Midsummer 12 Wish Fire Ritual
By Dena L Moore
To be worked on June 21-22, 2004
Any time of day or night
This ritual can be used for solitary practice or in a group (with a few additions/changes)
At Midsummer, June 21st, the Sun is at his zenith—its highest point. He appears to stand still to us here on earth, if only for a short time. After the Sun reaches his zenith, he begins to wane...he steps onto the path that leads to the fall harvest and eventually winter (in the northern hemisphere).
Midsummer is also called the Summer Solstice, Litha, St. John’s Eve, the Oak Festival, and Sun Blessing, to name a few. It is the longest day of the year and thus, also the shortest night of the year. Symbolically, God and Goddess now join in a loving, more gentle relationship. The passion and ecstasy of Beltane has given way to a more solid and enduring union. The Goddess is at her most sensuous; the God is at his highest physical peak. Together they hold the power of creation. Midsummer is a time to celebrate and ask for Prosperity, Fertility, and a bountiful harvest. The Universe is eager to grant wishes at Midsummer, so listen for the faery folk—they might just inform you (in a whisper of course) how to ask for what you need.
It is important to keep in mind that the word fertility goes beyond actual pregnancy and conception. You can conceive a dream, a story, a work of art, a health plan, and so much more. Now is the time to become conscious of your inherent gifts and start using them! Midsummer is a fertile and blessed time.
Suggested Audio for solitary: Drumming or Faery Music (Celtic instrumental would work). You could also chant or drum solo if you do so in practice.
Suggested practice for coven or other group: Add chanting, drumming, and any other vocal/musical technique used to raise power or add liveliness to the celebration. Decide upon the 12 wishes as a group, and have the Priestess, Priest (or both), or other leader light the candles and ask for the wishes. Use candle stands and pillar candles instead of votives, a large cauldron, and be sure that each member has their own individual packet of herbs to sprinkle on the water.
Items needed for this ritual:
2 charged green candles
4 charged red candles
4 charged gold candles
2 charged blue candles
Herbal blend of Oakmoss, Lavender, Calendula, and a small bit of mistletoe tied in a red cloth
Fire blend incense
Cauldron or other appropriate container
Fresh spring water
Incense burner/ash catcher
Matches, lighter, or a lighting stick
12 votive plates or holders
A spoon/ladle large enough to stir within the cauldron
Optional items:
Cobalt or amber bottles.
Be sure to read the warning at the end of the ritual regarding the herbal water.
Directions:
Before beginning the ritual, have 12 wishes in mind to ask for. The wishes should encompass self-improvement, creativity/fertility, Prosperity, and Love—have at least one wish for each of the 4 areas. If you have a need to, write them down on paper and have it with you during the ritual.
If you can, perform this ritual outside.
To begin the ritual, create your sacred space. If you follow a specific practice for creating your sacred space, you may use this practice to complete this part of the ritual. If you do not have a set practice, then imagine your entire property encircled by the bright, pure white light of the universe. This can be a ring of white fire, a brilliant bubble, anything you feel comfortable with. You may also call the quarters and cast a circle...it is up to you and your personal needs/beliefs.
After creating your sacred space, set the candles (on a plate or in a votive holder) around you in a circle—you can create the fire circle as big or small as you need to, depending on your available space and comfort. Place the candles in this order, beginning at the 4 o’ clock position: Blue, Gold, Green, Red, Gold, Gold, Red, Green, Red, Red, Gold, Blue. You will see that you end with a blue candle in the East (at the 3 o’clock position)—the two blue candles will be together. The green candles represent the Earth Mother and Goddess energy, the gold and red are for solar energy, and the blue is symbolic not only of spirit and Goddess energy, but also of water, night, intuition, and the coming seasons.
Your cauldron should be in the center of the circle and you should have space to stand or sit and move around it. Fill the cauldron about half-way with spring water. Have all of your items with you in the fire circle before you begin the lighting and wish-gathering. When you are ready, start at the 4 o’clock position and light all of the candles. As you do so, begin with your easiest request and continue onwards until all the candles are lit and your wishes are sent skyward. It is much more powerful to ask for the wishes outloud, but you can ask silently if you are uncomfortable.
After the candles are lit, focus on each flame in turn and concentrate on that specific wish (it will help if you have a set order before the ritual and that you stick to it to avoid confusion). See it as reality...it has already happened. Picture each wish as fully and explicitly as possible. After this second round of wishing, settle in front of the cauldron, open your herbal pack and run your hands through the herbs. Feel the bounty of our universe run through your fingers. When you are ready, sprinkle the herbs on the water. Take the spoon and stir the herbs and water for 12 turns, repeating each wish as you do so. Settle back and watch the herbs dance on the water...this is the dance of life.
Focus, speak to your guides, meditate, whatever feels comfortable to you at this time. Remain in the circle for as long as you wish, but let the candles burn down as long as possible. When you must put them out, wet your fingers and pinch them out, or alternatively, use a snuffer. You may want to bottle some of the Midsummer water to use in other spells/rituals for the rest of the year...especially to renew your 12 wishes. If you do not want to keep the water, strain out the herbs before tossing the water outside or pouring down a drain. Dispose of the herbs in the garbage.
Warning: Do not drink of the mixture as it contains mistletoe, which is a poison. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Label all of the bottles. Although there is only a tiny amount of mistletoe in the mixture, I also warn that you should not use it to annoint the body other than a very slight touch. Sprinkle it on paper, use it in your cauldron, etc. If you are creating your own blend and you want to drink of it or annoint the body, simply leave out the mistletoe. I have added it to increase the power of the ritual, but if you are practiced and experienced you can make changes to boost the power yourself.
The 12 Wish Fire Ritual is complete. You should notice or feel a definite change within 2-3 weeks. As magickal practice depends greatly on the practitioner, you must have faith in the work. Don’t expect anything to happen right away—the full effect of the ritual may not be reached until approximately 12 months after the ritual.
The Midsummer Fire Wish Ritual is the original work of Dena L Moore.
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