A look at Wiccan spring equinox rituals
The Summer Solstice which will fall on June 21 this year marks a major Wiccan festival. As the day in which the sun is visible for the longest time period, or the ‘longest day’ as it is called colloquially. Wiccans celebrate the physical elements of air, fire, water and earth and the metaphysical element of spirit.
The Wiccans reverence motherhood and womanhood. Summer Solstice could be called the day of full sun and it celebrates fullness. On the cycle of the seasons, it is the apex. In the cycle of intimacy, sexuality and fertility it is the season of the mother; maturity and womanhood in full bloom. The blossoming of flowers and pollination of trees and plants is a wonderful metaphor and visual image for the regeneration of life.
Prayers are said to the goddess for enlightenment, guidance and wisdom. She is invoked in her form in nature and worshiped for her beauty, her nurturing and protection of her children. She is praised for her creative power and goodness.
With the warmth and healing rays of Sumer Solstice, the major element of this feast is fire.
Fire is a powerful image; it calls to mind the burning away of impurity, the refiners’ fire which purges the dross of sin, selfishness and inhumanity. The fire of the sun warms us as a mother’s love does; the illuminating power power of the sun reflects the joy of creation. The fire of candle in all faiths represent light of truth, wisdom and love.
Fire, with it’s symbolic color of red signifies passion also. Wiccan Summer Solstice ceremonies use red for the altar cloth and candles. Catholic Christians use red for feast days of martyrs (those impassioned of the faith) as well as for Pentecost, when God poured out His Spirit in tongues of fire.
Similar to the Catholic imposition of the ashes of Ash Wednesday, Wiccans use ash incense in a cleansing and purification rite. The incense burned recalls the fragrant perfume of honest, heartfelt prayers and worship. Scented oils have traditionally been used in ritual to symbolize blessing and anointment. Blessing with sacred oil is a visible sign of the love we share for each other. Oil represents steadfastness. Anointing empowers us to go forth spreading joy and love and doing acts of kindness for others.
I am not a Wiccan; in fact, in times past I may have been the antithesis of Wiccan philosophy. As a woman of 43 I see now that perfect love casts out fear and I seek to build bridges in spirituality, not walls. As a woman who has had the privilege to have nurtured and loved children, known passion and intimacy and needed guidance, I respect the ideals of Wicca.
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