Litha: A Public Affair

Of flora and fauna.

The sun and trees and hot summer breeze.

Every year the Forest Edge puts on a public ritual where those close to the circle and seekers may come to see and join in a ritual and celebrate the season with us. This past weekend we celebrated Midsummer/Litha. It was a day full of surprises and visitors we were elated to see.

The day was about reconnecting to the fey. As modern folk it is easy to be caught up in the fast pace and technology driven world around us and to forget the world we came from. The land and spirits around us that imbue us with its energy. We chose to honor these forces, to reconnect with them and give thanks to them. To begin to sow the seeds that could develop into a greater connection for us all.

The communal space was decorated and the altar, in the nearby clearing, was set up. The group was split into the representation of the fey and humans by way of animal spirits. After the energies were called and the hedge raised, the humans created altars to various nature spirits and fey spirits and a chant was said to invite the fey to join us.

As the chant was building in intensity the fey joined in and all circled the altar and danced until a crescendo was reached and the dance stopped and all paused to connect in their own private way to the fey and the land around us. Drawing in energy as needed and directing the rest into the earth with intent. The hedge was then lowered, the spirits thanked, and all headed to the communal area for feasting and divination.

It was a wonderful day of some very strong energies and emotions. The energies were palpable and the connection to the land and the fey was felt by everyone.

And a very welcomed surprise was a visit by a little banded friend who joined us in some Litha feasting.