The Summer Solstice

From the moment of summer solstice, (also referred to as Midsummer and Litha) the Sun immediately begins to wane. It is at this point that the journey into the harvest season begins. This Sabbat deals with the stirrings of the waning year, preparing for the harvest, and honoring the Divine at the height of such power. It is at this time that the culmination of the year’s goals comes forth, transforming and manifesting within this realm. It is a time to reflect and acknowledge work accomplished in the first half of the year, while looking toward what must still be done in the time ahead.

A solstice is an astronomical event that occurs twice each year (in June and December). The day of the solstice is either the longest day of the year (summer solstice) or the shortest day of the year (winter solstice). The Summer Solstice occurs at the precise moment when the Sun’s power is at its zenith. It is the time of year when the noon sun appears to be farthest north from the celestial equator and to the naked eye the sun appears stationary in its northern and southern progression. “Solstice” is Latin for “sun stands still” (sol “sun” and sistere “to stand”). The summer solstice can occur anytime between June 20 and June 22, depending on which time zone you’re in, and may vary slightly each year. The varying dates of the solstice are mainly due to the calendar system – most western countries use the Gregorian calendar which has 365 days in a normal year and 366 days in a Leap Year.

Although Midsummer is originally a Pagan holiday, in Christianity, it is associated with the birth of John the Baptist, which is observed on the same day (and on June 24, in the Catholic, Orthodox and some Protestant churches). Midsummer’s Eve, a time traditionally reserved by Pagans to gather herbs for their potency in relation to the Solstice, is often referred to as St. John’s Eve or day for this reason.

As a solar festival, historically traditional activities were bonfires, fire wheels and lit torch processions. Such activities were used as sympathetic magick to encourage the power of the sun to promote fertility of crop fields and animals as well as protection for these in addition to homes and villages. People would jump the bonfire, and later spread the ashes on the fields as a blessing. In Celtic celebrations, wheels (symbolizing the Sun) were lit and rolled down hills often into wells and streams to enact the union and harmony of god and goddess; and to symbolize the waxing into waning year.

It is widely believed that the “veil” between the worlds is thin on this day making it easier for “the Fey” or Faerie Folk to be abound. This is a perfect time to give offerings to faeries and allies / energy beings who may help you or who share your environment to promote goodwill, and increase the harmony of your home. It is customary to leave offerings of food such as milk, honey, bread and herbs.

Because the sun energy infuses the whole of nature, and the veil between the worlds is thin, it is a potent time for gathering herbs / plants, to seek healing and practice divination.

Within many Wiccan sabbats a predominate concept of the Solar or Horned God is that of twin gods seen as one complete entity – the Holly King and Oak King- representing the waxing and waning half of the year. Each of the twin gods rule for half of a year,  then fights for the favor of the Goddess. The winner procreates with the Goddess – a union to continue the cycle of life. This union allows for the rebirth of the previously defeated God twin.

The solstice is considered a solar celebration honoring the God, however it notes in equal measure the Goddess, as this holiday centers on manifestations and transformations as the result of the union between light and dark, yin and yang.