Herbs, plants, and incense used to celebrate Midsummer or Litha (the Summer Solstice)

  Photo from Mystical Charm

In these modern days, most people know that the Summer Solstice is the longest day of sunlight in the Northern hemisphere. The day is also known as Litha or Midsummer and has a long historical significance to those who practice Pagan or New Age traditions. Litha is one of eight major Pagan holidays. To celebrate Midsummer, pagans use particular materials in their practice whether on the simple level or in deeper rituals. It is recommended that the following herbs, plants, and incense be used to celebrate Midsummer. There are many ways in doing so, as this article discusses.

First of all, plants associated with Midsummer celebrations are oak, mistletoe, lemon, frankincense, copal, saffron, sandalwood, heliotrope, laurel, galangal, and ylang-ylang. When the actual plant is not available, many of these plants are present in quality essential oils (most popular) or are used in various fragrance oils or cooking (if not poisonous.) As and example, ways of using oak in other forms include oak rune sets, an oak wand, or an oak alter. 

Particular herbs are also associated with the Summer Solstice. These herbs include mugwort, roses, thyme, verbena, chamomile, elder, hemp, lavender, male fern, pine, St. John's wort, wisteria, cinquefoil, fennel, and larkspur.  These herbs could be collected in their natural form and used for various bracelets, decorations, or sometimes in herbal teas. Like the plants, these herbs could also be applied in essential oils, fragrance oils, or perfumes.  New Age belief indicates that herbs gathered or purchased on Midsummer are extremely powerful.

In addition to Midsummer plants and herbs, similar incense varieties are used in Midsummer rituals.  These incense varieties are frankincense, sandalwood, lemon, jasmine, lotus, myrrh, pine, rose, or wysteria. They are either used alone or in combination to create a general ambience and scent for the Pagan rituals.

Not everyone believes in the symbolism behind these plants, herbs, or incense. However, much can be learned from an historical perspective if one keeps their minds open. Knowledge is the first step to embracing those with differing beliefs. Much is to be said about the cultural heritage of medicine and legend as it has passed down through the centuries, making much of the symbolism effective to those who believe in it.

What do you think of these plants, herbs, and incense? Have you used them in your recipes, essential oils, or traditions?  Please leave a comment below!

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