Midsummer (Lithia, Summer Solstice, Alban Heffyn)
June 21st

Midsummer is the most powerful day for the God. Astronomically, it is the longest day of the year, representing the God at full power. He is in the prime of his life (ages 20-30) and in full adulthood. After the solstice, the nights grow longer. This represents the decent of the God into old age as the sun shines less and less each day.

Agriculturally, the crops are in full growth. They are reaching the pinnacles of maturity and coming closer to the harvest time. The intense sun of the middle and late summer give flora and crops the extra nutrients they need for growth. This is the time that the crops are at the God's mercy. Too little sun and the crops will not flourish. Two much sun and the crops will wither and die. The ancient Pagans looked to Midsummer festivals as a time of rest. Working in the fields each day, with the blazing sun beating down, makes work a little more strenuous. Activities during Midsummer give the workers a day of relief as they sit outside, often under the shade of a tree, and eat fresh, rejuvenating fruits and wine with their families and friends.

It is at this time that a couple who have been together a year and a day since the previous Beltane can make their marriage final. Midsummer is the time to formalize any relationship. Midsummer is also an excellent time to re-new wedding vows. Since flowers are in abundance, the bride is often decorated from head to toe. Again, she is barefoot. In modern times, the idea of being barefoot and pregnant"is considered chauvinistic, however, to Pagan or Wiccan women, it is a great compliment. It is during Midsummer that most woman would find out about a pregnancy that began at the fertility rite on Beltane. Being barefoot and pregnant represents the greater connection to the Goddess as you are teeming with life inside your womb and under your feet.

Picnic food should be representative of the sun. Fruits in season, sunflower seeds, fresh vegetables, and light breads should suffice. All meals of the day should take place outside. Brunch on the balcony or porch is an excellent idea.

Since this sabbat revolves around the sun, a candle should be lit for the entire day, especially if it is cloudy or raining. The fire represents the sun and is a constant daily reminder of the power of the God.

Midsummer is one of the two sabbats that is ideal for magickal endeavors. Rituals should be performed at noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. The best rituals to perform on Midsummer are those dealing with masculine issues, masculine energies, or issues dealing with solar influence.

Midsummer Incense:
Sage, mint, basil, Saint John's Wort, sunflower, mistletoe (specifically the berries which represent semen), oak, rowan, and fir

Lughnassad (Lammas, Grain Festival, SportsFest)
August 1st

Lughnassad (one pronunciation of this Sabbat loo-na-sa) is the fourth and final fire festival of the Pagan year. The God and Goddess have entered into later adulthood (ages 30-50). The child of the union is grown and independent. This is the time that the God and Goddess enjoy their time together. Each are growing older and beginning to prepare for the decent into old age. The God's powers are waning greatly as winter approaches and the sun dies out.

Agriculturally, Lughnassad is the time of the first harvest of the season. Each day's work is backbreaking, as ancient farmers did not have technological equipment such as tractors. When the last of the first harvest is reaped and stored for the winter months, the men spent Lughnassad in sport and leisure. The threshold time was noon, when a magnificent feast was prepared by the womenfolk while the men relaxed.

In modern traditions, the day is spent playing games such as football, softball, or volleyball. The woman traditionally cook meals with wine, breads, fruits, and vegetables that are enjoyed by all. Tables are decorated with corn stalks, fall flowers, red, blue, and orange candles, Corn dollies are another traditional favorite. Dolls representing the God and the Goddess were often crafted from dried corn stocks. This can be a creative activity for children. Lughnassad is also a wonderful time to can some fresh fruits for the coming winter months.

Although a Lughnassad is a sports festival, trial marriages are arranged. Lughnassad represents the period in life when the children have grown and a husband and wife can enjoy the remainder of their marriage together without distraction of young children. Although children are always revered above all, this is the time that mother and father cut the proverbial umbilical cord and allow their adult children to seek independence. For the first time since the conception of their children, husband and wife share each other's company as partners as opposed to parents. Trial marriages can last from a day to a year. These marriages reflect partnership, not sexuality. Trial marriages are excellent for male and female friends who are otherwise not attached in a relationship.

It is also during this time that marriages can be disolved. Divorce is not a bad word to Pagans. We understand that all humans grow and change. Unfortunately, some couple change so much that they are no longer compatible. If that happens, Pagan's respect the free will to move on and support divorce decisions. Most handfasts include a section that states if both parties wish, they simply go their seperate ways. If the handfast was legal, legal divorce procedures must be met in the accordance of the law if one of the divorees wishes to remarry.

Lughnassad Incenses:
Marigold, sunflower, golden pipes, rye, garlic, onion, marigold, mugwort.