Here in the village, the longest day of light is obscured by dense, low-hanging clouds. Heat permeates air molecules, caressing the skin and teasing water just out of reach.
The rain may come, or she may not. Either way, flames will lick skyward.
Flames will dance with padding feet, and shadows and ash will remark spiritual and physical boundaries on Litha.
Steeped in traditions around the globe, the essence of the Sabbat (when the sun is further from the equator) and her rituals are ultimately the same. We dance in tandem. Burning off what is no longer needed, shedding skins, and embracing what is filled with nourishing light and growth opportunities. This is a Sabbat of rebirth, regeneration through fire and light.
Evidence of Solstice traditions goes back to at least the Neolithic era.
Some consider Summer Solstice as Midsummer, and others consider it only the beginning. Like Winter Solstice, I’ve always taken the literal translation of these sabbats being the midpoint of the season regardless of climate, which in Scotland can be unpredictable.
Some traditions of this festival of sun worship can be found in numerous sources. This one is a nice quick read over on National Trust.
Clan Witch & Word Refinery 