Message from Emily Gems....

"Solstice" comes from the Latin "sol" meaning sun, and "sistere," to cause to stand still. As the summer solstice draws near, the noonday sun rises higher and higher in the sky each day. On the day of the solstice, it rises an imperceptible amount, compared to the day before, thus appearing to "stand still."

For many, this is the time to harvest magical herbs on Midsummer's Eve. The timing makes the herbs more potent. Cut the herbs with a special knife and leave an offering of honey to the plant in thankfulness. The blessed path always walks hand in hand with Nature. Ritual preparation Add summer flowers to your ritual bath, anointing yourself with oils before the ritual. Cover your altar with a red or orange cloth to honor the sun. Add some daisy blossoms to your altar. The daisy gets it name from day's-eye because it turns to follow the sun in its path. Use gold, yellow or red candles to represent divine Fire. Protection Charms Summer Solstice is an excellent time of the year to make protective charms for your home or pets. To do this, gather a piece of rowan wood, red fabric and red thread. Add a protective gemstone, such as agate or turquoise, and some herbs of your choice such as St. John's wort, woodbine, anise or salt. Bundle these all together in the red cloth, gathering it at the top with the red thread, saying: "Where rowan and red are bound, protection surrounds." Each time you say this, add one knot to the red thread. Place your protection charm in any safe place around your home, or in the glove compartment of your car. Summer Solstice Love Blessings Traditionally, Summer Solstice is an excellent day to cast spells to attract a lover, or renew a relationship. (See my Summer Solstice Love Blessings Ritual).