Excerpts from Breeding Devils in Chaos: The United Rite
The time around the longest day of the year is a period for honoring the sun goddess Sunne as she rises in all her glory. The Old English word Litha means “calm.” June and July have some of the best weather in Britain. In Louisiana, we also know this is the beginning of hurricane season, a reminder that the Mother can be both pleasant and destructive.
Bonfires are traditionally lit throughout Britain at this time. In the Orkney, the fires are kindled with a mixture of peat and twigs. An animal bone is thrown in when they are lit—hence the term bon(e)fire. Each farmer takes a light from the fire to bless their farm.
Like other high festivals of the year, this is when the magical realms are closer to those of humans. The veil between our world and the Elfamme is again thinner at midsummer. The Feast of St. John is widely celebrated in Britain on June 24th. In New Orleans, St. John’s Eve, the evening of June 23rd, has traditionally been celebrated as a Voodoo holiday. The practice is said to date back to Marie Laveau. Sally Ann Glassman continues this tradition today and conducts a public ceremony near Bayou St. John each year.
Midsummer Rite
The full moon of June is sometimes called the faery moon in British Craft. Because of this, folks eschew iron items in the Midsummer circle. Instead of the cauldron, you may use a large pottery bowl. It should be filled with spring water. Similar to All Hallows and the spirits of the departed, the time around the summer solstice is when the spirits of the land, the genus loci, are thought to be close to hand. Surround the bowl and decorate the altar with summer flowers. On the altar, place the pine cone-tipped wand or a sturdy sprig of rosemary. Fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, and rosemary all make fitting decorations at this time. The candles should be yellow or gold. The altar cloth may be yellow or a summery shade enhanced by gold embellishments.
Form the circle in the usual way. After the coven enters, the Magister stands before the altar, wand or rosemary in his right hand, saying:
We call upon the divine spirits of the land by the ancient names — Michael, Balin, Arthur, Lugh, and Herne. We ask for your presence and guidance in this land once again. Illuminate the darkness with your powerful light and protect us with your shining spear. Bless us with abundant orchards, green fields, and ripening corn. Lead us to your hill of vision and show us the way to the beautiful realms of the gods.
The Magister draws the invoking pentagram over the water. He then places the tip of the wand into the water’s surface, saying:
Spirt to flesh, sun to earth.
The Server lifts the bowl and holds it before the magister. The coven then progresses before them. The Magister dips the wand or rosemary into the water and sprinkles it onto each member as they pass.
Follow with the libations.
Close the circle.