Litha (Summer Solstice)
Fire Ritual
2003

Midsummer rituals focused on nurturing new life in the ground and in the wombs, the earth that is heavy with the coming harvests.
The Celts and Norse would light balefires all over the lands from sunup to sunset. The Scott's and Celts use the Cauldron as the symbol of life, death and rebirth, to honor their Goddess.
Native Americans danced to their Gods to bless the corn harvest.
This is the Druids day to gather sacred plants such as Mistletoe.
The Egyptians celebrate " The burning of the Lamp"
Its is also a Magickal time for Fiery Folk, who like the Sun and at this time are very active and at the height of there power.
It also the marks the time of the Summer solstice, the longest day of the year, the height of the suns power.
This is a time for Fire magick and rituals.

Supplies for Alter

A Gift to the Faeries of Honey and Wine, placed on the Alter
Herbs
Mistletoe….for Healing and good luck
Lavender…to honor the Gods and Goddess's
Vervain and Pine…….for protection
Gifts of Catnip and Biscuits for pets
Salt Water
Stones for Faerie Mounds
2 cauldrons
Athame
Pot of soil
Element candles
God and Goddess candles
Lighter
Cakes and wine

Circle Casting

HPS Stand's in front of the caldron and says:
"As we stand at this Witches pot
We will stop time on a dot
With Fire and Caldron we will create a Sacred space
By clasped of hands and Witched Blade
This circle will be made"

Each person shall say a verse and then join hands with the next person until all are all joined, creating a physical as well as a spiritual circle.

Sacred Fire, sacred flame
This circle be cast in your name.

Great flaming circle, we conjure thee,
May you harness our energy.

May you protect this space, and our rite,
letting enter only those we invite.

This is a time that is not a time,
and a place that is not a place,

we feel the flame surround us,
now, we dwell in sacred space.

Within this circle, hand-to-hand
between the worlds we now stand.

Circle, circle, now be cast
As so we join, from first to last.

HP Stands at Alter and says
" Elemental powers hear our call
North, East, South and West
We ask your presence at our request"

Quarter Calls

South Light lantern and a red candle and holds it up and says:
Guardians of the South, and Fire
Rulers Dragons and animals whose hooves create sparks
You who are the Sacred Flame
that burns within every being.
Lend your powers to our circle this night.

West light lantern and hold chelas of water us and says:
Guardians of the West, and Water
Rulers of the sea and all bodies of water,
you who control the Sacred Flame,
Protecting us from its fury,
lend your powers to our circle this night.

North light lantern and hold up plant and say:
Guardians of the North, and Earth
Rulers of forests, circles, and groves.
You who nourish the Sacred Flame,
Allowing it to ever burn bright,
lend your powers to our circle this night.

East light lantern and incense and say:
Guardians of the East, and Air
Rulers of all things that fly
You who feed the Sacred Flame,
Causing it to dance merrily and bright,
lend your powers to our circle this night.

Invocation of the Goddess and God

Standing at Alter HPS Says:
Sacred Lady of Flame your cauldron churns
It boils, it burns.
We ask the mighty goddess to join us,
Bringing with you your fiery wisdom and blazing passion
To this cauldron on this night
O fiery Goddess, bless this sacred rite.

HP standing at Alter Says:
Blazing God of Fire, with your flame and light,
We ask you to join our rite this night.
We seek the flames of enthusiasm and strength,
That we might renew and strengthen our lives.
Blazing fiery Lord, bless this sacred rite.

Raise cone of power from fire???

Animal Blessing

Each person takes a turn,
Hold your picture of your animal and say:

"pets name I bless you, with health strength and well being"

Now go to the High Priestess and have the picture blessed and receive a gift from the High Priest
" I bless you pets name with love, security and peace, may you live a long and happy life"

Cakes and Wine

Goodbye to Goddess and God

The HP and HPS say together:
Sacred Lady of flame, Blazing God of Fire
You have been in our hearts this night,
And we bid you now farewell.
Remain in our lives,
Kindling our fires, empowering and inspiring us.
We thank you for your attendance this eve.

Thanking of the Elements

Put out lantern and snuff out Incense then say:
Guardians of the East,
We thank you for your presence this night.
Ever may you dance with the Sacred Flame.
Depart in peace.

Put out lantern and say:
Guardians of the North,
We thank you for your presence this night.
Ever may you nourish the Sacred Flame,
Depart in peace.

Put out lantern and pour out water then say:
Guardians of the West,
We thank you for your presence this night.
Ever may you control the Sacred Flame.
Depart in peace.

Put out lantern and candle then say:
Guardians of the South,
We thank you for your presence this night.
Ever may you burn brightly, You...The Sacred Flame.
Depart in peace.

The HP and HPS says together:
The circle is open,
Yet remains unbroken.
Ever shall the Sacred Flame burn within our hearts.