We are so excited about the Summer, here at Witch Joseph…we have the windows open here at Witch house and Angelique is thrilled with it (so are we). This time of year is so ideal to gather with others and celebrate the Light as it reaches its peak on the Solstice…and there’s so much going on in the world…so we thought we would give a few suggestions and examples of the kinds of things we do to celebrate the Solstice.
Remember, June is also LGBTQIA Pride month…and this year, all of us need to be doing something to protect the progress we have made in the last decade and to push forward with enshrining Equality for everyone, to fight back against anti-Transgender and anti-Gay laws being passed nationwide…and banishing bigotry and hate from every heart and mind. Consider including magickal work for these purposes in your rituals. We will all fight to make sure Love and Reason prevails.
Brother Christopher has been working hard in the garden making sure our plant allies are happy and thriving…we both love working with the earth and Her seasons.
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Try celebrating the arrival of the Summer season with this honey punch recipe…it has become a favorite of ours over the years. We often make this for Beltane and also for other special summer times with friends and family…it’s delicious.
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We are so pleased to include this Beltaine article by our friend Tobias Josephson with Paranormal Witchcraft LLC. Be sure to like and follow him on facebook and his YouTube channel.
http://www.youtube.com/@tobiasjosephson
Beltaine.
Written by:
Tobias Josephson
A Celtic Fire Ritual, Beltaine,or May Day, is an Ancient Pagan Tradition most commonly found in Pagan and Wiccan Traditions.
It is one of the 2 most important Celebrated Sabats when the veil between realms is thinnest,First being of course Halloween or Samhain.
In our community it is most commonly celebrated in a number of different and unique ways depending upon your particular path or traditions or disciplines.
Most common Witch Practices for Beltaine are:
• Handfasting,pagan wedding.
• Passion spells
• Altars are probably the most popular.
• Using Herbs associated with Spring like:Rowan, Hawthorne, Rosemary
• Prosperity Rituals
• Divination Rituals for communion with the Dead.
Other themes include Fertility, Passion or Self Renewal Spells.
Witchcraft and Beltaine:
Also one of two very powerful and transformative Sabats.
• Fertility Rites using either symbolism or physical acts to represent the sacred Union between the God and Godess,Sun and Moon.
• Fire Magcks usually performed for Invoking our Dieties for New Blessings,Abundance or Self Purification.
• Rituals and Spells also commonly utilized are:
1. Love
2. Growth
3. Passion
Using MayPoles,Crowns of Rowan.
Older Celtic Traditions were known also where nudes star gazing all night to witness the Rising Sun upon their Harvests in Farmer's fields believed to invite a fruitful Harvest for their communities.
Another Older but very common Tradition was:
Jumping over the Fires were once considered common Practices to help invoke Blessings, assure safe travels, bless a pregnancy, prosperity to a Business even!
Some Other known practiced Rituals were:
• Beltaine ritual for Spiritual union's strengthening,used to help promote and strengthen a relationship, business development or a couples Heart to Heart connection, Soul to Soul connection using Beltaine's powerful energies.
• Pagan Partnered Rituals to Celebrate a Union's or Relationships Love, Passion or Unity.
Example Love Ritual
You'll need:
• Pink or Red candle
• Rose petals
• Jasmine incense
• Written wish,a photo of Desire
• Garnet crystal
• Music,oil optional
Light candle
Hold wish,photo concentrating on your Desire.
"By Beltaine Fire,I call Passion Near.Ignite my Spirit, Bold and Clear. "
"By Earth,By Flame,By Air and By Sea.Let PASSION NOW AWAKEN ME!"
Close down your Ritual
Thank your personal Spirts or Dieties.
The most common way it's celebrated may very from path to path but the Symbology of the Springs fires flames,warmth and light have remained a true symbol of Nature's delicate balance and a catalyst for hope for not only Witches or Pagan communities but the Religious as well for as far back as can be seen in primitive caves.
