tribe,
You challenge us
To build each other a safe home,
And help each other to work through
The scars and heartaches of our childhoods.
May we all go forth in sanctuary.

Chant:
Luna Luna Selene Mater

(Let three who have been chosen to work for the ritual come forward. The first bears the cup of milk, and says, “Taste nurturing, and remember you were born from a woman’s womb.” Each drinks. The second bears the tray of cakes, and says, “Taste nurturing, and be full and fed.” Each eats a cake. The third bears the cup of salt water, and says, “Taste nurturing, and remember that to love is to someday let go, and drink tears.” Each drinks. The remainder is given as libation to Cancer and the Moon.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

The Pagan Book of Days for Tuesday, June 21st

Summer Solstice Midsummer, Litha, Alban Hefin, Seventh Station of the Year/All Heras/Islamic New Year

Midsummer, Druidic festival of Alban Hefin, Anglo-Saxon Litha, is the longest day and seventh station of the year, the time of sanctification. At Stonehenge, the heelstone marks the midsummer sunrise as seen from the center of the stone circle. Since time immemorial, people have acknowledged the rising sum of midsummer. This is also the Day of all Heras in the women’s mysteries. Heras are women who have achieved full spirual communion with the Great Goddess.

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

Tuesday, June 21

Tuesday is dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified in Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, Tuisco and Tyr. Tuesday rules controlled power, energy and endurance.

Deity: Tiwaz

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Planet: Mars

Tree: Holly

Herb: Plantain

Stone: Agate

Animal: Crab

Element: Fire

Color: White

Number: 2

Rune: Tyr (T)

Celtic Tree Month of Duir(Oak) – June 10 – July 7. Oak month is a time for protection and strength, fertility, money and success, and good fortune.

Runic Half-Month of Dag(day) – June 14 – June 28

Goddess of the Month of Rosea – June 13 – July 10

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

A Very Beautiful & Blessed Tuesday To All of Our Precious Family & Friends of the WOTC!

I AM A WITCH

I am many things,
I am a Daughter, a Lover,
and a Friend.
I am a Teacher, a Student,,
and a Woman.
I am many things,
Wear many costumes,
And act in many ways.
Yet beneath each mask ,
I wear, I am a Witch.

I am a Priestess,
I follow the Path,
I follow the Old Tradition,
I follow the Ways of the Wise ,
Ones. I seek to know the God,
I seek to know the Goddess,
I seek to know myself.
I am a Witch.

Though I may only dress up,
For eight sabbats a year,
And thirteen esbats in turn,
I am always a Witch.
Though I may not always,
dress in black,
Or leave my hair wild and free,
I am still a Witch.

I do not worship Satan,
I’ve never even met him,
Yet many see me as evil,
And magick as a sin.
I do what comes natural,
What the Gods have ,
taught me,
And although it does not,
conform,
I am still a Witch.

The Goddess shows me,
beauty,
The God has shown me ,
life, And Earth, and Air,
And Fire, and Water,
Teach me what is right.
And Spirit in its mystic ways,
Teaches me about myself.
That I am a Witch.

—-By: Lady Amhranai

101 Essential Oil Uses – Spa and Relaxation

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Essential oil benefits come from their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These healing oils are rapidly growing in popularity because they act as natural medicine without any side effects. Ready to harness the power of the world’s most proven therapeutic compounds? In this list, Dr. Axe talks about 101 ways to use these amazing essential oils.

For Spa and Relaxation

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Subscribe to our seasonal newsletter for more essential oil tips, product coupons, and discussion!

Till tomorrow, my sweets…..

Summer Solstice Magic

Deities of Litha

Gods and Goddesses of the Summer Solstice

The summer solstice has long been a time when cultures celebrated the lengthening year. It is on this day, sometimes called Litha, that there is more daylight than any other time; a direct counterpoint to the darkness of Yule. No matter where you live, or what you call it, chances are you can connect to a culture that honored a sun deity around this time of year. Here are just a few of the gods and goddesses from around the world that are connected with the summer solstice.

Amaterasu (Shinto): This solar goddess is the sister of the moon deity and the storm god of Japan, and is known as the goddess “from which all light comes”. She is much loved by her worshippers, and treats them with warmth and compassion. Every year in July, she is celebrated in the streets of Japan.
Aten (Egypt): This god was at one point an aspect of Ra, but rather than being depicted as an anthropomorphic being (like most of the other ancient Egyptian gods), Aten was represented by the disc of the sun, with rays of light emanating outward
Apollo (Greek): The son of Zeus by Leto, Apollo was a multi-faceted god. In addition to being the god of the sun, he also presided over music, medicine and healing. He was at one point identified with Helios. As worship of him spread throughout the Roman empire into the British Isles, he took on many of the aspects of the Celtic deities, and was seen as a god of the sun and of healing.
Hestia (Greek): This goddess watched over domesticity and the family. She was given the first offering at any sacrifice made in the home. On a public level, the local town hall served as a shrine for her — any time a new settlement was formed, a flame from the public hearth was taken to the new village from the old one.
Horus (Egyptian): Horus was one of the solar deities of the ancient Egyptians. He rose and set every day, and is often associated with Nut, the sky god. Horus later became connected with another sun god, Ra.
Huitzilopochtli (Aztec): This warrior god of the ancient Aztecs was a sun god and the patron of the city of Tenochtitlan. He battled with Nanahuatzin, an earlier solar god. Huitzilopochtli fought against darkness, and required his worshipers to make regular sacrifices to ensure the sun’s survival over the next fifty-two years, which is a significant number in Mesoamerican myths.
Juno (Roman): She is also called Juno Luna and blesses women with the privilege of menstruation. The month of June was named for her, and because Juno was the patroness of marriage, her month remains an ever-popular time for weddings and handfasting.
Lugh (Celtic): Similar to the Roman god Mercury, Lugh was known as a god of both skill and the distribution of talent. He is sometimes associated with midsummer because of his role as a harvest god, and during the summer solstice the crops are flourishing, waiting to be plucked from the ground at Lughnasadh.
Sulis Minerva (Celtic, Roman): When the Romans occupied the British Isles, they took the aspects of the Celtic sun goddess, Sulis, and blended her with their own goddess of wisdom, Minerva. The resulting combination was Sulis Minerva, who watched over the hot springs and sacred waters in the town of Bath.
Sunna or Sol (Germanic): Little is known about this Norse goddess of the sun, but she appears in the poetic eddas as the sister of the moon god.

