Spells and divination have always been part of the core tools of Witchcraft. Spells are a way of sending our intentions or requests out into the universe, and divination can be used to take in information from sources outside ourselves.

Both spells and divination require similar things: focus, intention, and belief. While you don’t have to cast a formal magickal circle for either, it can sometimes be beneficial if you are doing serious work. Otherwise, you will simply need a quiet place and a space of time when you will be undisturbed. This is necessary to create the amount of focus you need to successfully cast a spell or work some form of divination.

Spellcasting can sometimes be aided by the use of tools that help us to increase our focus, such as candles, incense, music, crystals and gemstones, or the like. If you are going to be doing spells or divination work at Midsummer, you might find some of the basic correspondences at the back of the book helpful. You can also use the gods and goddesses, herbs and flowers, animals, and general symbols that were discussed in the previous chapter.

Litha is a perfect time for doing spellwork, especially anything that has to do with prosperity, abundance, healing, growth and change, and love. It is one of the best days of the year to work to increase power, strength, and energy and to simply celebrate your life with joy.

Divination is also traditionally done at the Summer Solstice, often at the transition times of dawn or dusk. You can use one of the ancient forms of divination or add your own modern touch. Just remember, whether you are casting a spell or casting the runes, focus your energy and will on whatever intention you are working with (such as the intention to bring in healing or to find answers to a pressing question) and to have faith that the universe will send you exactly what you need.

Midsummer, more than any other time of the year, is also perfect for doing spells for no other purpose than to celebrate the bounty and glory of nature, the joys of family and friends, and the light of the summer sun up above. On this day, these are more than enough.

A Set of Elemental Spells:
Earth, Air, Fire, and Water

Healing Water Magick (Water Spell)

You don’t need to have a sacred well in your neighborhood to be able to work healing water magick on the Summer Solstice. This simple spell will channel those same energies, without the pilgrimage.

You will need a deep cauldron or bowl and enough water (if possible, use rain water or water from a river, a lake, or a spring) to fill the container almost to the top. You will also need a small bowl containing sea salt or regular salt, as well as the healing herbs of your choice (good options include elder flowers, lavender, lemon balm, yarrow, or vervain—you can use one, or a few, and other healing herbs may be substituted if you don’t have these). Finally, bring a white or a yellow cloth. For an extra boost of power, you can put one of the Midsummer gemstones in the bottom of the bowl.

If possible, set the container full of water where the sun can hit it. If you can be outside, that’s best, but if you have to be inside, try to find a spot where the sun will shine on the water. If the day is cloudy, or you don’t have a suitable spot, visualize the sun instead.

Sit or kneel in front of the bowl of water with the salt, herbs, and cloth where you can reach them easily. See the rays of the sun dancing on the surface of the water, lending their power and energy to the water within. Take a deep breath, and say:

This water is pure and sacred.

Take a few grains of salt and sprinkle them on the water, saying:

Like the waves of the ocean and the tears of the Mother goddess,
the salt and the water are one, and sacred.

Crumble a small amount of the herbs in your hand and sprinkle them into the water, saying:

These healing herbs, the gift of the blossoming earth,
lend their healing powers to the water, and so too they are one,
and sacred.

Place your hands on either side of the cauldron or bowl and feel the energy of the water inside it. Close your eyes and see an ancient well, holy and powerful, then see that well transformed into the bowl between your hands. Open your eyes and dip your hands into the water. Leave them there for as long as you want, feeling the healing energy of the salt, herbs, and water traveling up your fingers and into your body. When you are done, hold your dripping hands up over the bowl and say:

This water is sacred and blessed, and so am I.

Dry your hands on the cloth. Either place the water on your altar for the rest of the day or pour it out after thanking it for its service.

Greet the Dawn (Air Spell)

It was traditional to greet the rising sun on the morning of the Summer Solstice. If possible, do this simple spell outside or in front of an open window facing east. If you don’t have an east-facing window, you can use a different window or an altar placed toward the east.

You will need incense. Rose, lavender, pine, cinnamon, lemon, or orange are nice, but you can use whatever you prefer. You can also substitute a sage wand instead if you don’t like incense.

