WITCH IN THE CITY

A Solstice Working for Empowerment & Protection  There is a moment each year when the sun stands at its greatest strength. The days have stretched to their fullest measure. Fields shimmer beneath golden light. The air itself seems charged with life, carrying the scent of warm earth, flowering herbs, and distant rain. It is the turning point known as the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year and the ancient crown of summer.  For countless generations, this season was honored with fires kindled upon hilltops, garlands woven from sacred plants, and prayers offered beneath the open sky. It was believed that the power of the sun reached its greatest height during this time, blessing the land with vitality, abundance, courage, and protection.  Yet the Solstice is more than a celebration of light. It is a reminder of personal power.  Just as the sun stands fully revealed in its glory, so too are we called to stand firmly in our own strength. It is a season for ca...

The collecting of  Morning Dew  has been practiced by ancient cultures from all around the world. This simple and ancient ritual is usually conducted at different times from the Spring until late Summer, ( most traditionally during the May Day or Summer Solstice  Festivities ). In many parts of Italy it is a traditional custom to collect Dew on the morning of  The Feast of John the Baptist  (June 24th). This particular practice has many links to ancient pagan traditions, marking a time of fire, fertility and the waning of the Sun. On the eve of  The Feast of John the Baptist,  a large bowl or basin is filled half-way with clean water, to which a few drops of Holy Water were added. Fresh Flowers and Herbs where then included and the bowl left in a safe place outdoors to be left overnight to collect the Morning Dew. Plants and Flowers of Use: Basil, Camelia Flowers, Hawthorn Blossom, Ivy, Lavender, Marjoram, Mint, Parsley, Primrose, Roses, Rue, St. J...