June pagan worship involves various traditions and rituals practiced by pagan communities during the month of June. Paganism is an umbrella term for a variety of spiritual and religious beliefs that center around nature worship and connection to the earth. While practices and traditions vary among different pagan paths, June is considered an important month for pagans due to its association with the summer solstice, which typically falls on June 20th or 21st. The summer solstice, also known as Midsummer or Litha, is the longest day of the year and marks the official beginning of summer. Pagans view this day as a time of celebration and an opportunity to connect with the energy and power of the sun. Many pagan communities will gather outdoors, often in natural settings such as forests or meadows, to honor this important celestial event.
~Finnish Kalevala, creation myth
Tarot Card Associations of the Day Temperance for help in finding or restoring balance , Two of Swords for balance and restored peace , Knight of Swords for dealing with conflict or arguments with others, overcoming obstacles, breaking negativity, and attempts in dealing with others fairly. Tarot Card Associations of the Day Temperance for help in finding or restoring balance , Two of Swords for balance and restored peace , Knight of Swords for dealing with conflict or arguments with others, overcoming obstacles, breaking negativity, and attempts in dealing with others fairly.
Many pagan communities will gather outdoors, often in natural settings such as forests or meadows, to honor this important celestial event. One of the main rituals associated with June pagan worship is the lighting of bonfires. Bonfires hold symbolic significance for pagans, representing the light and warmth of the sun.
Pagan Calendar: June 25 – 26, 2016
Saturday: Day of Reckoning
Saturn, the Roman god of the harvest, rules this day of the Jewish Sabbath. The French word for Saturday, sumedi, also suggests a link to Saturn. Saturday is seen as the day of reckoning – a time to summon energy for wisdom, legal matters, knowledge, and karma. It is associated with magic dealing with banishing, change, death, motivation, reincarnation, understanding and wills.
Color of the Day: Blue
Primary spiritual color; for rituals to obtain wisdom, harmony, inner light, or peace; confers truth and guidance.
Deities of the Day: Hecate (Greek), Saturn (Roman)
Hecate was the daughter of Perses and one of the original Titans. Even after Zeus had defeated the Titans, he kept Hecate in power to assist the mortals. Zeus honored Hecate greatly by granting her a share of power over the earth, sky, and sea.
Mortals who were favored by Hecate received great blessings, as she could increase the size of their herds or help fishermen who prayed to her haul in huge catches of fish. Originally considered a generous and compassionate ancient fertility goddess, in later myths, Hecate became associated with darker and more frightening magic. She developed into the patron of sorcerers and became linked with the underworld, dark mysteries, crossroads, and graveyards. Hecate became known as the Queen of the Witches and the guardian of the crossroads.
Hecate was frequently pictured as a triple-faced deity. There are a few variations on her name as well– Hecate Trivia or Hekate. She is often part of another trio of Greco-Roman goddesses: Persephone the Maiden, Demeter the Mother, and Hecate as the Crone.
Hecate was thought to be all-seeing and wise. When Demeter searched everywhere for her daughter Persephone, who had been kidnapped by Hades into the underworld to be his bride, it was Hecate who finally told Demeter where she was.
Today, Hecate is a powerful and protective deity for Witches. Whenever you feel the need to defend yourself, your property, or your family, Hecate is the one to call upon. Associations for Hecate include three-way crossroads, black dogs, snakes, owls, ravens and crows, bats, and toads– a symbol of conception.
Her festivals include August 13 and November 16, called “The Night of Hecate” in Greece, which began at sundown. There is also a Hecate’s day in Rome, celebrated on December 31.
Also known as the ancient Roman god “Father Time”, Saturn was called the ruler of the Golden Age and the Father of the Gods. Saturn was considered the “great lesson giver,” as he required people to learn their lessons through karma. Saturn was also a god of agriculture and fertility, and he was married to a fertility goddess named Ops.
There is a Roman festival named after him called the Saturnalia, which began on December 17 and ran until December 23. Saturnalia was similar in nature to the New Orleans, Louisiana version of Mardi Gras. This 7 day midwinter festival was a time of gift-giving, feasts, and partying. Traditional gifts on Saturnalia were candles, clay figurines of the gods, and silver. Decorations included wreaths and fresh garlands hung above doorways. With an “eat, drink, and make merry” type of attitude in place, the wine flowed freely, and the slaves were given the holiday off. Schools closed, and the military was given leave.
