Today is the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of the year and one of the eight holidays that I celebrate throughout the year. This day marks the ‘official’ transition into summer and a shift from days that become longer and longer through the spring into days from here on out will grow shorter and shorter for the next six months.
This holiday is often called Midsummer or Litha, although I usually just refer to it as the Summer Solstice. On my path, it celebrates the turning point of summer, where the build-up of creative energy from the spring crests into a time of abundance as we travel into the depths of summer in much the same way that the growing energies of the full moon crest before beginning to wane each month.
Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months on each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This spread is an adaptation of my Self Care Saturday spread, so there are sure to be some similarities in how it is read. The focus of this spread, though, is not about Self Care, but rather about progress and my path. The time period is also longer, reaching through the next handful of weeks until the celebration of the First Harvest (aka, Lughnasadh, Lammas, Lughnasa, Lugh) on August 1st.
Theme of the Season – Litha’s Sonnenkraft, Waning Crescent Moon, Cassia senna
Sonnenkraft means solar power, and speaks of Midsummer/Litha’s greatest strength. Through the warmth of the sun, abundance has sprung forth. Animals and plants bloom and propagate, and everywhere we look there is new growth and the bright shimmer of life in full bloom. This time of growth and abundance is the Sun’s gift, and in many cultures is attributed to the Sun God and his arrival in the spring and growth to full power now as summer has arrived.
The Waning Crescent Moon is all about finding balance through letting go, release, banishment, and atonement. It is a time when we seek to exhale the dregs of energies used in our lives, so that with the upcoming New Moon we can then inhale fresh energy into our lives that will stir up creative juices and invigorate. Now is the time to make room, cleansing away those last lingering leftovers in your life and passion projects, and releasing what is finished and needs left behind.
Cassia senna‘s seed pods are a strong purgative and laxative that has been used for thousands of years to treat constipation and clear the bowels in preparation for certain procedures such as colonoscopies. It is not surprising, then, that metaphysically it is a purging herb, used in spellwork to purge energies, mindsets, people, and unhealthy habits from one’s life. It is also used in a variety of love spells from keeping a current love faithful, to attracting a new love to you that doesn’t realize you are interested in them.
When looking at these three cards together, the theme that steps forward is an encouragement to purge from your life those things not working for you in preparation for the abundance of gifts that the summer is eager to offer you. You cannot accept abundance without first releasing from your life something else in order to make room.
Earth – Ace of Swords – Time for some new ideas. Get out and communicate with others and see what new ideas and innovation can be stirred up from the interaction. The consequences in not doing so can result in you stuck in a rut. Remember, as much as you love stability, too much of it is called stagnancy, and is not good for you.
Air – Page of Wands – Building on the Earth’s position above, it’s time to find something to inspire you and light a fire under you to explore something new. Look for what teases your curiosity and let it draw you in.
Water – Queen of Swords – Nay-saying by your emotions is not allowed at this time. Remember that emotions are fickle and not a true reflection of reality. Check in with your shrink for impartial input as needed.
Fire – Three of Cups – Invite others along for the ride. It will make the exploration more interesting and fun. Not just for you, but for everyone. As much as you are an introvert, there is no denying that having others participating creates bonds you enjoy, and an overall increase in the amount of smiles and laughter involved in most activities.
Waning – The Soothsayer and Cauldron – No stirring the shit right now. Spellwork needs to lean away from themes that have to do with teaching others lessons or seeking vengeance. You are not judge and jury, so don’t try to put yourself in that role.
Waxing – The Reconciler and Sickle – Patience and self-control are an important part of staying on your path right now. Ensure that you are not reacting before taking a moment of pause to moderate your reaction.
Take Away – Your path at this moment needs to focus on release. Let go of the things that aren’t working for you in anticipation for the good that’s coming down the line. You don’t want to get stuck with no room for these good things to arrive. This includes emotionally.
Invite friends to explore new ideas with you. They’re interested and will enjoy the adventure, even if it’s your path they’re joining you on and your faith they’re exploring.
Twisting the Leaf 