Day 6
The truth can be known in an instant— simply be silent enough to hear it, silent enough to see.
365 Days of Meditations on the Goddess
Mata Enzer
Category: Articles
Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days A Year for June 18th
June 18th
Lily Festival
The ancient Shinto festival of the Cleansing Lily originated from the need to dispel early summer downpours that would invariably lead to flooding. The lily stalks were gathered at dawn by seven maidens wearing white robes. The stalks were taken to local shrines for blessing. The flowers stayed in these temples overnight, during which time they were prayed over by the priests. Early the next morning, a procession led by the maidens walked through the town’s streets, waving the lilies to attract moisture-free weather.
Litha Legends and Lore
Litha Legends and Lore
Myths and Mysteries of the Midsummer Solstice
Litha, or Midsummer, is a celebration that has been observed for centuries, in one form or another. It is no surprise, then, that there are plenty of myths and legends associated with this time of year!
- In England, rural villagers built a big bonfire on Midsummer’s Eve. This was called “setting the watch,” and it was known that the fire would keep evil spirits out of the town. Some farmers would light a fire on their land, and people would wander about, holding torches and lanterns, from one bonfire to another. If you jumped over a bonfire — presumably without lighting your pants on fire — you were guaranteed to have good luck for the coming year.
- After your Litha fire has burned out and the ashes gone cold, use them to make a protective amulet. You can do this by carrying them in a small pouch, or kneading them into some soft clay and forming a talisman. In some traditions of Wicca, it is believed that the Midsummer ashes will protect you from misfortune. You can also sow the ashes from your bonfire into your garden, and your crops will be bountiful for the rest of the summer growing season
- It is believed in parts of England that if you stay up all night on Midsummer’s Eve, sitting in the middle of a stone circle, you will see the Fae. But be careful – carry a bit of rue in your pocket to keep them from harassing you, or turn your jacket inside out to confuse them. If you have to escape the Fae, follow a ley line, and it will lead you to safety.
- Residents of some areas of Ireland say that if you have something you wish to happen, you “give it to the pebble.” Carry a stone in your hand as you circle the Litha bonfire, and whisper your request to the stone — “heal my mother” or “help me be more courageous”, for example. After your third turn around the fire, toss the stone into the flames.
- Astrologically, the sun is entering Cancer, which is a water sign. Midsummer is not only a time of fire magic, but of water as well. Now is a good time to work magic involving sacred streams and holy wells. If you visit one, be sure to go just before sunrise on Litha, and approach the water from the east, with the rising sun. Circle the well or spring three times, walking deosil, and then make an offering of silver coins or pins.
- Sunwheels were used to celebrate Midsummer in some early Pagan cultures. A wheel — or sometimes a really big ball of straw — was lit on fire and rolled down a hill into a river. The burned remnants were taken to the local temple and put on display. In Wales, it was believed that if the fire went out before the wheel hit the water, a good crop was guaranteed for the season.
- In Egypt, the Midsummer season was associated with the flooding of the Nile River delta. In South America, paper boats are filled with flowers, and then set on fire. They are then sailed down the river, carrying prayers to the gods. In some traditions of modern Paganism, you can get rid of problems by writing them on a piece of paper and dropping them into a moving body of water on Litha.
- William Shakespeare associated Midsummer with witchcraft in at least three of his plays. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, and The Tempest all contain references to magic on the night of the summer solstice.
Author
Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com
Invocation to Hecate
Invocation to Hecate
Cauldrons, three keys and black dogs that bay at the moon
Grant me wisdom and strength, pray hear this Witch’s tune
Goddess of the crossroads, Hecate, I call on you
Come lend your magick to mine; my need is strong and true.
Note: Remember to thank Hecate for her time and attention when you are finished with your witchery.
Source
Book of Witchery
Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan
Litha Prayer to the Sun
Litha is the season of the summer solstice, and the longest day of the year. This means that the very next day, the nights will begin getting longer incrementally as we move towards Yule, the winter solstice. Celebrate the sun while there’s time, and let its warm energy and powerful rays envelope you.
Litha Prayer to the Sun
The sun is high above us
shining down upon the land and sea,
making things grow and bloom.
Great and powerful sun,
we honor you this day
and thank you for your gifts.
Ra, Helios, Sol Invictus, Aten, Svarog,
you are known by many names.
You are the light over the crops,
the heat that warms the earth,
the hope that springs eternal,
the bringer of life.
We welcome you, and we honor you this day,
celebrating your light,
as we begin our journey once more
into the darkness.
Author
Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com
A Prayer for the Beach
The beach is a magical place, indeed. If you’re lucky enough to visit one this summer, remember that it’s a spot where all four of the elements converge: the water of the ocean crashes upon the shore. The sand is warm and dry beneath your feet. The wind blows in off the coast, and the fire of the sun blazes down upon you. It’s sort of a combo platter of all sorts of magical goodness, right there waiting for you.
Why not take advantage of it? Try to find a secluded spot where you can be alone for a few moments, and offer up this prayer to the waves.
