Sânziene - A Romanian Midsummer Festival

Sânziană is the Romanian name for gentle fairies who play an important part in local folklore, also used to designate the Galium verum or Cruciata laevipes flowers. Under the plural form Sânziene, the word designates an annual festival in the fairies' honor. Etymologically, the name stands for sân (common abbreviation of sfânt - "saint", "holy") and zână (a word used for fairies in general).

People in the western Carpathian Mountains and other parts of Romania celebrate the Sânziene holiday annually, on June 24. This is similar to the Swedish Midsummer holiday, and is believed to be a pagan celebration of the summer solstice in June....

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The Feast of the Dews

From ancient times people marked the time of the return of the sun, the shortest and longest night. In olden times it was called the Feast of the Dews- Rasos. When Christianity was established in Lithuania, the name was changed to Feast of St. John, according to agrarian folk calendar, the start of haying.

The rituals of the longest day were closely related to agrarian ideas and notions. The main aim was to protect the harvest from natural calamities, evil souls, witches and mid summer visitors like draught, hail, downpours of rain and thunder....

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The Festival of Fata

In ancient Rome, this day (June 24) was known as the Festival of Fata, the Goddess of Fate and Chance. She was more commonly called Fortuna, and this day was also known as the Festival of Fortuna. The Temple of Fortuna stood on the banks of the Tiber and on this day many Romans would make a pilgrimage on foot or by boats decorated with garlands of flowers....

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Sun in Cancer

More About the Sun in Cancer:

The Sun is in Cancer from June 21-22 to July 22-23, depending on the year.

• Ruler: the Moon
• Modality: Cardinal
• Season: Summer
• Metal: Silver
• Stone: Pearl, Opal
• Color: White, Yellow
• Flower: Moon Flower, Rhododendron
• Anatomy: Breasts, stomach
• Attributes: gentle, conservative, feeling, nurturing, defensive, contemplative.

Sun in Cancer natives have a strong survival instinct. They are protective of those they care about, and of themselves too. They are often quite reticent about sharing their inner selves to the rest of the world, and are often caught up in reminisce....

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Sign of the Acanthus

"Look to my petals for your nurturing."

If you were born between June 21 and July 22, you were born under the sign of the Acanthus. Sensitivity is the watchword for acanthus flower signs. You are perceptive, and have high intuition in matters of the heart, and environment. You often react to others (even when they don’t speak their feelings, you still know what is going on inside their hearts), and your surroundings....

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Litha - The Summer Solstice

Litha (pronounced "LITH-ah") is one of the Lesser Wiccan Sabbats and is usually celebrated on June 21st, but varies somewhat from the 20th to the 23rd, dependant upon the Earth's rotation around the Sun (check the calendar). According to the old folklore calendar, Summer begins on Beltane (May 1st) and ends on Lughnassadh (August 1st), with the Summer Solstice midway between the two, marking MID-Summer. This makes more logical sense than suggesting that Summer begins on the day when the Sun's power begins to wane and the days grow shorter....

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Correspondences for Litha

Purpose: Rededication to the Lord and Lady, beginning of the harvest, honoring the Sun God, honoring the pregnant Goddess

Dynamics/Meaning: Crowning of the Sun God, death of the Oak King, assumption of the Holly King, end the ordeal of the Green Man

Tools, Symbols and Decorations: The sun, oak, birch & fir branches, sun flowers, lilies, red/maize/yellow or gold flower, love amulets, seashells, summer fruits and flowers...

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Summer Invocation

Fireflies and summer sun

in circles round

we become as one.

Singing songs at magick's hour

we bring the winds

and timeless powers...

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Summer Solstice Ritual Potpourri

• 45 drops lemon or lavender oil
• 1 cup oak moss
• 2 cups dried lavender
• 2 cups dried wisteria...

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Midsummer Ritual Mead

• 2-1/2 gallons water
• 1 cup meadowsweet herb
• 1 cup woodruff sprigs
• 1 cup heather flowers
• 3 cloves
• 1 cup honey...