Get out of bed in time to see the sun as it comes up. If you can, stand in front of an open window—or go outside—and actually watch the sunrise. As the sky begins to get brighter, light your incense, blow it gently into the air, and say:

Blessed sun, I greet your rays

upon this sacred solstice day.

Welcome be your warmth and light,

bringing day out of the night.

I greet the dawn with joyous heart,

and so Midsummer now does start!

Stand for a few moments with the sun on your face, sending the smoke of your incense out as an offering to the goddess of the dawn. Take in the energy of Midsummer and be filled with joy.

Fire Power Candle Magick (Fire Spell)

Fire is one of the major themes of a Midsummer celebration, but not everyone is able to dance around a bonfire. Use this candle spell instead to get some of that same power and energy.

You will need a medium-sized cauldron or a fire-safe bowl, sand or salt, and seven small tapers. Beeswax tapers are best, if you can find them, but any candle will do. Candles that are red, orange, yellow, or a combination of those colors make for an extra energetic spell. You will also need four pieces of red or orange ribbon. Two should be long enough to tie around an ankle with a small bit left over to flutter as you move. The other two may be tied into a loose circle that you can slide over your hands and then tighten one-handed, if you are doing this alone.

This is a simple spell that mimics the larger blaze of a bonfire, for those who can’t have one. For full effect, the spell should be done at dusk or dark, when the light from the candle flames will shine out into the darkness. This can be done outside or inside.

Place the cauldron or dish on the ground/floor/low altar and fill it about three-quarters full with sand. If you don’t have sand, salt will do. Set the seven candles securely into the sand, making sure that they won’t fall over. Place the four pieces of ribbon in front of the cauldron. If possible, locate the cauldron/dish in an area surrounded by enough space that you can dance around it safely.

As the sun is setting, say:

It is Midsummer! The sun is filled with power and energy!

Light the candles. As you light each one, say:

Midsummer sun, share your power with me!
Midsummer sun, share your energy with me!

Once all the candles are lit, spend a minute gazing at their brightness. Feel their warmth, like the warmth of the sun. If you want, you can even close your eyes and envision a huge bonfire surrounded by dancing witches. When you’re ready, open your eyes and pick up the pieces of ribbon. Hold them a safe distance above the flames, raised up in both hands in front of you, and say:

Into these ribbons I call the energy of the flame!
Into these ribbons I call the power of the sun!

Tie one ribbon around each ankle and each wrist, and feel that energy and power moving into you. If you can, dance or move around the cauldron, taking in even more of that energy. Otherwise, simply stand in front of the candles and feel your body vibrate with the energy of the solstice.

When you are done, say:

I thank you, flames, for all you have given me.
Your fire and your light are a gift that is truly appreciated.
I thank you, Midsummer sun, for the power and energy
you bring to the earth, now shared with me and truly appreciated.

Snuff out the candles. If you want, you can wear or carry one or all of the ribbons when you need a boost of energy or to feel empowered.

Green and Growing Herbal Prosperity (Earth Spell)

Midsummer is the perfect time to do prosperity work by tapping into the energy of abundance and growth that is all around us. You can choose whichever herbs or greenery appeal to you, as long as they are plants that are at their peak. I like to use fast-growing herbs, such as thyme, parsley, and basil—if you really want to pull their power into you, toss them into your dinner after you’re done with your magickal work.

You will need three or four kinds of herbs or green plants, a green pillar candle, and a fire-safe plate to put the candle and herbs on. You will also need small bowls of salt and water, a sage smudge stick or some incense, an athame or small pointed object to draw on the candle with (a toothpick works fine), and an empty bowl or cauldron.

The best time to do this spell is at noon, outside under the bright sun, but other times of day or inside are okay if they are necessary. Carve the rune symbol for Fehu a on the candle. You can also carve an equal-armed cross, a spiral, a wheel, or any other Midsummer symbols you like. Set the candle in the middle of the plate, sticking it down by dripping a little wax onto the plate if you need to. Place the herbs neatly around the edges of the plate.

Light the candle and say:

I call down the power of the Midsummer sun to energize
my magickal work with the element of fire.