Beltaines Fires have been used for centuries to stand and bear witness to the true Strength of the Human Spirit and as a timeless reminder of how fragile our world is without its power in our Lives,
Beltaine Fires symbolize Humanity's true Transformative and Sexual Energies but also represents it's awesome beauty in all things as a symbol of Death and Rebirth as well.
As we Celebrate this year we're reminded more then ever to stop and take note of Life's delicate balances.
"Relight the Fires within our Hearts. "
"Relight the Flames within our Homes."
"We give thanks now,pausing in it's smokey haze."
"Relighting the Fires of Beauty within,truly Becoming,"
"Stepping Boldly now into a New Season,"
"Relighting our Fires Within, we begin again. "
Tobias Josephson, -poet,writer,witch
The Bonfire of Dual Flames.
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Beltane Ritual Suggestions
(I think I got some of this ritual from Reclaiming sources, ie Starhawk…I think some of it was inspired by the published writings of the Farrars…but I don’t remember and I wasn’t diligent with retaining sources along the way…if you recognize any of this please let me know…ty)
Items need for this ceremony: candle for the Bel Fire, photo or effigy of beloved animal companions.
Sabbat Colors:Red and Green
(Altar is decorated in reds and greens, two white candles are on the altar))
“This is the time when sweet desire weds wild delight. The Maiden of Spring and the Lord of the Waxing Year meet in the greening fields and rejoice under the warm Sun. The shaft of Life is twined in the spiral web and all of nature is renewed. We meet in the time of flowering, to dance the dance of Life.”
”This is the night of Beltane, the night when we celebrate the beginning of Summer. On this night, we celebrate the Union of our Lord and our Lady…They are One in perfect Love. We celebrate the power of the Earth to bring forth new forms, for we know that the Earth is a living beings and that all of Her creatures are a part of Her body. Each has a place, a purpose, a special part in the great dance of Life. We celebrate the joys of being alive and we give thanks for all the different kinds of pleasure our bodies can give us. When we give each other Love and Pleasure, the whole Earth is pleased. The flowers bloom brighter and the birds sing louder.
———Bel Candle is lit…I usually place mine in the cauldron———
“O do not tel the priests of our art
for they would call it sin;
But we will be in the woods all night,
A-conjuring Summer in.
And we bring you good news by word of mouth,
for women, cattle and corn,
For the Sun is coming up from the South
With Oak and Ash and Thorn.”
At this point in the ceremony we perform a blessing upon our Animal loved ones using sympathetic magic(k)…by passing a picture or effigy of them thru the flame (quickly so that it doesn’t catch fire…always practice safety in rituals.) This is tapping into the principle that the Bel fire has magic(k)al properties and bestows the blessings of Light, Warmth and Security…similar to how the herds were driven between two Bel fires to ensure fertility at this time in some cultures.
———-Holding picture or effigy of animal loved one(s)———
“Great Goddess and Great God, please bless and protect ________N________ with Your divine and perfect Love, Health, Happiness and Joy…Now and Forever. So Mote it Be!”
“Thus we mark this Holy Day…Thus we crown the Queen of May!”
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- We are so pleased to share with you some of the artwork of Laura Zwynenburg. She was the featured artist in our April 2025 Full Moon Newsletter…and we are delighted to share a few of her pieces here in our Summer Blog. We encourage you to follow Laura on Zwynenburg on Facebook…and check out her lives where she plays the most amazing Native American flute music.
Title: Klimt Dreams of Van Gogh
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-We are also pleased to present this featured article from our friend Gregory Hancock.
Author: Gregory Hancock-“I am a lifelong witch, active practitioner, metaphysical shop owner and community supporter and head of our coven. I love to blog about metaphysical topics and witchcraft. I love enlightening people to the fact witchcraft is not evil. Be well, be happy and healthy! Blessings.“
Witches and Gardens: Time to Start Planting
Well, here we are in the second week of May, and if you haven’t started thinking about your garden yet, I’m not saying you’re late, but the Earth might be giving you some serious side-eye. For witches, gardening isn't just a cute weekend hobby—it's practically a divine mandate. This is the time to get your hands dirty, literally. So, grab your trowel, whisper some sweet nothings to your seedlings, and let’s get this witchy garden party started.