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Midsummer is here now

Midsummer is here now,

The longest day of the year.

The sun is shining down

And springtime has now flown.

But soon winter will come...

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Heather Lore

Heather is sacred to the Summer Solstice  (Aprox. June 20).

• Latin name: Calluna vulgaris
• Celtic name: Ura (pronounced: Oor' uh)
• Folk or Common names: Common Heather, Ling, Scottish Heather
• Parts Used: herb, flowering shoots.

Magical History and Associations:

Heather is associated with the sun, and with the planet of Venus. Its color is resin colored and its element is water. Heather's bird is the lark, and its animal association is the honey bee....

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Gypsy Spell For Lover's Return

To entice a lover to return, pick five roses on Midsummer Night's Eve. Bury one under a yew tree at midnight. Place the second outside a church gate. Put the third at a crossroads with the head pointing in the direction of home. Place the fourth beside running water....

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Gypsy Spell For Good Fortune

To encourage Good fortune, on Midsummer Night's Eve take an orange, to represent the sun, and a lemon, which symbolizes the moon. Press cloves (representing brown wooden nails) into the skin of the fruit....

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The Incantation To Plants

The following is an "Incantation To Plants," written by the Greek physicians of Alexandria (which explains both the usage of Greek and Egyptian gods), which would be used while watering or collecting plants.

You were sown by Cronos

Made welcome by Hera,

Protected by Ammon,

Born of Isis,

Nourished by Zeus of the Rains....

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Ludi Piscatari

On this day, (June 17) the Romans celebrated the festival of Ludi Piscatari, festival of fishermen. Ludi Piscatari became sacred in England as a Christian Saint, renamed St. Botolph. Botolph guarded the gates of ancient English walled cities...

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Night of a Teardrop

The Egyptians called it, Night of a Teardrop. On this night, (June 16) when the moon rose high in it’s sky, Isis shed one blessed and mournful tear for her beloved, Osiris. That precious tear was then collected into the palm of the Goddess of the River Nile, Satis, in which she placed it within’, causing the Nile to bring forth it’s annual flood. Even in Isis’ pain, something divine came forth....

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Sweet On Me Honey Jar Spell

This magic bottle spell can be worked on anyone's name you want to sweeten. Depending on what relationship the person has to you, what special items you put into the name-packet, the colour of the candle you choose, and the hoodoo oil you dress it with, this trick will cause the person you name to like you more, to love you more, to favour your petition, to want to help you, to be sympathetic to your cause, or to forgive any wrongs you have committed....

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Vervain and Honey Bath

• Vervain leaves - 4 stalks worth
• Honey 1/4 cup
• Florida water or other perfume (a few dabs)
• 1-1/2 cups of water...

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Birthday of the Muse

Themes: Creativity; Knowledge; History; Art
Symbols: Fountains; Springs; the Number Nine
Presiding Goddess: Mnemosyne

About Mnemosyne:

Mnemosyne means "memory." Remembrance is this goddess's gift to us, memories of all the wonderful moments of our lives. In Greek tradition Mnemosyne also gave birth to the Muses today (June 14) - the nine creative spirit children that give our lives so much beauty, song, stories, tradition, humor, dance, and sacred music. Greeks sometimes....

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Vidar's Day

This day (June 14) is sacred to the Viking god Vidar, son of Odin. According to Viking tradition, leather workers should put aside all of their off-cuts for Vidar's boots, so that the god can combat the demonic wolf, Venris...

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Planetary Herbs

Here is a listing of the planets and the herbs associated with them:

Sun: Acacia, Ash, Bay, Carnation, Cedar, Chamomile, Cimmamon, Hazel, Heliotrope, Juniper, Marigold, Misteltoe, Oak, Orange, Pam, Peony, Rice, Rosemary, Saffron, Sunflower, Tea, Walnut

Moon: Aloe, Cotton, Dulse, Eucalyptus, Gardenia, Grape, Irish Moss, Jasmine, Lemon, Liiy, Myrrh, Poppy, Potato, Sandalwood, Willow...

