The Longest Day Ritual
The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, this magickal sabbat can be observed with many activities throughout the day involving the warmth of the sun, the abundance of color all around us, new life and warmth. In the morning, before the golden rays of the sun peak above the horizon, light a tall orange candle, and from its flame light four smaller white candles to represent the four seasons, saying: "Father Sun, you illuminate the year and bring forth the warmth into my life that I need to carry with me through the colder months when your golden crest no longer warms my face. May you always burn brightly in my heart, and bring forth the light in my darkest hours." Then, fashion a small hoop from a thin branch,I prefer to use Eucalyptus or Tea Tree due to its healing, cleansing and protective properties. Ignite the hoop and let it burn out in a heat-proof dish. As the Sun rises, snuff or pinch out the candles.
At noon, the solar hour, go into your garden, backyard or wooded area (if you are near one), if you live in the city, buy a tree from your local nursery in a pot and tend to it on your balcony or living room. IF outdoors, elect a tree to honor. We all must remember that trees are living beings who, although are connected to Mother Earth and reach toward Father Sun to complete their growth cycle they are also strongly connected to us, the Spirits and the Fae. Honor your chosen tree with a gift of compost, water, crystals (Jasper, Multi-colored Agate, Calcite- Golden or White, Sedona, Sunstone, Lepidolite, Labradorite, Pyrite, Tiger Eye or any red stone), flowers (Grevillea, Banksia, Gardenia, Tiger Lilly), small tea lights(around the pot), or even have everyone you know over and place a small decoration on the tree branches (if in your garden or balcony).
At sunset, just as the final rays of sun vanish again behind the horizon and the beautiful tones of indigo merge with the resplendant tinctures of reds, oranges and pinks. Light your candles again, and thank the Sun for returning, bringing purification, healing, protection and warmth.
You may seek visions by sprinkling the area with larkspur. (Common Names: Delphinium, Larkspur. In Australia they are grown close to the capital cities, particularly in Victoria (Dandenong Ranges and Mornington Peninsula) due to its relatively cool climate with low humidity, you should however be able to purchase these from a florist. They come in the colors of Blue, Orange, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow. Larkspurs are more commonly found in shades of pink. Both have large flower spikes with a number of flowers opening from the bottom up. Caution should be taken when handling Delphiniums as their sap is poisonous, so take care when handling and wear gloves).
Or you can simply meditate. When done, snuff or pinch out the candles. After dark, near midnight if possible, harvest any herbs for future magical use. As a final gesture on this longest day, sprinkle the ashes from the hoop you burned near your front door before you retire for the evening. This will aid in the protection of your house during the course of the year.
I usually also offer something at each solstice to represent each of the 4 elements. I burn incense to represent the Air, Water or Wine, pouring it onto the ground, Earth by that which is all around us (if outdoors) otherwise a bowl of dirt or crystals, and lastly candles to represent Fire. I usually give-away a small crystal to others attending any celebration I may be a part of- this is usually a Golden Tiger's Eye, representing the Sun and Earth being brought together in union.