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Plant
The frost is finally gone, and the soil is waking up like it’s had its morning coffee. Mother Earth is stretching her limbs, ready to help you grow some serious magic. Whether you’re tossing in herbs for spellwork, flowers for aesthetics, or vegetables for, you know, actual food, May is when you need to start digging. Plus, the days are longer, which means your plants get all the sunshine they’ve been dreaming of. And yes, plants dream—I don’t make the rules.
We witches know the importance of timing. Planting now syncs up with Beltane energy—the whole celebration of life, fertility, and things growing like crazy. When you plant during this window, you’re basically high-fiving the universe and saying, "Yeah, I know what I’m doing."
It’s also a great time to check into some books about herbs, incense and oils if you are going to be gardening too. I love working with herbs, magically speaking, because hands-down; they work.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Witch's Garden
Before you start flinging dirt around, think about what kind of magic you want sprouting in your backyard. Rosemary, thyme, and sage? Classic picks for protection and cleansing. Lavender? Perfect for peace and calm—because honestly, who doesn’t need that? Basil’s basically money in plant form, and if you want to take your psychic game up a notch, toss in some mugwort or moonwort. They won’t mind.
Flowers are not just pretty faces, either. Marigolds ward off negativity, daisies are all about fresh starts, and sunflowers? Pure, unfiltered joy. And don’t even get me started on vegetables—planting your own food is like the ultimate middle finger to consumerism.
For herbs, for magical use, I tend to plant those I use most: chocolate mint, calendula (marigold) basil, oregano and a few others. I also tend to plant the more expensive to buy herbs too. Have you seen the cost of devil’s shoestring? Egad. Thankfully, as a metaphysical shop owner, I have access to all kinds of herbs, bulk herbs and smaller packets too.
Creating Sacred Space in Your Garden
Look, any witch worth her salt knows that a garden isn’t just a random collection of plants—it’s a sacred space. First, you’ve got to set your intention. Walk around your plot like you own the place (because you kind of do), visualizing a protective barrier of energy. Some witches prefer stones, tiny fences, or even enchanted string. Personally, I say go with whatever won’t trip you in the dark.
A quick cleanse before planting is non-negotiable. Smudge the area with sage or rosemary to clear out any stale energy. Sprinkle some salt at the corners for added protection. This isn't just for good vibes; it’s like setting your Wi-Fi password. You don’t want just anything wandering in.
When it’s finally time to plant, consider giving each seed a little blessing. Nothing too dramatic—just a quick word of protection or a nod toward abundance. This simple ritual transforms basic gardening into straight-up alchemy.
Magical Gardening Rituals
Gardening as a witch isn’t just about keeping things alive—it’s about weaving magic into every leaf and root. When you water your plants, don’t just dump a bucket and walk off. Visualize that water as liquid energy, soaking into the soil with all your intentions. You’re basically making a potion; you just happen to be standing outside.
On the full moon, try a moonlit blessing. Walk through your garden, touch each plant, and give it a little pep talk. Trust me, they appreciate it. If you’re feeling extra, bury a few crystals at the base of certain plants. Amethyst for spiritual awareness, quartz for pure energy—don’t worry, your plants won’t think it’s weird.
Harvesting with Intention
When your garden finally bursts into life, it’s time to harvest. But this isn’t just snipping and clipping; it’s a full-on ritual. Before you take anything, say a quick thank-you to the plant. Yes, out loud. You don’t want the garden gossiping that you’re rude.
Use a boline or a ritual knife for clean cuts, not your athame—your plants deserve a painless goodbye. As you gather, imagine that energy flowing into your hands. That magic? You’re going to carry it into your spells, your kitchen, or wherever else you decide to unleash your witchy powers.
