Midsummer: Magical Celebrations of the Summer Solstice (Holiday Series)

Delivery Time: 7 to 15 Working Days Format: Book

This book will help you explore Midsummer customs and witness their power today. Learn the ancient methods of divination; try out traditional recipes for food, mead, and wine; and empower your magical tools with the energy of the solstice sun. Full of practical ideas on how to celebrate Midsummer, this guide also compares similar festivals around the world, including Celtic, Norse, Saxon, Egyptian, Russian, and Native American.
Summer solstice celebrants will find plenty of inspirational rituals, magic spells, and recipes in Anna Franklin's Midsummer. As in her previous book about the early fall festival of Lammas, Franklin can be whimsical as well as reverent. From the building of a magical bonfire to the staging of elaborate solstice rituals involving priests and priestesses, Franklin offers something for every level of pagan. In the section on "Midsummer Magic and Divination," Franklin gives instructions for placing various herbs and charms beneath the pillow to welcome prophetic dreams. Those who are inspired by the more romantic Shakespearean take on Midsummer's Eve can try some of Franklin's love divination techniques, such as flicking an apple seed toward the ceiling to see if your love is requited. Franklin also gives specific instructions for performing the "Rites of Midsummer." For instance, "The altar should be decorated with golds and yellows--this theme is echoed through candles, clothes and flowers.... Centrally placed should be a sun wheel or sun representation." And for the Martha Stewart-style pagan there are some excellent recipes, including Anise Tea and Comfrey Fritters. --Gail Hudson