When I celebrate the wheel of the year I focus on the sabbats that relate to cosmological events (Yule, Ostara, Midsummer, and Mabon) instead of what many in the witchcraft and pagan communities would refer to as the “major sabbats” (Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas, and Samhain). This means that the solstices are a big deal for me and my family. As we’ve grown older, matured, and built our family, we came to the realization that we needed celebrate our holidays with just as much (if not more) exuberance as we did for the Christian holidays our extended families celebrate.

In this cycle of the wheel, we’ve been throwing potluck celebrations for our friends who share an interest in paganism. There are only two witches other than myself, but those not on the path still enjoy it just as much as the rest of us. Though I think a few of them are starting to gain a legitimate interest in practicing on their own. One of the best parts is seeing my husband and roommate get excited about celebrating the sabbats. They often begin the planning without me or ask me what the traditions so they can think about what kind of food they want to make.

For this summer solstice we’re hosting our potluck outside, and, though our yard is small and we live in a relatively urban environment, I think we might even have a small fire. I’m not sure what my friends are bringing, but my household is making marinated grilled chicken, summer squash kabobs, bread (as always), fruit salad, and maybe a honey cake. We still have enchanted mead from our wedding so some of us will probably partake in that as well.

One of the hardest parts of this year is designing a ritual that a person with zero experience will be able to participate, enjoy, and gain something from. It had to be simple yet effective. The best thing I could think of was a releasing of negativity spell. If you guys have any other ideas I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

Summer Solstice Ritual

Intent: To reflect on the past year and release the negativity built up over that time.

Needs:

Candles

A cauldron or other large fire safe vessel

Lighter or matches

Paper

Pens with black ink

Metal tongs

citrine, orange calcite, selenite, tigers eye, and amethyst or whatever crystals you have to fits the intent

Small to medium sized rocks (if outside)

Mood music

Steps:

Set stones in a circle to denote the boundaries of your sacred barrier. Only do this step in you’re able to host your ritual outside. Arrange candles, cauldron, crystals, and any other decorations around the altar. Call those participating in the ritual to gather in the circle. Start music. Make sure there are no ads! Pass around paper and pens. Make sure you have enough for all those participating. Having to find more pens and paper can ruin the mood of the ritual. Have each individual write down all the things from the past year (or longer) that they’d like to release. Once everyone is done have them fold the paper. It isn’t necessary for anyone to share what they wrote. Light the candles. Have each person step up to the altar, focus on releasing these negative things, light the paper on fire (holding with tongs), and drop it into the cauldron to finish burning out. As they do this the smoke raising is the negativity being released into the universe. Let the universe do with it what it will. After everyone is done have a moment of silent contemplation. Release the circle and then the group.

Note:

When leading a ritual for others it is important to remember that not everyone is as experienced as you so it is important to try your best and not break the gnosis of group ritual. Be prepared and rehearse ahead of time. Theatrics are okay as most people unfamiliar with witchcraft expect it to be much more dramatic than it normally is. If need be explain each aspect of the ritual, why you are doing it, and what certain things represent. What is common knowledge for some isn’t common knowledge for others.