Summer Celebration Time!!!
Welcome June
The month of June is the sixth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar and has 30 days. It is the second of four months to have a length of 30 days and the third of five months to have a length of less than 31 days.
June is considered to be the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year, occurs during the month of June. This happens when the sun is at its highest point in the sky and the days are at their longest.
June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, who is the goddess of marriage and childbirth. The name “June” comes from the Latin “Junius,” which is derived from “Juno.”
There are several important events and holidays that take place during the month of June. Some of these include Father’s Day, which is a day to celebrate and honor fathers, and Pride Month, which is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
June is also a popular month for weddings, as the weather is often warm and pleasant. Many couples choose to get married in June due to the beautiful weather and the abundance of flowers in bloom.
In terms of weather, the month of June can vary greatly depending on location. In the Northern Hemisphere, temperatures during the month of June can range from the mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 18-20 degrees Celsius) to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 29-32 degrees Celsius). In the Southern Hemisphere, temperatures during the month of June can range from the mid-40s Fahrenheit (around 7-9 degrees Celsius) to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 18-20 degrees Celsius).
Overall, the month of June is a time of warmth, celebration, and new beginnings. It is a time to honor and celebrate the important people in our lives and to embrace the start of summer.
Correspondences
Moon Phases: New Moon- June 4, First Quarter – June 10, Full Moon – June 22, Las Quarter – June 28
Zodiac: Gemini and Cancer
Elements: Air and Water
Herbs: Cinnamon, Foxglove, mistletoe, mugwort, rosemary, St John’s wort, vervain, yarrow
Colors: Gold, Green, Orange, red, White, Yellow
Flowers: Chamomile, Daisy, Lavender, Meadowsweet, Rose
Crystals: Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, Emeral, Jade, Peridot, Tiger Eye
Oils: Cinnamon, Lavender Lemon, peppermint, pine, sandalwood, spearment
Symbolism: Balance, Growth , Abundance
Sabbat: Litha June 21
Midsummer Solstice
Litha
Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice and Midsummer, is a pagan holiday that celebrates the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. It falls on June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and December 21st in the Southern Hemisphere.
Litha has its roots in Celtic paganism, and it was a time for honoring the sun and the power it held over the earth. The Celts believed that the sun was a powerful force that could bring life and growth, and they would celebrate Litha as a way of giving thanks for the warmth and light it provided.
There are many ways to celebrate Litha, and it can be a deeply personal and meaningful experience for those who observe it. Some common ways to celebrate include:
- Spending time outdoors: Litha is a time to embrace the warmth and light of the sun, so it’s a great opportunity to spend time outdoors. You could go for a hike, have a picnic, or just sit in the sun and soak up its warmth.
- Honoring the sun: Many people choose to honor the sun on Litha by creating sun-themed decorations or rituals. This could include making sun catchers or placing sunflowers around your home. You could also light candles or incense to symbolize the sun’s warmth and light.
- Celebrating nature: Litha is also a time to celebrate the natural world and all the abundance it brings. This could mean planting a garden, going for a nature walk, or simply enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
- Holding a bonfire: Bonfires are a traditional part of Litha celebrations, and they can be a great way to honor the sun and bring people together. You could gather with friends and family around a bonfire, sing songs, and tell stories.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Litha, it’s a time to embrace the power of the sun and the natural world, and to give thanks for the abundance and growth it brings.
Summer solstice salsa
Salsa is extremely easy to make an you can vary the ingredients to suit your tastes. It’s as simple, you might want to make one mild and one that is hot to reflect the heat of the Summer sun. The fresher the tomatoes, the better the sophomore taste.
Ingredients:
426 large tomatoes (for a really colorful salsa, use some red tomatoes and some yellow and orange ones as well)
One small sweet onion or red onion chopped fine
One small cucumber, chopped fine and is optional
1 to 2 cloves of garlic mashed and chopped fine
1 small hot pepper
Once 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley or cilantro (cilantro is traditional, however if you do not know the likes of everyone you may want to use parsley as cilantro can have a soapy or bitter taste).
Salt pepper to taste
Peaches optional
Tortilla chips or homemade flatbread
Midsummer is a time for herb crafting. Herbs gathered during midsummer are supposed to be at their most powerful, both for medicinal and magickal purposes. Here is a variation of the traditional forms of herm crafting.
Love Sachet
This is a simple love sachet to draw love into your life. When you create it, you can concentrate on the kind of love you want, but try not to limit yourself to anyone specific person or idea.
After all, you never know what the universe might send you if you leave the door wide open.
Materials you will need:
– A square piece of natural fiber cloth, measuring 3″ by 3″
– Ribbon
– Rose petals
– Lavender flowers
– A small piece of coal from a midsummer bonfire (for extra power)
– A gemstone of your choice, such as rose quartz or malachite
Instructions:
1. Find a quiet and peaceful space where you can focus on creating your love sachet. It’s best to do this with a positive mindset and intentions.
2. Begin by holding the square piece of cloth in your hands. Take a moment to connect with your intentions for love, envisioning the type of love you wish to attract into your life. Visualize this love surrounding you with warmth and positivity.
3. Place the rose petals and lavender flowers in the center of the cloth. These flowers are associated with love and harmony, and their fragrance can help enhance the energy of your sachet.
4. Next, take the piece of coal and place it on top of the flowers. The coal symbolizes the fire of passion and desire, adding an extra boost of energy to your sachet. Remember to handle the coal with care, as it can be messy.
5. Now, gently pick up the corners of the cloth and bring them together, creating a little pouch with the ingredients inside. Take a moment to ensure everything is securely enclosed within the cloth.
6. Once you have the pouch shape, tie it with the ribbon. This ribbon not only adds a decorative touch but also acts as a seal to keep the energies of love contained within the sachet.
7. Finally, take the gemstone of your choice (rose quartz or malachite) and place it on top of the tied ribbon. These gemstones are known for their associations with love and for attracting positive emotions.
8. You can carry this love sachet with you wherever you go, placing it in a pocket, bag, or even under your pillow. Remember to keep your intentions clear and positive, allowing the energy of the love sachet to resonate with your desires.
By creating and carrying this love sachet, you are opening yourself up to the energies of love and attracting positive connections into your life. May it bring you joy, happiness, and the love you seek!
Please note that the effectiveness of such rituals may vary, and it’s important to approach them with an open mind and realistic expectations.
Wooden Wand
Midsummer is the perfect time to make yourself the simple magical wand. You can use any types of wood associated with the summer solstice such as oak, birch, hazel or rowan. Â Apple, ash elder, maple and willow are also good. This is not the time to make a fancy or complicated want what you want is something that captures the elemental and energy Litha. If possible try to go out at or before dawn on the day of Midsummer.
Find a piece of wood, about the length of your forearm, or from the tip of your middle finger to your elbow. It should appeal to you both visually and spiritually, and feel right in your hand. You can use the peace that has already fallen from the tree. If you must cut a piece of wood off a living tree, ask the trees permission, say thank you and once you have done it bury a small gift at the foot of the tree.
If the piece of wood still has bark on it you can either choose to leave it or peel it off with care and then polish it lately with sandpaper. The wood may be shaped with a knife or left as is. If you wish, you can carve or draw a few simple symbols onto the wood, such as a son, a spiral, a snake, or some other son or fire symbol. Be sure to consecrate your wand once you have finished.
Midsummer Llewellyn’s Essentials
