Midsummer
By Rev. Valera "Doe Eyes" Childers
Most people around the world celebrate or, at the very least, acknowledge Midsummer in some way. This holiday has been known by several names, including Vestalia in ancient Rome, Litha, All Couple’s Day in Greece, Gathering Day in Wales and the Feast of Epona in ancient Gaul.
This year Midsummer falls on June 21st and marks the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of the year. Even though the hottest days of the year are still ahead, the Sun will begin setting a little bit earlier each day and we enter the waning of the year. Now is when the Sun is at the height of its power.
Midsummer is when the Goddess and the Earth are heavy with pregnancy. The Goddess holds within her the God and the Earth is pregnant with the coming season’s bounty. The cattle and other animals are getting ready to give birth as well. But even though all of this promise is all around, we still know that there is a need for fertility rituals. Mothers and animals sometimes miscarry, the Earth is susceptible to weather changes and we focus on the nurturing of new born life.
Motherhood is not the only thing we think about during this Sabbat. The Sun God is in his glory now and at the peak of his power. We celebrate his coming fatherhood. Because of this, many make protection amulets the week before this holiday and charge them on Midsummer. Others bury their old amulets and replace them with new ones.
There are many different rituals we can do to celebrate this special time of year, but whatever we do, we know that it is time to start thinking about the coming colder seasons, time to start looking ahead to the future. We also know that it is important to enjoy the season and all that it has to offer us. May your Midsummer be full of hope for the future, overflowing with opportunity and comfortable in the knowledge that everything has its own season.
Valera is an owner and a Priestess of The Village Witch. To learn more about her click here.