And hey, don’t forget to leave a little offering. A pinch of salt, a petal, maybe a whispered blessing. This isn’t bribery—it’s just good manners.
Honoring the Cycle of Life
Your garden isn’t just a summertime fling; it’s a long-term relationship. When a plant reaches the end of its cycle, honor it by returning it to the earth. Compost it, bury it, whatever works. Just don’t toss it in the trash—seriously, that’s just rude.
Celebrate the seasons with your garden. In autumn, grab those fallen leaves for mulch or spellcraft. In winter, cover your space with organic matter to keep it cozy. When spring rolls around, wake it up with fresh intentions. See? Full circle.
Witchcraft – A Metaphysical Blog
Conclusion
Gardening as a witch isn’t just about planting seeds and hoping for the best. It’s about weaving magic, honoring life, and occasionally talking to plants like they’re your best friends—because they probably are. So, grab that trowel, cast your spells, and get your witchy garden growing. The Earth is waiting, and she’s not exactly known for her patience.
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WHAT IS LITHA/SUMMER SOLSTICE?
The Summer Solstice, also known as Litha (Litha is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “midsummer”), is celebrated when the Sun ingresses into tropical Cancer, around June 21st, though the date fluctuates a bit from year to year so check with an ephemeris or trusted source to find out the exact day.
Litha is the festival of the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. We gather to honor the power of the Sun to burn away all suffering and negativity, to purify our bodies, minds and spirits. At this time we banish all that is harmful and we kindle and invoke all that is healing and life giving. On this day of longest Light, we honor the passing of the God as He begins His long journey into the darkness on His way to rebirth. May He grant us the courage to face our own darkness and give us the power to release what needs to be released in our lives.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LITHA FOR WITCHES AND PAGANS
The longest day in the year marks the high point for Light…it’s a paradoxical fact that it is at this high point that the Light of the Sun begins to wane. For people who live in alignment with Nature and the cycles of the Sun and Moon…we recognize that this is true of all living things. When we attune to these days of power we begin, over time, to sense the rhythm that is created by beginning, waxing, climax, waning, end. By observing these, we also experience that no end is truly final…and no beginning comes about without letting go of what went before it. The Seasons emanate from these cycles like waves…and we begin to experience that we are a part of these cycles…and that deep within us there is a connection to Source that is reached by becoming aware of these cycles in the greater world and within our own lives.
The mythology of the Sun God is parallel to cycles of the plants and crops in Nature and also parallel to the stages in the life of all beings…when viewed in the broader context, this is the promise of the Spiral…the ancient symbol of our ancestors that is a seed of hope that the Circle indeed has no end…and neither does Life.
It is at this time of the year, that we can powerfully surrender the things in our lives that have reached the height of their usefulness and purpose and now begin to decline. Consciously releasing the things we are finished with creates space for new things to come into being for us…holding on to the things that no longer serve only brings us pain. This is an opportunity in the Year to cooperate with the Powers of Life…and allow Them to flow thru us like a wave that will bring us to new and more useful places. The old chant used by the Reclaiming Tradition and written by Starhawk and Lauren Liebling “She changes everything She touches and everything She touches changes” is indeed truth and our shared reality with the Earth.
It is also important to bear in mind that the Seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres are reversed…so when it is Summer Solstice above the Equator it is Winter Solstice below the Equator…thanks to axial tilt.
Litha/Summer Solstice Ritual
Items needed: candle for the cauldron
Fireproof container for burning the slips of paper
Slips of paper
Pen or writing utensil
(Altar is decorated in Golds, yellows and greens and with solar themes…seasonal flowers are appropriate)
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grounding and purification, according to your tradition
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Sabbat Declaration:
“We gather on this holy night of Litha, the longest day in the wheel of the year, to honor the Mighty Ones, especially Our Lord, the Sun. On this Summer Solstice we celebrate the height of the God’s power…it is at this point that He dies and begins His journey into the Darkness where He will be reborn of the Great Mother…which is the destiny of all beings. Blessed Be!”
