(^150) A Wiccan Bible
Gemstone associations: Emerald, Jade, Lapis, Tigers Eye.
Plant associations: Apple, Benzoin, Carnation, Chamomile, Daisy, Dragon’s Blood, El-
der, Fern, Frankincense, Gardenia, Ivy, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lilly, Mugwort,
Oak, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Saffron, Sandalwood, Thyme, Vervain, Yarrow.
Color associations: Gold, Green, Yellow, White.
- Summer Solstice is an example of how the traditional Holidays sometimes jumped
around. There is clear indication that Bealtaine was celebrated by some at this point on
the Wheel as is Midsummer, whose name is sometimes seen to denote the middle of
the two seasons, Winter and Summer, or to Lughnasadh, which is found at the middle
of Summer with the view of the year as having four seasons. Additional confusion comes
into play when we consider the fact that Lughnasadh is often cited as a month-long
festival. Again we see the reason each Sabbat should be considered a season between
spokes, ending on the day typically marked by the spoke of the Wheel of the Year.
Summer Solstice Incense
4 parts Sandalwood
1 part Benzoin
1 part Dragon’s blood
Summer Solstice Oil
8 drops Lavender
4 drops Lemon
4 drops Sandalwood
2 drops Orange
Solitary/General—Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. As such, we revel
in the Sun but also celebrate its dwindling. This day is a day to say thank you for all the
things that the Sun brings (growth) but also what it does not (draught). Remember that
as seen in Babylonian and Sumerian lore, in some parts of the world this is the peak of
the barren summer months when sweltering heat destroys crops and vegetation. While
we do not generally experience such solar destruction on a regular basis, there are
definitely seasons in which draught and excess heat is abundant. In such circumstances,
this is a celebration to mark the end of the heat and draught as the sun travels past its
peak. Much like Winter Solstice celebrates the waxing of the Sun because lack of Sun is
a hardship, this Holiday celebrates the waning of the Sun because too much sun is also
a hardship. At the moment of imbalance we celebrate the return to balance.
Couples—Couples wishing to conceive should make love in a fertile field. Should a
woman’s partner not be able to join her in this rite, simply walking in a fertile field is
said to improve her chances of conception later that night.
Coven/Household—Cakes and cookies shaped like the sun are often baked as a
part of the household activities. These are served during the feast as a reminder of
what is being celebrated. This Holiday is associated with both Fire and Water. As you
can well imagine, the season itself has probably provided the fire, so why not take it
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