The god Saturn was described as a man with a half-bared chest, holding a sickle and a few ears of corn. This image of Saturn eventually evolved into our “Father Time,” a popular image at New Year’s Eve. The sickle became the scythe, and the hourglass symbolized the passing of time and Saturn’s control over it. Saturn is not a frightening god– he is a teacher, a spiritual influence that grants tranquility and calmness in your later years. Saturn is the guardian of time.
Goddess Meditation of the Day: Luonatar
Luonatar made the mountains
from the footprints of her dancing.
Luonatar made sea caverns
as she dowve and swam in pleasure.
Luonatar made the seashores
as she floated in the water.
Luonatar touched the seashores
and made spots for salmon netting.
~Finnish Kalevala, creation myth
Creativity is a natural part of life. It is not something available only to a few gifted people, but is something that is part of nature’s way for all of us. As children, we all engaged our creative selves at every opportunity. We danced, we painted, we sculpted, we sang, we made up stories. Yet somewhere in our childhoods, we began to hear the critical message that our creative efforts would be judged– and judged harshly. So most of us limited ourselves. Perhaps we remained creative in on area of our lives, defining ourselves by what was the most praised by others. Meanwhile, within us, that child is still dancing and singing and sculpting and painting. We do not care whether anyone sees or praises our work, we simply wish to create. It’s good to let our inner child out to play during the summer days. Such is a force of the goddess, and she willo enliven our lives with her energy.
Source: “The Goddess Companion: Daily Meditations on the Feminine Spirit”, by Patricia Monaghan
http://amzn.to/24YbiTW
Herbals of the Day: Cypress, Myrrh, Patchouli
Saturday’s Spell: Anoint a black candle with one of the above-mentioned essential oils. Cast your circle in your usual manner, then return to your altar and light your spell candle and say…
By the day’s energy, I banish troubles away,
This spill will bring security for many a day.
Herbs of Saturn, add your strong energies to mine,
I am protected, safe, and secure for all time.
On this Date: Nothing noted
Source: ‘The Pagan Book of Days: A Guide to the Festivals, Traditions, and Sacred Days of the Year’, by Nigel Pennick
Tarot Card Associations of the Day: Temperance (for help in finding or restoring balance), Two of Swords (for balance and restored peace), Knight of Swords (for dealing with conflict or arguments with others, overcoming obstacles, breaking negativity, and attempts in dealing with others fairly)
Sunday: The Day of the Sun
The day of the Sun, honoring the God in general Pagan terminology is also the Christian sabbath, or “day of the Lord”. This makes Sunday a traditional day of rest, reflection, and worship. It is believed that babies born on this day are destined to be lucky. In general, Sunday is a day to inspire joy, peace, and happiness and to focus on growth, healing, and male health issues. It is associated with magic dealing with authority, divine power, friendships, healing, learning, reason and world leaders.
Color of the Day: Gold
Fosters understanding and attracts the power of cosmic forces; beneficial in rituals intended to bring about fast money or riches.
Deities of the Day: Brighid, Helios, Sunna
The Celtic goddess of the hearth and flame, Brighid is a triple goddess of light, inspiration, and healing. She is often associated with smithcraft, well-being, and poetry. There are many variations on the name Brighid, including Breed, Brigid, Brigit, and Brigantia. This goddess was also known as the “Bright One” or the “Bright Arrow.” Often depicted as a woman with long, braided, red-gold hair, this beloved goddess of the Celts once had a sacred fire that was tended in Kildare, Ireland. In medieval times, abbey nuns tended the perpetual flame. In ancient times, it was Brighid’s priestesses. Recently, Brighid’s flame was relit. This goddess of Erin (Ireland) will always bring illumination to those whom seek her out.
Brighid keeps the home fires burning. She is the guardian of the hearth and the goddess of flame, light, and the Sun. If you have a fireplace in your home, she is the deity to guard it. If you don’t have a fireplace, a good alternative would be your kitchen stove.
Helios was the Greek god of the Sun. He was thought of as the physical representation of the Sun. He was portayed as sometimes wearing a golden helmet or having a golden halo. He was often characterized in art as a handsome man draped in a white, sparkling tunic and cloak. Helios drove his blazing sun-chariot across the sky from east to west, every day. The golden chariot was pulled by his four white horses, named Pyrois, Eos, Aethon, and Phiegon.
