Celebrating the Solstice

The last of the herbs layed on the counter. I measured out some thread and
quickly bundled them together. The pressure released their oils, and the mixed smell of Dill, Spearmint, Marjoram, and others only served to further instill in me the proper mindset. There was work to be done.

The children ran lauging out to the car as I carried a backpack, loaded heavy with a cauldron, wine, incense, and the freshly made herb bundle, among other things. We drove out to my mom and stepdad's house: they would be watching the kids for us for a few hours.

My husband and I drove away and further into the country side. Our first choice of location was full of people, despite the storm clouds to the North. We drove on, deeper into wildland.

Sky filled with ominous clouds, deer and horseflies swarmed; the storm had them on edge. The cold wind sent shivers through me as we walked down the trail. It would only be a mile or so, but already my barefeet were scolding me: there was fresh gravel on the trail.

We walked quickly. The wind picked up, not quite enough to deter the flies, but enough to give us chills. Though, now and then, I couldn't tell if the chills were truly from the cold wind or the power that was slowly building. This was going to be an amazing night.

---

Innummerable toads and frogs crossed our paths. The frogs quickly lept out of the way, though often underfoot, while the tiny baby toads hopped feverishly in the same direction. We were careful not to harm a one.

We eventually found the perfect spot: at a crossroads and surrounded by water on three sides. The land was flat, open yet surrounded by woods in the distance. We could see for at least a mile to the North and East, but no one could see us. The storm clouds continued to build and finally the rain came.

Cold, hard rain; my thin sundress was soon soaked and I began to shiver. My
husband laughed, not out of spite but surprise, as he noticed my lips were
getting a bluish tint. He kissed me and the rain let up enough that we could get the charcoal lit.

---

Circle cast, we called the Elements. At North, thunder boomed in response. At East, the Wind picked up. At South, we called twice, as the world about us was only wet. At West, the rain fell softly, then stopped.

Our Lady arrived with a small shower, Our Lord responded with the first lighting bolt of the storm. I laughed for joy of this, turning to face my husband. He smiled and we offered a blessing to our Gods and Ancestors.

Now it was time to get to work.

We discussed, quickly, the best way to raise energy, flirting with the idea of sex magick, of course, as any couple in love would. Thunder boomed; we were lagging. It was decided, then, we would chant. Herb bundle brougbht forth, we clutched it between us and let the words flow.

Our voices fell in sync, the energy quickly building to a tremulous peak, culminating with the smell of burning green herbs. We watched the leaves whither, blacken, and burn. It was done.

We stood, still reeling with the energy, trying to push it out and rebalance. The rain picked up and I began to shiver again. We thanked our Gods, voices filled with awe and gratitude not just for Their very clear and obvious presence within the Circle, but for Their aid in our work, as well.

The Elements lingered, and we walked about, thanking Them. At East, I was near tears for gratitude. We gave our thanks, and the Wind brushed our faces. I closed my eyes, overcome with the moment.

"I see rainbows," I said, turning to face my husband. He looked at me and smiled.

"Elm leaves, in the Autumn, as if I'm looking up into the canopy," he replied, still smiling.

We quickly opened the Circle. Lightning streaked across the sky, now at West. Wine and fruit were gotten and libation made. I was still reeling from the energy, from this entire experience; I swear I've never tasted wine or fruit so delicious before.

Local Spirits made themselves visible, and we bid them hello and left additional fruit for them. Then it began to pour, and the mosquitos came out.

Supplies were quickly packed up, and we hurried back down the trail to the car. Along the way, we stopped to pick up garbage and grab a handful or two of herbs. We were fortunate to witness another local Spirit as we walked back to the car, but this one set us on edge, and my husband utilized his staff as a blasting rod as we walked the rest of the way. We saw nothing further.

It's two days later now, and I still feel the energy from this ritual. The Moon waxes, pulling it along, building it. There is more work to be done, but this was a good start, a very memorable start.