Sprinkle the herbs with a bit of salt and say:

I call upon the element of earth to energize my magickal work
and bless these plants that sprang from its fertile soil.

Sprinkle the herbs with a bit of water and say:

I call upon the element of water to energize my magickal work
as the rains empower the growing things in the fields and meadows.

Light the sage or incense and waft it over the herbs, saying:

As the winds blow the pollen and fertilize the world,
let them blow prosperity and abundance to me.

Take up some of each kind of herb and hold them in your hand. Feel their energy vibrating between your fingers and crush them slightly so that their aroma rises up toward the summer sun. Then say this spell:

Herbs and plants, sun and light,

empowered by Midsummer’s glow.

Green to green, gold so bright,

let prosperity flow.

So mote it be.

Place the herbs you are holding into the empty bowl and either leave them on your altar, or out in the sunlight, or use them to cook with (if they are edible).

Because there is one spell for each of the elements, if you really want to make the most of the Midsummer energy, you can do an all-day ritual, incorporating all four spells into your day. Start at dawn with Greet the Dawn (Air Spell), do the Healing Water Spell either midmorning or midafternoon, the Green and Growing Herbal Prosperity Spell at noon, and then finish out the day at sundown with the Fire Power Candle Magick. If you are doing a vigil and going from dawn to dawn, the fire spell can be used to end things at dawn on the second day.

More Midsummer Spells

Here are a few other Midsummer spells for you to try out:

Thor’s Summer Storm Spell

There are a number of storm/lightning/rain gods associated with Midsummer in various cultures. This is probably due, at least in part, to the fact that rain is just as important to raising successful crops as the sun is. Even today, with modern irrigation to assist them, farmers are at the mercy of the weather. Too little rain and the crops won’t grow tall and strong. Too much rain at the wrong time and everything in the fields may be ruined. There is little wonder that earlier cultures prayed to the gods that controlled the weather.

A good storm will wash away debris, clear the air of pollen, and generally refresh the land. Big enough storms can actually change the landscape. Most of us could use a good clearing and cleansing from time to time. And sometimes we need to create an internal storm to help push us through a time of change. If it happens to be raining on or around Midsummer, you can try this spell to call on Thor’s help.

If it is raining gently enough, it is nice to do this spell standing outside, even if you get wet. If there is thunder and lightning, though, it is best to talk to Thor from the safety of inside your house or on a covered porch. If you can’t be outside, try opening a window so that you can hear the rain, and maybe stick a hand out into it.

Thor was associated not just with thunder, but also strength, the oak tree, and healing. He is fiercely protective and known for his powerful magickal hammer. Thursday is actually named for Thor’s Day. So you might want to do this spell on a Thursday if you can’t do it on Midsummer.

You will need an offering for Thor. Mead or ale are the usual ones, but you can put out a bowl of some hearty stew, a chunk of meat, or even some honey. You will also need a bowl to gather rainwater in (if you can’t get to the rain or there isn’t any, just use whatever water you have) and a towel to dry off with. If you are going to be outside in the rain, you may want to print out the spell and put it in a plastic bag so it will stay dry enough to read.

This is an extremely simple spell. It is more about connection and your intentions than anything else. The spell should be said with feeling and with as much focus as you can muster.

Walk out into the rain or stand by the window so you can hear the rain coming down. Place the offering on the ground in front of you (or nearby, if you are inside). Place the empty bowl on the ground so it can fill with water. Lift your arms and say:

Great Thor, god of the thunder, hear me!

Great Thor, protector and warrior, hear me!

Great Thor, who brings the healing rain, hear me!

Let your rain wash down upon me, cleansing and clearing.

Let your mighty thunder shake the skies and the ground,

bringing positive change in my life.

Let the summer storm bring me new life and new beginnings,

and help me to grow strong and tall like the oak.

Thor, lend me your power and strength,

and bless me with the rains of this summer storm.

Gather up the bowl and take it inside, use the towel to dry off. The bowl of water can be placed on your altar or some other safe place, and you can use it in your magickal work over the coming days and weeks, or whenever you feel that you need a boost. If you can’t be outside, you can stick your bowl out the window, or simply send the energy you gathered into a bowl of regular water. If you can, leave your offering out for a while.

