Pagan Ritual Thursday - Summer Solstice (Litha) - Excerpt from a 1970s Book of Shadows

   

 

Circle is cast.
Invocation can be done entirely by Priestess or split between Priestess and Priest.

Ps.
Vesta, Maiden of the Fire
Isis, Mother Goddess of the Moon
Gaya, Wise One Goddess of the Earth
Come! Be present at our rite
For we are your children of the night.
Come! Be present with us here
We call your spirit from far and near.

P.
Seasons come and seasons go
We work your rites of Joy and Woe.
We see your presence with us now
And before your presence we all bow.

(All within the circle bow towards the altar.)

Handmaiden (or a circle member) lights a taper from the South quad candle, gives it the Priestess saying:

“I bring this sacred fire here to grace the alter we hold dear,
to keep us warm and light our way till we rejoice at the sun’s new day.”

Priestess takes lit candle and uses it to light a large red candle on the altar (or if available a candle in a red egg lamp). Holding the red candle high, and says:

” Now as the Sun moves away from us, oh lovely Goddess
Hold this fire we bring to you as you hold the child of promise now in the womb.
Let each light their way by that promise.”

All approach the alter, Priest hands them a small white (or gold or red) candle. The Priestess holds the red candle so that all may light their candle from it. Priest lights a candle and joins the cirlce leading the members in a clockwise circle (3 times around), while chanting

“Let our spirits be filled with light” (all respond: Blessed Be)
“All Hail the Lord and Lady” (all respond: Blessed Be)
“All Hail the Sun” (all respond: Blessed Be)
(to signal the end, last “blessed be” said loudly)

Priestess returns the red candle to the altar, all members pass the altar and place their candles upon it. 

Note: If there are not enough individual small holders for all the candles, use a large fire proof container (i.e. rectangular metal pan) and let some wax from a candle drip to secure the candle - or just use small votives or tea light candles and place in a fire proof container or cauldron.  If possible let candles all burn out themselves on the altar (safety first!).   Alternative is to snuff the candles at the end of the ritual, have each member take them home, relight them, and (safely) let them burn all the way down.

 

All Hail the Sun!