Messages from Carole - Summer Solstice

Messages from Carole
Summer Solstice: A Time to Rejoice

Summer Solstice Sabbat (also known as Midsummer, Alban Hefin, and Litha) is celebrated
annually on the first day of Summer. Traditional ritual herbs; chamomile, cinquefoil, elder,
fennel, hemp, larkspur, lavender, male fern, mugwort, pine, rose, Saint John's wort, wild thyme,
wisteria, and verbena. Altar decorations traditionally include summertime flowers, love amulets,
seashells, aromatic potpourri, Summer fruits. Traditional Sabbat incense: frankincense, lemon,
myrrh, pine, rose, and wisteria. Sacred Sabbat gemstones: all green gemstones, especially
emerald and jade. Sabbat deities: Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar, Venus, and other
goddesses who preside over love, passion, and beauty. Candle colors: blue, green, yellow.
The traditional Pagan foods of this Sabbath are fresh vegetables, Summer fruits, pumpernickel
bread, ale and mead.

June 21, 2010 is the first day of Summer, and a great day to plan a party to celebrate this
Summer Solstice. I think it is extra special if on the invitations to your friends you ask them to
bring a special food that reminds them of what Summer means to them or a special table or altar
decoration that they have created to share the spirit of the holiday. I love to have the house
decorated with fresh flowers, and fruits in baskets. Some of my friends are good at making their
own ale or mead for this festive time.