As we prepare for Midsummer, it is time to think about the magickal intentions that we have been working on during spring. Which requests to the Universe will be fulfilled on Midsummer, and which will continue to grow over summer? Yes, the green world is growing! Full disclosure, I am an apartment Witch, and I sometimes have to be creative. Fortunately our spirituality honors creativity and flexibility. My garden or green world is an indoor herb garden in an apartment facing North. Because many herbs like a large amount of sunlight, I use full spectrum grow lights to encourage these herbs to grow. I also have a cat and chose the herbs with her in mind. First, I grow catnip for her, and she is a big fan. Second, if she takes an exploratory nibble of the herbs in my garden, it won’t result in an emergency trip to the vet. I checked the ASPCA website that has an extensive list of toxic and nontoxic plants for both cats and dogs in the process of making these decisions. I usually start deciding what seeds to start around Imbolc. I recommend growing herbs that you want to use in your magick if reasonably possible. Do not forget that if you cannot grow a specific herb, you can always use a substitute. Doing magick with herbs indigenous to your area can work well, too. Growing your own herbs has many benefits. You can grow them organically. You can oversee the magickal environment in which they grow. For example, try talking to your plants grooming them for their magickal purpose. The herbs can be used freshly picked. You can save a bundle of money growing them instead of purchasing them. They green up your space and help purify the air in your environment. You get the satisfaction and joy of watching them grow. I have only found two downsides of growing my own herbs. One is the time and patience it takes to grow the plants before they are ready to use. Also, the available location may not be ideal to grow certain plants. For example, fennel does not grow well in containers, so it would not be a good choice for me. I would have to choose a substitute. Growing your own garden of magickal herbs requires research and planning. I will now take you back to Midsummer. Even though the sun will soon be waning, the green world will continue to grow. The continued growth and fulfillment of your dreams will have many opportunities to be attained over summer.
It is a time of fulfillment of magickal energy which has been building up over spring. Note that this year the Summer Solstice is on June 20 at 4:51pm EDT, and the full moon is the next evening. Both the sun and moon will be at the height of their cycles just a day apart. It is a special time of fulfillment and celebration! So light up that bon fire, fire pit, or grill. While you are at it, you can create a feast. If you cannot light an outdoor fire safely, a candle may be lit. You may celebrate at home, but summer is also a time of travel. You may be considering mountain or beach magick. Become familiar with customs of places to which you travel. For example, if your travels take you to Appalachia, you may choose to become familiar with the indigenous plants there and use them in your magick. As always, do your research. Consult with an herbalist before going out to forage for plants. Check with your doctor especially if you plan on ingesting them. Learn how to identify the plants and how to safely use them. Take only what you will use, and take care not to over harvest. If your travels take you to the beaches of Hawaii, know that is bad luck and illegal to take many kinds of natural objects as souvenirs. When you travel, it pays to be aware of some relevant local knowledge and to plan accordingly.
You may be wondering about involving your children or family in Summer Solstice celebrations and activities. You certainly can! Use this opportunity for projects like art, games, dance, music and storytelling. If possible make plans for outdoor activities. Some themes for art projects could revolve around the sun, plants, flowers, vivid colors and found objects from nature hikes. Many games like volleyball, tug-of-war or cooling off in a body of water can be enjoyed. You and your family may revel in a drum circle with instruments like coffee can drums, cardboard tube rainsticks and plastic Ostara egg maracas. Dancing to the beat of a drum around a fire can be magickal. You don’t need perfect dance moves to dance. Just move to the beat of the drum. I like to incorporate dancing as well as chanting and maybe even percussion instruments when I want to raise power in rituals. Storytelling around a family dinner or under the night sky is a wonderful way to transmit knowledge. Try telling stories about myths from your tradition. The arts are truly integrated, and with your guidance your children can make objects like simple instruments, a talking stick, and a magick wand. With all this activity do not forget that downtime for you and your family is important, so choose family activities wisely.
Make the most of growth and fulfillment!
Enjoy a Midsummer Celebration and Full Moon the evening after! To those in the Southern Hemisphere, have a wonderful Yule!
Auburn Greene
My Inner Wiccan 