A Prayer for the Beach
O mother ocean, welcome me in your arms,
bathe me in your waves,
and keep me safe
so that I may return to land once more.
Your tides move with the pull of the moon,
as do my own cycles.
I am drawn to you,
and honor you under the sun’s fiery gaze.
Author
Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com
A Garden Prayer for Litha
A Garden Prayer for Litha
If you’re planting a garden this year, you may already have plants in the ground by the time Litha rolls around. Don’t worry, you can still offer up this prayer to help them flourish! Go out to your garden on a sunny day, stand barefoot in the soil, and feel the magical energy of the earth. If you’re a container gardener, that’s okay, place your hands around each pot as you say this prayer to bless your flowers, fruit, and vegetables!
Small plants, leaves and buds,
growing in the soil.
O fiery sun, may your rays of
light and warmth
bless us with abundance,
and allow these plants to blossom
with life.
Author
Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com
Saturday Is Ruled By Saturn
Saturday Is Ruled By Saturn
This day of the week got it’s name from the god of karma and time, Saturn. This day is obviously associated with the planet Saturn and is our last day of the week. Traditionally Saturdays are great days for protection, banishing a negative situation, and generally a good time to clean up any magical messes that you have been ignoring. Some suggestions for Saturday enchantments would include:
Wearing the colors of the day, black and deep purple. Here’s your perfect excuse to be dramatic and witchy. Empower these dramatic pieces of your wardrobe for protection and strength.
Burning black candles to absorb negativity and burning purple ones to increase your magical wisdom and boost your spirituality
Adding a touch of garden witchery to your Saturday spells by working with the pansy (in black or purple of course), the morning glory flowering vine, or the cypress tree.
Carrying an obsidian, hematite, or jet tumbled stone in your pocket to reinforce your personal protection and to ward off bad vibes and sour feelings. You can also add these crystals to a candle spell on a Saturday night to really increase the punch of your spellcasting.
Cleaning your house and cleansing it while you are at it. Tap into those obstacle-removing vibes and the positive, concluding energies.
Closing up the final day of the bewitching week with a bang by calling on Hecate for protection and guidance.
Summer Lucky Days
Summer Lucky Days
by Patricia Telesco
July lucky days: 3, 12, 15, 18, 21, 31…
July is the month of prosperity, resolution to difficult situations, and legal successes. As the Sun warms the air, let it warm your heart; if necessary, ask the universe for insight. Focus on these dates when planning authorized activities, magic for financial stability, or to bring peace and accord.
August lucky days: 6, 11, 14, 18, 24, 30…
Release worries and burdens to a Summer wind and let them move away! These are excellent days for contemplation, peacefulness, and meditation in natural settings. Reclaim your center and be at rest.
September lucky days: 1, 8, 16, 17, 25, 27…
A month of changeable weather and joyous adventures. These are the best days to consider travel, puttering around the home, a picnic with loved ones, or asking for a promotion. The Sun is slowly starting to wane, so our outdoor pleasures should be filled to overflowing.
(The above “Summer Lucky Days” is quoted directly from Llewellyn’s 1994 Magical Almanac, page 170, Llewellyn Worldwide Publications, 1993.)
Summer
Summer
by Marian Lore Singer
Standing midst the Circle
I look at faces —
all searching for that special spark
that sense of connection
which spans all words
and worlds.
We come together
to know the same magic
that moved the great stones
birthed the dragons
and touched even the stars
with its mighty song.
Together,
to sense the power
rising within us
like the glory of a summer sun
until we too sing
its timeless ballad.
Together,
until our souls dance hand in hand
with the Lady of Light
and Lord of the Fires
Rejoicing.
(The above “Summer” poem is quoted directly from Llewellyn’s 1994 Magical Almanac, page 169, Llewellyn Worldwide Publications, 1993.)
The Witches Almanac for Saturday, June 18th
The Witches Almanac for Saturday, June 18th
Saturday (Saturn): Longevity, exorcism, endings, homes, and houses.
Independence Day (Egyptian)
Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.
Moon Phase: Second Quarter
Moon Sign: Sagittarius
Sagittarius: Encourages flights of imagination and confidence. This is an adventurous, philosophical, and athletic Moon Sign. Favors expansion and growth.
Incense: Ivy
Color: Black
Summer Invocation
Summer Invocation
by Trish Telesco
Fireflies and summer sun
in circles round
we become as one.
Singing songs at magick’s hour
we bring the winds
and timeless powers.
Turning inward, hand in hand
we dance the hearth
to heal the land.
Standing silent, beneath the sky
we catch the fire
from out God’s eye.
Swaying breathless, beside the sea
we call the Goddess
so mote it be!
(This can be used as a chant, part of a spiral dance, or to invoke quarters.)
Saturday’s Witchery
Saturday’s Witchery
Saturday is a day filled with opportunities to clean up and clear out. So if you are wondering why Hecate is assigned to this day, take another look at what she symbolizes and the magick that is associated with her. That should answer the question.