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Honoring Zeus

Light gold-colored candles on your altar and wear oak leaves in your hair to honor the Greek god Zeus, who is traditionally honored on this day (June 12).

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Elemental Herbs

When creating spells for a specific purpose you may want to use herbs or flowers that resonate to a specific elemental power, for example - when igniting the "flames" of passion - you might want to saturate the space with "fire" herbs, when doing a moon spell you might want to use water herbs. Alternatively, for balance you might want a little of each. With that in mind, here is a comprehensive listing of the four elements and their respective herbal correspondences. There are many different lists of elemental herbs - this was the most extensive one I found. Not every one agrees as to the elemental properties of some of the herbs listed. When in doubt, go with what seems right to you.

Earth: Alfalfa, Barley, Beet, Buckwheat, Corn, Cotton, Cypress, Fern, Honesty, Honeysuckle, Horehound, Horsetail, Knotweed...

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Herbs by Gender

Feminine: Aloe, Apple, Apricot, banana, Barley, Beech, Belladonna, Birch, Blackberry, Cherry, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Cypress, Daffodil, Daisy, Elder, Elm, Eucalyptus, Foxglove, Gardenia, Goldenrod...

Masculine: Acacia, Allspice, Angelica, Ash, Aspen, Basil, Bay, Bittersweet, Borage, Brazil Nut, Broom, Caraway, Carnation, Cedar, Chamomile, Chestnut, Cinnamon, Clove, Clover, Curry, Dandelion...

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Gaia Healing Spell

Perform this spell during an eclipse or a waxing moon phase. Arrange sea shells on a secluded beach, in the shape of a circle. If you do not have access to a beach, perform this ritual in a garden or forest using stones, branches or flowers to form the circle.

Kneel at the centre facing the ocean. Light a blue candle and incense of your choice. Raise arms high and recite...

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The Festival of Mater Matuta

Color of the day: Green
Incense of the day: Clove

June 11 is the Festival of Mater Matuta, an old Italian goddess of the dawn whom the Romans eventually made equivalent to the dawn goddess Aurora, and the Greek goddess Eos....

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Sign of the Oak

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Oak (June 10 - July 7) have a special gift of strength. They are protective people and often become a champion for those who do not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is the crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog. Nurturing, generous and helpful, you are a gentle giant among the Celtic zodiac signs. You exude an easy confidence and naturally assume everything will work out to a positive outcome....

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Symbolism of Companion Animals

Bat — The bat, which sometimes chooses a human as a companion or becomes a familiar to a human, is thought to confer long life, happiness and wealth to those humans with which it lives. The bat is sacred to Persephone, and thought to be lucky as a companion animal....

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100 Grass Lotion

This can only be created on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the only day that ordinary grass allegedly possesses special magic properties. In 2011 this falls on June 6. The instructions must be followed exactly.

• Rise early on that morning.
• Walk exactly one hundred paces into a field without turning your head....

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Rose Garden Dusting Powder

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup dried ground pink rose petals
• 1/4 cup ground dried lemon peel...

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More About Roses

No other plant is as intimately linked with love as the rose. When selecting healing roses, seek out the old-fashioned scented types such as those listed below, rather than the more neutral tea roses:

• Apothecary's Rose: the fragrant rose from which a very high quality of rose water is made.
• Belle de Crecy: considered by some to contain the purest rose scent.
• Celestial: a rose with a crisp and clean aroma.
• Kazanlik: a Bulgarian rose oil also called attar of roses is made from this rose. It throws off a potent smell - very heady.
• Maiden's Blush: is considered to be a more refined scent.
• Madame Isaac Pereire, Guinee, and Souvenir de la Malmaison: are stunning and highly fragrant.

Roses are beautiful and like the lotus, they suggest female genitalia in the height of passion. The blush of the rose is often compared to the blush of a bride or a sexual partner during orgasm....

