Midsummer Lore and Rite
Pronounciation: [self-explanatory]
Date: On or about June 21st
Other Names: Summer Solstice, Litha
This is the height of the God's power. The Goddess, no longer His Maiden Bride, now moves to the position of Mother-to-be, pregnant with the Divine Child. The crops are growing steadily, and there is more time for both rest and merriment now. As at Samhain, the Veil is thin here too, and so the mischief-making ways of the Fae are readily seen. The days are at their longest, and while that means there is more light for both work and play, it also means that there is only one way to go - down. Soon the night will swallow the day once more, and it is time to make the most of the light while we can.
MIDSUMMER RITUAL
Needed are a cauldron of water, a leafy crown, and an extra candle (green, if possible) for each participant. The cauldron should be placed in the South.
For a Solitary rite, have an extra empty candle holder ready.
Set the altar and cast the Circle as usual. Ignore the "P/S" speaking distinctions if this is done as a Solitary rite.
If this is a Group rite, the P should place the crown on the altar as the PS hands out candles.
P: THE LONGEST DAY AND SHORTEST NIGHT ARE UPON US AND THE GOD IS AT THE HEIGHT OF HIS POWER. HE REIGNS OVER THE STEADILY GROWING CROPS, AS THE PLANTING IS DONE AND THE WORK OF THE HARVEST IS STILL AHEAD.
If this is a Group rite, P and PS each light their candles from the God candle. All other participants should do likewise.
If this is a Solitary rite, light your own candle.
PS: DANCE NOW, AND CALL TO HIM BY HIS MANY NAMES, REJOICING IN HIS STRENGTH AND VIRILITY!
All dance and chant with their candles.
Listen here if you are unfamiliar with this chant; it shares the same tune.
ALL: PAN, HERNE, OSIRIS, PRIAPAS, BAAL, DIONYSUS, APOLLO, LUGH!
P will call “DOWN,” energy directed to candles.
PS: JUST AS WE HAVE OBSERVED THE DAYS GROW LONGER SINCE YULE, NOW WE SHALL SEE THEIR DECLINE, FOR NOTHING GOES UNCHANGED
If this is a Group rite, P picks up the crown, holding it in front of his face.
If this is a Solitary rite, simply hold the crown up.
P: COME FORTH NOW, AND CONFRONT THE GROWING DARKNESS! GAZE INTO THE CAULDRON’S DEPTHS THROUGH THE UNENDING CIRCLE OF LIFE. HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD WITHIN YOU, AND RECEIVE HIS GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE.
If this is a Group right, P hands crown to PS in exchange for her candle. PS silently scrys through the crown into the dark water. When she is finished, she takes back her candle and faces all as she blows it out. All participants (excepting the P) should then move deosil to scry, handing off their candle to the PS as they arrive, and returning the crown to the P as they finish. They too should blow out their candles once their scrying is complete. P is last to perform this rite.
If this is a Solitary rite, place your candle in the empty holder as you scry, then blow it out when you finish.
P: REMEMBER THE WORDS OF THE LORD, AND KEEP YOUR CANDLE AS A REMINDER OF DAY AS NIGHT BEGINS TO CONQUER. BLESSÈD BE!
ALL: BLESSÈD BE!
Now to Cakes and Wine.
Date: On or about June 21st
Other Names: Summer Solstice, Litha
This is the height of the God's power. The Goddess, no longer His Maiden Bride, now moves to the position of Mother-to-be, pregnant with the Divine Child. The crops are growing steadily, and there is more time for both rest and merriment now. As at Samhain, the Veil is thin here too, and so the mischief-making ways of the Fae are readily seen. The days are at their longest, and while that means there is more light for both work and play, it also means that there is only one way to go - down. Soon the night will swallow the day once more, and it is time to make the most of the light while we can.
MIDSUMMER RITUAL
Needed are a cauldron of water, a leafy crown, and an extra candle (green, if possible) for each participant. The cauldron should be placed in the South.
For a Solitary rite, have an extra empty candle holder ready.
Set the altar and cast the Circle as usual. Ignore the "P/S" speaking distinctions if this is done as a Solitary rite.
If this is a Group rite, the P should place the crown on the altar as the PS hands out candles.
P: THE LONGEST DAY AND SHORTEST NIGHT ARE UPON US AND THE GOD IS AT THE HEIGHT OF HIS POWER. HE REIGNS OVER THE STEADILY GROWING CROPS, AS THE PLANTING IS DONE AND THE WORK OF THE HARVEST IS STILL AHEAD.
If this is a Group rite, P and PS each light their candles from the God candle. All other participants should do likewise.
If this is a Solitary rite, light your own candle.
PS: DANCE NOW, AND CALL TO HIM BY HIS MANY NAMES, REJOICING IN HIS STRENGTH AND VIRILITY!
All dance and chant with their candles.
Listen here if you are unfamiliar with this chant; it shares the same tune.
ALL: PAN, HERNE, OSIRIS, PRIAPAS, BAAL, DIONYSUS, APOLLO, LUGH!
P will call “DOWN,” energy directed to candles.
PS: JUST AS WE HAVE OBSERVED THE DAYS GROW LONGER SINCE YULE, NOW WE SHALL SEE THEIR DECLINE, FOR NOTHING GOES UNCHANGED
If this is a Group rite, P picks up the crown, holding it in front of his face.
If this is a Solitary rite, simply hold the crown up.
P: COME FORTH NOW, AND CONFRONT THE GROWING DARKNESS! GAZE INTO THE CAULDRON’S DEPTHS THROUGH THE UNENDING CIRCLE OF LIFE. HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD WITHIN YOU, AND RECEIVE HIS GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE.
If this is a Group right, P hands crown to PS in exchange for her candle. PS silently scrys through the crown into the dark water. When she is finished, she takes back her candle and faces all as she blows it out. All participants (excepting the P) should then move deosil to scry, handing off their candle to the PS as they arrive, and returning the crown to the P as they finish. They too should blow out their candles once their scrying is complete. P is last to perform this rite.
If this is a Solitary rite, place your candle in the empty holder as you scry, then blow it out when you finish.
P: REMEMBER THE WORDS OF THE LORD, AND KEEP YOUR CANDLE AS A REMINDER OF DAY AS NIGHT BEGINS TO CONQUER. BLESSÈD BE!
ALL: BLESSÈD BE!
Now to Cakes and Wine.