Hecate was the oldest form of the Greek Triple Goddess, as she presided over heaven, the underworld, and earth. Crossroads where three roads met were especially sacred to Hecate, earning her the title of Hekate of the Three Ways. It’s interesting to note that even after the worship of other goddesses waned, ancient people still worshiped Hecate as the Queen of the Underworld and the Guardian of the Three-Way Crossroad. It was also believed that if you left her an offering of food there, she would grant you her favors. As Hecate Trivia, her triple images were often displayed at these crossroads, where she was petitioned on the full moon for positive magick and on the dark of the moon for cursing and dark magick.
While this last bit of information sounds a little ominous, keep in mind that Hecate/Hekate was known by many titles and is a shapeshifter. Her appearance could and did change often. As a dark moon goddess, her faces are many. To some she may appear as a old crone, hunched over a smoking cauldron and draped in a midnight cape. To others she may appear as a dark beautiful, mysterious, and mature woman wearing a shimmering crown. To some she may be perceived as a maiden priestess. She was called the “most lovely one,” the Great Goddess of Nature, and the Queen of the World of Spirits. This dark goddess knows her way around the earth and the underworld. All the powers of nature, life, and death are at her command.
Source
Book of Witchery
Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan
Midsummer
Midsummer
by JT
Midsummer —
Longest day
Shortest night
Longest light
Shortest dark
The world within
Echoes the world without
Lush foliage, leaves unfurled
Soft springy grass dotted with
Brightly colored flowers peeping through
The earth is green and bright
With warm sunny days
Clear velvety blue skies
Gentle cool breezes
Nature in glory
Our hopes blossom
Creativity flowers
With the season
The seeds of the fruit
Our desires will bear
Can be seen
On the stems
Of our dreams
Saturday
Saturday
The planetary correspondence for Saturday is Saturn. Matters dealing with the public, farming, family ties, legal matters (such as wills and estates), taking care of debts, dealing with lawyers, financing, joint money matters, real estate, older people, banishing or binding negativity, and getting rid of bad habits all fall under the charge of Saturn. It’s easy to see why “Saturday’s child works hard for his living.”
Saturday’s angels are Cassiel, Machatan, Uriel, and Orifiel. Cassiel is the angel of solitudes and tears. He is one of the rulers of the planet Saturn and occasionally appears as the angel of patience. Cassiel links himself to dragon energy. Regarding Machatan, the only information we get is that he works well with Cassiel and is also a power of Saturn. Orifiel is an angel of the wilderness, a ruler of the second hour of the day, and also associated with Saturn.
On Saturday, the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Saturn, and that makes these times of the day doubly blessed. These four hours are the strongest four hours for conducting ritual. Check the local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.
Source
Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice
by Rhiannon Cotter
Summer Solstice, the longest day, represents a turning point from Spring to Summer during which the Sun God directs the ripening and blossoming of the grain and fruit. Here in the heat of the Summer, the crops are transformed as are our actions, thoughts and plans. All things are tempered by the heat of the Sun. Blossoming and ripening of our works are manifested, or they shrivel and die in the heat. All the while, sexual energy is growing. The Sun God impregnates the Earth Goddess in a sweet “petit mort”—as the cup is to the Goddess, so too is the athame to the God.
Goddesses Associated with Saturdays
Goddesses Associated with Saturdays
Ops, Rhea, Tellus Mater, Gaia, Eartha, Ge, Tonantzin, Ashera, Anath, the Shekinah, the Matronit, Mary, Gula, Herodias, Oddudua, Demeter
The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein
Midsummer Incense#2
Midsummer Incense#2
Recipes by Scott Cunningham
3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Benzoin
1 part Dragon’s Blood
1 part Thyme
1 part Rosemary
1 pinch Vervain
a few drops Red Wine
(The above recipe for “Midsummer Incense” is quoted directly from Scott Cunningham’s book “The Complete Book of Incenses, Oils & Brews”, page 80, Llewellyn Publications, 1989/1992.)
The Goddess Book of Days for Saturday, June 18th
The Goddess Book of Days for Saturday, June 18th
The Roman Day of Anna, who is also Anu, Danu, Don, Aine, The Three Fates (Lachesis, Clotho, Atropos), the Morrigan (Ana, Badb, Macha), the Noms, Fortuna, Agnes, Yngona, Anahit, the Erinyes or Eumenides, Befana, and Anna Perenna. In India, Jagannath Ratha Yatra for the God Jagannath or Vishnu. (Attis, Adonis, Tammuz, Damuzi, Heme, Pan, Cernunnos.)
The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein
Midsummer Incense #1
Midsummer Incense
Recipes by Scott Cunningham
Midsummer Incense #1:
2 parts Sandalwood
1 part Mugwort
1 part Chamomile
1 part Gardenia petals
a few drops Rose oil
a few drops Lavender oil
a few drops Yarrow oil
Burn at Wiccan rituals at the Summer Solstice (circa June 21st) or at that time to attune with the seasons and the Sun.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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