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Romany Rose Spell For Love

Here is a Romany spell for love when you have met someone you desire. According to the Romanies this spell will ensure that he or she responds:

First, gather a fresh rose and two red candles, and find out the time of sunrise the next morning. Just before you go to sleep, place a red candle on each side of the rose....

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Rose as a Magickal Ingredient

Ruler: Venus, Oshun, Taurus
Type: Flower
Magickal Form: Flowers, Oil, Thorn

Roses are a metaphor for the human heart. No flower represents love more vividly. Perhaps nothing does. Roses are sacred to the most powerful spirits of love: Aphrodite, Juno, Isis, Kybele, Maitresse Ezili, and Maria Padilha. Oshun loves yellow roses.

Cleopatra, the living embodiment of Aphrodite and Isis, seduced Marc Anthony in a scented bedroom, packed knee-deep with rose petals....

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Spirit of the Sea Spiritual Cleansing Spell

If you suffer from a real sense of defilement, petition the spirits of the sea to provide healing and cleansing. Although there are many such spirits, Aphrodite and Yemaya are particularly powerful and benevolent. Petition either spirit or both. They are compatible with each other.

Journey to the beach with a bouquet of roses. (Six yellow roses for Aphrodite and/or seven white roses for Yemaya.)...

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Healing Old Wounds

This is magick used when there has been a rift in the family, be it between two individuals or between two whole groups within the family. It can be recognized as basic sympathetic magick.

Take a long white candle and break it into as many parts as there are factions. However, be careful not to break the wick - only the wax.

On each section of the candle carve the name of the individual or the initials of the major figures in the dispute (for example: should it be one whole branch of the family against another, with perphas as many persons in each group, then just mark the initials of the leaders, such as the father, mother, or grandmother, etc)....

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Auspicious Wedding Colors

Married in white,

You have chosen a right.

Married in blue,

Your lover is true....

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Juno Regina's Day: Queenship Rite

Colors: Purple and gold
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of purple and gold set two purple candles in gold holders, a woman's crown, peacock feathers, and eight golden stars.
Offerings: Take on a leadership position, if you are female. Follow a woman's lead, if male.
Daily Meal: Whatever the women in the House want, if they can agree.

Juno Regina Invocation

Great Queen of Heaven,

Ruler of all the Gods,

Lady clothed in light,

You name, Juno, once meant...

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Festival of Juno

The festival of Juno begins on June 1st and continues through June 2nd.

Themes: Feminity; Love; Relationships; Romance; Kinship; Time; Protection (Women and Children); Leadership.

Symbols: Cypress; Peacocks; Cuckoo; Luxurious Clothing; Figs; Moon (or Silver Items)

About Juno:

The supreme goddess of the Roman pantheon, Juno offers a helping hand in every aspect of our relationships, especially the safety and happiness of women and children in those settings. Juno is also a very modern minded goddess, taking an active role in public life and finances. Beyond this...

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Bean Magick

Ruler: Mercury
Type: Vegetable
Magickal form: raw, cooked

Use beans to appease the spirits of the dead. Throw some around the outside of the home if a ghost or poltergeist is bothering you. Beans inspire creativity and communication and can be carried raw in a pouch or cooked and eaten for inspiration.

Here is a list of the different types of beans and their specific properties:

• Black turtle beans help to jump hurdles and make important decisions.
• Butter beans reduce stress.
• Canary beans bring happiness and success in the arts....

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Festival of Carna

Themes: Health; Kinship; Change; Opportunity
Symbols: Beans; Pork
Presiding Goddess: Carna

About Carna: Goddess of protection, and of health and well-being of humans, especially small children. She presided over the intestines, heart, and other human organs. Some scholars have described Carna as being a Goddess of good digestion. When parents appealed to Carna, this Goddess would enter the home and perform certain rites to bar a strix from entering the house. The strix was sort of a supernatural screech owl....

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June Lore - Odds and Ends

What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade."

- Gertrude Jekyll

June takes its name from the Roman goddess Juno, the goddess of the hearth and home, and patron wives. For this reason, June has always been looked upon as the best month in which to marry...

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