A Midsummer Herbal

Plants have always found a way into our celebrations. Whether we're eating them, smelling them, or drinking them, they are there. Here is a list of herbs traditional to Midsummer (some are listed as a specific use).

 

Carnation

Copal

Daisy

Dogwood

Elder

Fern

Figwort

Frankincense

Galangal

German Chamomile

Heliotrope

Honeysuckle

Ivy

Laurel

Lavender

Lemon

Lily

Mistletoe

Mugwort

Oak

Oranges

Roman Chamomile

Rose

Rosehips

Saffron

Sandalwood

Summer Squash

Sunflower

Thyme

Vervain

Wood Betony

Yarrow

Ylang-Ylang

-Place the sap of the Dogwood onto a handkerchief on Midsummer Eve.  This will grant any wish you may have, if you faithfully carry the handkerchief.

-Figwort is smoked over Midsummer fires and then hung in the home for its protective powers.

-It is traditional on Midsummer to burn Wood Betony on a bonfire and then jump through the smoke to purify the body of ills and evil.

-St. John’s Wort was of particular importance to the Mid-Sumner celebrations and in addition to wearing it and spreading it about the house, young girls would often use it to help divine the future of their love lives.

-Mistletoe, Vervain, and Basil are herb harvested in ritualistic manners to preserve their energies for use in Litha celebrations.

-Mugwort, in particular, was gathered on the mid-Summer’s eve, to be worn as hair pieces during the next day; these were then hung on the house or barn to act as protective charms during the next year.  To gather this herb today you would be barefoot, ideally, and cut the branches with an iron-free blade or “snip” them by pinching with your fingers.  Don’t let the herb touch the ground once it’s cut, but place it on a white cloth quietly and with reverence.

Attunement Teas:  (Individually or Blended)

Anise

Carrot Drinks

Lemon

Nettle

Orange

Ritual Oils:  (Individually or Blended)

All Mint Oils

Cinnamon

Heliotrope

Lavender

Lemon

Orange

Saffron

Sandalwood

Incense: Lemon, Myrrh, Pine, Rose, Wisteria

Woods Burned: Oak

Traditional Foods: Garden fresh fruits and vegetables are made into a variety of dishes and eaten by Pagan’s who choose to celebrate this day.