Creating Circles and Ceremonies: Rituals for All ... - reading...

Book III: W heel of the Year 211
3. Litha: Summer Solstice
Introduction: Litha
By Oberon Zell-Ravenheart & She’ D’Montford
Litha (LITH-ah), also called Midsummer or Summer Solstice, occurs around June 21. Litha is
the name of a Saxon Grain Goddess corresponding to Greek Demeter or Roman Ceres, and her
festival is one of joy, abundance, and play. Called Alban Hefin by the Celts, Midsummer was
Christianized as St. John’s Day. Druids believed that snakes come together on the Solstice night
to create the glain, or “Druid’s egg”—said to confer great magickal powers to its possessor.
Many of the ancient stone monoliths are aligned to the Summer Solstice.
Several Native American tribes mark Summer Solstice with seasonal rites and rituals,
such as the Sundance, performed by the Sioux tribe. The Natchez honor the sun, from whom
they believe they are descended, with the festival of first fruits. No one is allowed to touch
the first ears of corn until after the ceremony. The Hopi also celebrate the Solstice, with
masked dancers in colorful costumes representing the kachinas, spirits of rain and fertility.
Midsummer’s Eve represented the apex of the God’s life. Variously called the Oak King,
Jack-in-the-Green, or Pan—with the lower torso, cloven hooves, and horns of a satyr—he
was the archetypal Wild Man of the wood, and the King of the fairies. Following their King
on a romp through the countryside made this night second only to Halloween in its importance
to the Wee Folk, who especially enjoyed playing tricks on a fine summer’s night. If you
wished to see Fairy folk , this was (and is) the best night to do it. You only had to rub fern
seed onto your eyelids at the stroke of midnight. Carrying a bit of rue in your pocket or wearing
your jacket inside out can protect you from spiteful Fairies. If you can’t do that, and you must
travel on Midsummer’s Eve, you must stay on the old straight ley lines until you get to your
destination—otherwise you may be lead astray by the Fairy folk and get lost forever.
On this longest day of the year, picnicking, swimming, and water play are customary, as
are bonfires and fireworks lit after sundown to provide light to the revellers and to ward off
mischievous Fairy folk. Cakes are shared, in which one piece contains a bean or other marker;
the one who gets it is considered “dedicated” and required to jump the flames three times.
Throughout Europe lovers clasp hands or toss flowers to each other across the bonfire, or
leap through it together before disappearing into the woods and fields (“searching for the
Midsummer grass”) to make love under the stars. This celebration is specifically in honor of
the great Earth Mother who nourishes us with her bounty from her ever-flowing cauldron,
but we may also honor the Sun Father at this time. Litha is a festival for families, marriage
partners, and children. The rituals commonly celebrate the marriages of the gods, so this is
the best time for marriages, and also a time for future visions and Fairy favors.
At Annwfn & Raven Haven
Annwfn is part of a much larger 5,600-acre homesteading community known as Greenfield
Ranch. From the community’s founding in 1972, Summer Solstice has always been the biggest
party of the year, with swimming, pot-luck feasting, live bands, and entertainment. We have lots
of water games in the big ranch pond: watermelon races, water ballet, rope swinging, and jumping
into the water from high in the overhanging trees. A great Circle is held to spread a magickal
umbrella of invisibility and protection over the entire land. Fireworks light up the night, with
drumming and dancing around the great bonfire.
For eleven years (1985-1996), Morning Glory and I lived beside the Rushing River, and we
used to celebrate Litha with a big skinny-dipping beach party and pot-luck barbeque. Some of