Author

Patti Wigington,Paganism/Wicca Expert

Article originally published on & owned by About.com

The Fairy Ring

Setting Up Your Litha Altar

It’s Litha, and that means the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Midsummer is the time when we can celebrate the growing of crops, and take heart in knowing that the seeds we planted in the spring are now in full bloom. It’s a time of celebrating the sun, and spending as much time as you can outdoors. Try to set up your Midsummer altar outside if at all possible. If you can’t, that’s okay — but try to find a spot near a window where the sun will shine in and brighten your altar setup with its rays.

Colors of the Season

This sabbat is all about the sun celebration, so think of solar colors. Yellows, oranges, fiery reds and golds are all appropriate this time of year. Use candles in bright sunny colors, or cover your altar with cloths that represent the solar aspect of the season.

Solar Symbols

Litha is when the sun is at its highest point above us. In some traditions, the sun rolls across the sky like a great wheel – consider using pinwheels or some other disc to represent the sun.

Circles and discs are the most basic sun symbol of all, and are seen as far back as the tombs of ancient Egypt. Use equal-armed crosses, such as the Brighid’s Cross, or even the swastika – remember, it was originally a good luck symbol to both the Hindus and Scandinavians before it became associated with the Nazis.

A Time of Light and Dark

The solstice is also a time seen as a battle between light and dark. Although the sun is strong now, in just six months the days will be short again. Much like the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King, light and dark must battle for supremacy. At this sabbat, darkness wins, and the days will begin to grow shorter once more. Decorate your altar with symbols of the triumph of darkness over light – and that includes using other opposites, such as fire and water, night and day, etc.

Other Symbols of Litha

Midsummer flowers, fruits and vegetables from your garden
Gods Eyes in sunny colors
Sunflowers, roses
Oak trees and acorns
Sandalwood, saffron, frankincense, laurel

Author

Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert

Article originally published on & owned by About.com

Pagan Holidays: Litha

Midsummer Night’s Fire Ritual

The Summer Solstice, known to some as Litha, Midsummer, or Alban Heruin, is the longest day of the year. It’s the time when the sun is most powerful, and new life has begun to grow within the earth. After today, the nights will once more begin to grow longer, and the sun will move further away in the sky.

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, consecrate a space, or call the quarters, now is the time to do so. This ritual is a great one to perform outside, so if you have the opportunity to do this without scaring the neighbors, take advantage of it.

Begin this ritual by preparing the wood for a fire, without lighting it yet. While the ideal situation would have you setting a huge bonfire alight, realistically not everyone can do that. If you’re limited, use a table top brazier or fire-safe pot, and light your fire there instead.

Say either to yourself or out loud:

Today, to celebrate Midsummer, I honor the Earth itself. I am surrounded by tall trees. There is a clear sky above me and cool dirt beneath me, and I am connected to all three. I light this fire as the Ancients did so long ago.

At this point, start your fire. Say:

The Wheel of the Year has turned once more
The light has grown for six long months
Until today.

Today is Litha, called Alban Heruin by my ancestors.
A time for celebration.
Tomorrow the light will begin to fade
As the Wheel of the Year
Turns on and ever on.

Turn to the East, and say:

From the east comes the wind,
Cool and clear.
It brings new seeds to the garden
Bees to the pollen
And birds to the trees.

Turn to Face South, and say:

The sun rises high in the summer sky
And lights our way even into the night
Today the sun casts three rays
The light of fire upon the land, the sea, and the heavens

Turn to face West, saying:

From the west, the mist rolls in
Bringing rain and fog
The life-giving water without which
We would cease to be.

Finally, turn to the North, and say:

Beneath my feet is the Earth,
Soil dark and fertile
The womb in which life begins
And will later die, then return anew.

Build up the fire even more, so that you have a good strong blaze going.

If you wish to make an offering to the gods, now is the time to do it. For this sample, we’re including the use of a triple goddess in the invocation, but this is where you should substitute the names of the deities of your personal tradition.

Say:

Alban Heruin is a time of rededication
To the gods. The triple goddess watches over me.
She is known by many names.
She is the Morrighan, Brighid, and Cerridwen.
She is the washer at the ford,
She is the guardian of the hearth,
She is the one who stirs the cauldron of inspiration.

I give honor to You, O mighty ones,
By all your names, known and unknown.
Bless me with Your wisdom
And give life and abundance to me
As the sun gives life and abundance to the Earth.

I make this offering to you
To show my allegiance
To show my honor
To show my dedication
To You.

Cast your offering into fire. Conclude the ritual by saying:

Today, at Litha, I celebrate the life
And love of the gods
And of the Earth and Sun.

Take a few moments to reflect upon what you have offered, and what the gifts of the gods mean to you. When you are ready, if you have cast a circle, dismantle it or dismiss the quarters at this time. Allow your fire to go out on its own.

Author

Patti Wigington,Paganism/Wicca Expert

Article originally published on & owned by About.com

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