Summer Solstice

It's that time of year again folks, the time for the sun to shine and fairies to gather and frolic.  I've decided to be a good little community builder this solstice and actually go out and join in some of the public rituals going on and *gasp* talk to people.  Of course, this being Seattle there's a very good chance of rain this weekend.  It's definitely going to rain tomorrow, but there's hope for Saturday.  Ah well, this is why I have rain gear.  I'll go out and tromp about with all of our lovely local Pagans and see about actually having a good time...during the day at least. Of course, when I get home I'll be doing my own workings. 

Traditionally the Summer Solstice is all about celebrating the power of the light at it's zenith.  The sun is warm, the plants are growing, flowers are in full bloom, and the days are long.  The sabbat celebrations are all about celebrating the growth that surrounds us and encouraging it to turn into prosperity and abundance - wonderful things that should be celebrated.  That's what going to all the public rituals is for. 

For me the Summer Solstice is always a time for mixed feelings.  On the one hand, it rains a lot less in the summer and the weather is generally less dismal; on the other hand, it gets too hot in the summer and all the pollen makes my eyes itch.  I enjoy a pleasant, warm afternoon as much as the next gal, but I tend to melt in the sun.  All the smiles and sunshine of this time of year tends to make me want to hide in my cave, so that's exactly what I'll do.

This year the Summer Solstice coincides almost perfectly with the super full moon.  On the 23rd the moon will be as close to the earth as is ever gets.  On the solstice itself the moon will be waxing and just not quite full.  It's the perfect time to do a working for growth of any kind.  What I need right now is some serious will power and that's what I'm going to do a working for. 

You see, like many people, I'm not a big fan of conflict - it's messy and unpleasant.  Doing conflict well (not letting my emotions get the better of me and not being ruled by pride) is really hard when I've got a vested interest in the outcome.  I've been trained as a mediator so I've got all the skills needed to not make an ass of myself, but it's hard.  Really hard.  It's so very much easier to just slink around and not face my problems, to not stand up for what I know is right, to compromise beyond reason (the shadow rearing it's head).  What I need is the ability to know when a conflict is worth facing head on and exhausting myself to make things right, and then the conviction to actually do so.

I'm going to harness all the power of growth and strength and channel it into a spell for courage, strength, wisdom, and empathy in conflict.  I'm going to use the power of a waxing supermoon on the summer solstice for personal growth and the ability to face the obstacles in my life.  Nothing like using the light of the sun to dive into your shadow and make it a strength right?


On Summer Solstice 2011

Spell for Courage and Protection

Things have been a little funtastic in my life of late - and by funtastic I mean fucking stressful.  There comes a time for everyone when you just can't accept any more crap and you finally stand up for what you know is right.  Sometimes it's saying what other people can't or pointing out painful flaws in a plan someone is really attached to.  Other times it's calling out a bully or manipulator for what they're doing and making them look in a mirror.  Whatever the situation is, it's damned uncomfortable.  It's necessary, there can be no growth without discomfort, but it's not much fun.  It's been one of those weeks.

One of the big problems with really, deeply pissing someone off is that, whether they realize it or not, they will start throwing negative energy at you.  Most of the time this isn't a conscious thing, but it's happens anyway.  It can act a lot like a hex if you don't do something about it.  Some people might mirror it back to the sender, but in my experience that just makes things worse. 

Sometimes that negative energy can hit so strong you start to doubt the courage of your convictions.  You might know that everything you've said is true and needed to be brought out into the open, but it might get so hard that you start to wuss out.  Of course it's hard, doing the right thing is never easy.  Fighting for what you believe is hard, but it's necessary and worth it. However, when you're neck deep in psychic bullshit it's hard to remember that.

Here's a little spell to help you keep the courage of your convictions and to help you persevere in the face of adversity.

Spell for Courage and Protection

 Ingredients:
Firey Wall of Protection Oil
red candle
purple candle
small carnelian bead
rue
devil's shoestring
cinnamon chips
mandrake
tonka bean
high john the conqueror root
King Solomon incense powder
cotton bag

 Assemble all the components of the spell on your altar.  Call in any dieties you normally work with, or any protective forces you're friendly with. Explain your situation and why you need courage and protection.  Don't blame the other people, it just sours the spell.  Keep your intent positive and focus on what you need to accomplish that requires courage.  Explain this goal fully.  Focus on that goal and channel that energy into your spell components.

Put the herbs, carnelian, and incense powder into the cotton bag.  Tie the bag shut using a triple knot and then tie the strings around the bag to create a little package.

Then anoint the candles with the firey wall oil.  Put the red candle in its holder.  Light the purple candle from a tea light and then light the red candle with the purple candle.  Then set the purple candle in its holder.

Let the candles burn all the way down until they burn out (I set them in an iron cauldron filled with salt so they can do so safely).  Thank any deities or spirits you called on earlier and bid them farewell.  Now carry the bag with you until the situation resolves.