Sunna drives her horse-drawn chariot across the daytime sky. According to Norse mythology, the horses’ names are Allsvinn and Arvak, which mean “very fast” and “early rising.” Sunna is the divine representation of the Sun, and she was much loved by the Norse people as a giver of life. Sunna is chased across the daytime sky by the wolf Skoll. From time to time, Skoll catches up to her and takes a bite out of the Sun, which appears to us here on earth as a solar eclipse. Sunna is characterized in modern art as a beautiful woman with golden hair. Traditionally, she was simply viewed as the Sun in the sky.
Goddess Meditation of the Day: Bloudewedd
From mountain primrose, from rose and thorn,
from nettle blossoms that bloom in the shade,
from gorse and thistle, I am made,
from lady’s mantle I was born.
Nine flowers gave nine powers, nine trees
and nine more herbs are what formed me.
I am called Bloudewedd.
Earth and magic are in my blood.
~Welsh song to the flower goddess
We are not separate from nature, but are composed of the same atoms and elements as the rest of the world in which we live. When we look around us, we may fail to see that the trees, the sky, the soil– all are part of us. As we breathe, we inhale atoms that once were part of the farthest star. There is no part of the world with which we are not connected.
Earth is in our blood, and so is magic. Magic is, most simply, intention. And we send our intentions forth into the world constantly. With every thought and image (or word and deed), we co-create the world in which we live. The same is true for others around us. It is out of this complex weave of thought and intention, of blood and magic, that the world we inhabit arises.
Source: “The Goddess Companion: Daily Meditations on the Feminine Spirit”, by Patricia Monaghan
http://amzn.to/24YbiTW
Herbals of the Day: Bergamot, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Orange, Rosemary, Saffron
Sunday’s Spell: Anoint a yellow candle with one of the above-mentioned essential oils. Cast your circle in your usual manner, then return to your altar and light your spell candle and say…
By today’s bright glow of magic and success,
May my spells now rapidly manifest.
Herbs of the golden sun, lend your energies to mine,
Bring positive change and happiness for all time.
On this Date: Nothing noted
Source: ‘The Pagan Book of Days: A Guide to the Festivals, Traditions, and Sacred Days of the Year’, by Nigel Pennick
http://amzn.to/18QRB61
Tarot Card Associations of the Day: The Chariot (for strength and determination), the Sun (for help on focusing on high ideals and encouragement to be strong while pursuing your ambitions), Ace of Wands (for help in obtaining career goals and personal ambitions)
They are believed to possess cleansing and purifying properties, and jumping over small fires is a common practice during Midsummer celebrations. Additionally, the ashes from the bonfires are sometimes collected and used for protective purposes. Another important aspect of June pagan worship is the honoring of nature spirits and deities. Many pagans believe in the existence of unseen beings that reside in nature, such as fairies, elves, and other elemental spirits. During Midsummer festivities, offerings of food, drink, or flowers may be laid out for these entities as a sign of respect and gratitude. Pagans may also invoke or pay homage to specific gods and goddesses associated with the sun, fertility, or nature. Music and dancing often form an integral part of June pagan rituals. Participants may engage in circle dances or other traditional folk dances, accompanied by live music or singing. These activities are believed to raise energy and create a sense of unity and connection among participants. Overall, June pagan worship revolves around the celebration of the summer solstice and the natural world. It is a time for pagans to come together, connect with nature, honor deities and spirits, and celebrate the abundance and vitality of the summer season..
Reviews for "Keeping the Flame Alive: Heritage and History in June Pagan Worship"
1. Mark - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to attending the June pagan worship event, but I was highly disappointed. The organization and execution of the event were lacking, with no clear direction or structure. The speakers were not engaging, and the overall atmosphere felt dull and uninspiring. It seemed more like a random gathering rather than a meaningful pagan celebration. I left the event feeling underwhelmed and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - As someone with a deep interest in pagan worship, I found the June pagan worship event to be a complete letdown. The advertised workshops and rituals were poorly planned and lacked any substance. The presenters were unprepared and seemed disinterested in sharing their knowledge. The venue was cramped and uncomfortable, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the experience. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with the event and won't be attending any future gatherings organized by them.
3. Jason - 2/5 - I had high hopes for the June pagan worship event but was left feeling unsatisfied. The event lacked structure and felt disorganized. The workshops were poorly presented, and it was challenging to gain any valuable knowledge or insights from them. Additionally, the energy during the rituals was low, and it felt more like going through the motions rather than a spiritual experience. Overall, the event failed to provide the engaging and meaningful pagan worship experience it promised.