Pagan summer solstice customs have been practiced for centuries and are still celebrated by many today. The summer solstice, also known as Midsummer or Litha, marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. It is a time to celebrate the sun, nature, and the abundance of the earth. One of the main customs during this time is the lighting of bonfires. These fires are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings for the upcoming year. People would gather around the fire, dance, sing, and make offerings to the gods and goddesses.
The Wicked Witch, having come from Oz was able to demonstrate various abilities that witches from this dimension appear to be incapable of.
In 2013, the Witch was accidentally freed by Dean and battled the Winchesters, Dorothy and Charlie Bradbury to get the Key and bring her army to Earth. She finds Dean and Charlie Bradbury and gets the key from them and kills Charlie who sacrifices herself for Dean who retaliates by shooting the Wicked Witch with a poppy bullet, forcing her to retreat to the vents to recover.
People would gather around the fire, dance, sing, and make offerings to the gods and goddesses. The bonfire was seen as a symbol of transformation and renewal, as well as a way to honor the sun's power. Another important custom is the gathering of herbs and plants.
The Wicked Witch of the West
The Witch ruled Oz with an army of flying monkeys and other evil witches. When Dorothy Baum came to Oz, she joined the rebellion against the Witch who turned three freedom fighters into a lion, a scarecrow and a tin man as punishment. She kills Dorothy at one point, but she is resurrected and the Good Witch of the North, who protects her from the Wicked Witch's powers with a kiss. The Witch kills the Tin Man and eventually Dorothy returns to Earth.
In 1935, the Wicked Witch is captured by Dorothy, who cuts out her tongue. Dorothy attempts to kill the Wicked Witch by cutting off her head, burning her, and dousing her with holy water, to no avail. Out of options, Dorothy brings the Wicked Witch to the Men of Letters Bunker to find a way to kill her. Working with James Haggerty and Peter Jenkins, Dorothy tries to come up with a plan, but the Witch breaks free and possesses Jenkins, forcing Haggerty to kill him. Unable to defeat the Witch, Dorothy casts a spell that binds them. Haggerty works for the rest of his career on finding a way to defeat the Witch and comes up with the idea that poppy seed extract can stun the Witch from the Oz books. He makes a deal with a fairy in case the Witch ever breaks free.
In 2013, the Witch was accidentally freed by Dean and battled the Winchesters, Dorothy and Charlie Bradbury to get the Key and bring her army to Earth. She nearly succeeded but was finally killed by Charlie with the ruby slippers.
Midsummer was the perfect time to gather healing herbs and perform rituals to harness their medicinal and magical properties. People would go into the fields and forests to collect plants like St. John's wort, lavender, and rosemary. These herbs would then be used in potions, talismans, and spells, or simply kept as charms for good luck. In addition to bonfires and herb gathering, divination was also a popular midsummer custom. This was a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds was believed to be thinner, making it easier to receive insights and messages. People would use various methods such as tarot cards, rune stones, or scrying to gain guidance and clarity for the coming months. Overall, pagan summer solstice customs are a time of joy, celebration, and connection with nature. They honor the power of the sun, the abundance of the earth, and the mysteries of the universe. Whether through bonfires, herb gathering, or divination, these customs allow people to embrace the energy of the solstice and tap into their own inner magic..
Reviews for "Ancient Pagan Symbolism at the Summer Solstice"
1. John - 2/5 - I found the pagan summer solstice customs to be quite bizarre and unappealing. The whole idea of dancing around a bonfire half-naked and chanting seemed more like a cult ritual than a festive celebration. It made me feel uncomfortable and out of place. I would have much preferred a more traditional and family-friendly event to celebrate the summer solstice.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed with the pagan summer solstice customs. The whole event felt disorganized and chaotic. There was no clear structure or explanation of the rituals and traditions taking place, which made it difficult for me to understand or appreciate what was happening. Additionally, the atmosphere was filled with heavy smoke from the bonfire, which made it difficult to breathe and enjoy the experience. Overall, it was not a pleasant or enjoyable experience for me.
3. Amanda - 2/5 - As someone with a more conservative background, the pagan summer solstice customs were quite overwhelming for me. The nudity and overt sexuality displayed during the event made me extremely uncomfortable. I understand that these customs have historical and cultural significance, but I personally did not resonate with them. I would have preferred a more toned-down and inclusive celebration that could be enjoyed by a wider audience.