Saint John’s Wort - Summer Solstice Magick
Throughout the Mediterranean, the Summer Solstice and the Feast of Saint John marked a time when the natural world overflowed with blessing, light and celebration. Bonfires illuminated hillsides. Families gathered herbs before sunrise. Young women sought signs of future love and fortune. Homes were cleansed and protected for the months ahead. Among all the plants gathered during this sacred season, none carried greater reputation than Saint John’s Wort. In Greek villages, the herb was believed to shield against the Mati, the Evil Eye cast through jealousy or ill intent. In Italy, it was carried to protect against Malocchio, misfortune, curses, and harmful influences. Bundles hung above doorways, dried flowers rested beside icons and ancestral photographs, and sprigs were woven into midsummer wreaths to invite blessings into the home. Blooming at the height of the solar year, Saint John’s Wort became a symbol of light triumphing over darkness, courage overcoming fear, and abu...