Response: “Blessed Be!”
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General Blessing, according to your tradition
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Casting of the Circle/Erecting the Temple/Creation of Sacred Space according to your tradition.
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Invocation of Deities, according to your tradition.
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Ritual Leader:”This is the feast of Litha, the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. We gather to honor the power of the Sun to burn away all suffering and all negativity, to purify our bodies, minds and spirits. As this fire burns, we release and banish all that is harmful to us…As this fire burns, we kindle and invoke all that is healing and Life-giving. -candle in cauldron is lit- “On this day of longest Light, we honor the passing of the God as He begins His long journey into the Darkness on His way to rebirth. May He grant us the courage to face our own darkness and give us the power to release what needs to be released in our lives. Hail, Great God of the Sun! Response: “Hail, Great God of the Sun!” -slips of paper can be burned (safely) at this point with words or sigils signifying what we want to release from our lives. After the ritual, the ashes should be scattered outdoors and released to the natural elements.
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Cakes and Ale according to your tradition
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Thanksgiving to the Mighty Ones according to your tradition
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Releasing the Circle
(This content was created using the AI tool Magic Design on Canvas)
Items Needed: candle (or cauldron water) for fire
Bread baked in the form of the God
Altar is decorated with Wheat and Grain and Harvest Themes centered around the Grain…in Gold, Brown, Yellow and Earth tones
grounding and purification, according to your tradition
Sabbat Declaration:
“We gather on this holy night of Lammas, to honor the first Harvest, the Harvest of the Grain. We celebrate the life of the Great God that nourishes us and preserves our lives. We release all fear as we follow our Lord into the darkness on His journey towards Rebirth!!”
Response: “Blessed Be!”
General Blessing, according to your tradition
Casting of the Circle/Erecting the Temple/Creation of Sacred Space according to your tradition.Invocation of Deities, according to your tradition.
Ritual Leader:”This is the feast of the first Harvest, the feast of Lammas, when we celebrate the life of the Grain. We give honor and thanks to Great Lugh, who lifts His shining spear to light the lives of all beings and who offers His life to us in the Grain which is the gift of our Mother the Earth.” -candle in cauldron is lit (always exercise safety and precautions when lighting candles or working with live Fire) -bread shaped like the God is passed thru the flames of the Lammas candle/fire saying: “Behold, the Grain of Life. We eat of the Life that ever dies and is reborn.”
-A piece of the bread is now distributed to all present and is eaten- “Blessed Be!”
Response: “Blessed Be!”
Cakes and Ale according to your traditionThanksgiving to the Mighty Ones according to your traditionReleasing the Circle
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Creating a Corn Necklace for Lammas
A fun activity that me and Brother Christopher like to do during this Season…is creating Corn necklaces from the beautiful indurata, calico or “flint” corn…which comes in an abundance and variety of color…we like to wear these during our ceremony and use as decorations for the altar. Here’s how we do it.
1) Remove kernels from the corn husks.
2) Boil kernels for 15 minutes and then allow to cool completely…let soak in cold water over night (or until a needle can easily pierce the kernel).
3) Cut a length of nylon beading string bigger than the size necklace you want to create (make sure you can fit it over your head).
4) Thread the needle with the beading string.
5) Pierce the center of a kernel with the needle and slide it down leaving about four inches at the end of the floss.
6) Repeat step 5 until you have filled up almost the entire length of thread (leave room on either end so you can tie the ends together).
7) Tie the two ends together to form the necklace stop kernels from slipping off.
Here’s a picture of one that I created:
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From all of us here at Witch Joseph, we want to wish you and yours all the blessings of the Summer Seasons and we hope we contribute to help find you in your celebrations.
Love and Blessings,
WJ