Pagan Living Magazine MidSummer 2017 | Seite 18

S u m m e r S o l s t i c e R i t u a l cnn.com As the wheel turns again, we find ourselves at Summer Solstice – Litha. The sun is at the height of its power before beginning its slide into darkness, and we experience the longest day and shortest night of the year. It is important to note the separation of the light and dark halves of the year have nothing to do with good and evil. Light signifies growth and expansion; dark means withdrawal and rest: both equally necessary. While steamy Midsummer marks the beginning of the Sun’s dying strength, the season itself is very lush, erotic, and sexy. The Sun, The Flowers, and The Earth are in full bloom. Hot Midsummer creates a fiery, mature, breathless passion. The God is at the very height of his power as we hit Midsummer, at this point of the year the crops are coming along nicely. Although we walk many different paths, here is a basic Litha ritual which you can use and modify as needed. High Priest/Priestess: This is the longest day of the year, and today we call upon the Lord and Lady to awaken the sacred Dame within our souls to burn the days brightly ahead. CASTING THE CIRCLE: 1 st participant picks up the basket and says: We cast this circle by taking a flower from the basket. Take a flower and state: With the beauty of summer, we create our circle. Everyone takes a flower from the basket and repeats the statement: With this fragrant circle, we create a sacred space where the seen and the unseen join in the celebration. 2 nd participant says: In this place, this circle round. I consecrate the sacred ground. With golden light this space surround. All Power here contained and bound. 3 rd participant says: From earth, the things that manifest. From the air, the things of the mind. From fire, the things that motivate. From the water, the souls refined. 18 Pagan Living Magazine Litha 2017