by Reverend Ashira Goddard

Created on: June 03, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Summer Solstice or Litha has been a source of disagreement between many Pagan's and Wiccan groups. They have argued whether or not Midsummer was actually celebrated in ancient times. Gerald Gardner who founded Wicca stated that the solar festivals were added and imported from the Middle East rather than being truly celebrated by the ancients.

For me it is a time of year to be celebrated and honored. I remember the story of the intense battle between the light and dark. The story of the Oak King who rules the year from winter solstice to summer solstice dueling for battle of power with the Holly King who defeated him on the Summer Solstice.

I remember letting my children stay up extra late on summer solstice to say goodnight to the sun. When they were younger we would have a bonfire complete with sticky marshmallows and sparklers. We encouraged them to run and dance, catch fire flies and celebrate how bright the sun was for so late in the day.

Today, with my children much older it is a time of quiet reflection knowing the inner power and brightness that sun shares each day. Remembering with gratitude the power of the sun that has caused the gardens to burst in the bright colors of the rainbow. A time to reflect on all of the darkness in the world around us and mediate on the light and its victory on the solstice over the darkness. A time to celebrate the turning of the year and divine powers that oversee it.

For me it its this day that I remember the Goddess takes over the divine power from the God during the spring equinox and is her most powerful and brightest now. Full of gifts and blessings to bestow upon all. The baby birds just born and learning to fly, the flowers in complete bloom covering the earth in a brilliant rainbow, the fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden ripening underneath the warmth of her rays and the fertility of life in all areas of my own life.

It is a day that my husband and I renew our hand fasting. Our love for one another. Our commitment to one another. Remembering that it was upon this day that the God and the Goddess are in union as they create energy and power together and that my husband and I together create energy and power far stronger when we stand together than apart.

We will still have our fire this year only in a small outdoor fireplace. We will still roast our marshmallows and have our teenagers with us. However, as the Wheel of the Year turns again and I become a crone, it will be a much quieter celebration this year. Yet in some ways, a more meaningful and spiritual evening that will not soon be forgotten.

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