Crystal Spell for Courage, Protection, and Strength

Many of the gemstones associated with Midsummer are thought to have the qualities of protection, strength, and increasing courage. Three in particular—citrine, carnelian, and tiger-eye—are powerful stones that are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Citrine often comes in the form of a cut crystal, while you are more likely to see carnelian and tiger-eye as tumbled stones. Either form works equally well for this spell, and you can use all three or just one, depending on what you happen to have.

If possible, do this spell outside in the sunlight at noon on Midsummer’s Day. It will work fine if you can’t, of course—this is just the time when it will be the most powerful, since the spell is drawing on the power of the sun at its zenith.

You need gemstone(s) of your choice and a small square piece of yellow, orange, or red fabric, about three inches by three inches (it can be smaller or larger depending on the size of your stones), and a piece of ribbon or yarn to tie around the cloth. You will also need an acorn or an oak leaf, or a piece of paper cut out in the shape of an oak leaf to represent the oak. If you would like, you can also use a piece of paper with the word courage, protection, and/or strength written on it, depending on what you need the most help with. If you want to be able to hang the finished bag around your neck, substitute a piece of leather or silk cord for the ribbon, or make the ribbon longer.

Sit outside at noon on Midsummer. Place all of the supplies on a plate or a tray in front of you. Close your eyes for a moment and feel the power of the sun on your face. Pick up your stone or crystal(s) and hold them out in your open palm, so the sun can shine on them. Say:

Midsummer sun so strong, send me your strength and power.
Help me to shine brightly and be filled with courage.
Help me to stand strong and proud.
Protect me, and help me to protect myself.
Let me shine like the sun, and be strong like the oak,
and let these stones absorb your energy so they might
lend it to me when I need it. So mote it be.

Place the stones with the oak representation in the middle of the cloth, and tie the ribbon or cord around it. Hold it up to the sun one more time, and then take a moment to hold it close to your heart while visualizing yourself as strong, brave, and protected by a shining yellow light.

You can now wear the bag around your neck, if you choose. You can also carry your stone with you or place it on your altar or under your pillow.

Folk Divination

There are many forms of “folk” divination for Midsummer that can be found in the traditions of various cultures. Probably the best known is using a daisy for simple love divination, by plucking out its petals one by one and saying, “He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, he loves me not.” Whichever one you landed on last was supposed to be the truth. How many of us did that as kids and maybe even as adults?

Love divination was probably the most common on Midsummer. Daisies featured in another standard divination, in which a girl (these were almost always done by girls or women) went into a field where daisies grew, closed her eyes, and grabbed a handful of grass and flowers. However many daisies she pulled up would indicate how many years would pass before she married.

One superstition said that if you took the flowers from beneath an oak tree on Midsummer Eve and tucked them under your pillow, you would dream of the person you would marry.

A Welsh tradition said that if you washed your clothes at a well at midnight, and chanted: “He who would be my partner, let him come and wash with me,” then your lover would come and help you with the laundry. (Franklin, 45) Seems like a reasonable way to pick a future mate to me. At least you know he cleans!

Modern Divination

Tarot

For something a little more up-to-date, you can do this Summer Solstice tarot spread I created. It is quite simple, so don’t worry if you’re not a tarot-reading pro.

Shuffle the cards while thinking of your question or issue. Then, lay out six cards in a circle with their ends pointing out so the spread looks like a sun. The cards should be placed all at once, facing down, and then turned up one by one.

The bottom card represents you or the person the reading is for. The next card to the left represents the situation or your question. Continuing around the circle (sunwise, of course), the following cards represent the obstacles that stand in your way, possible solutions to those obstacles, guidance or suggestions to give you direction, and then finally, the future card, to the right of the card you started out with.

Tarot sun spread

You may want to begin by saying a small prayer for help and guidance, and then finish by saying thank you. It is particularly appropriate to do this reading outside at noon on Midsummer, if that is possible.

Three Rune Reading

Runes are simple to work with. They are very popular with some of the Germanic and Norse cultures that considered Midsummer to be one of the most important holidays of the year.

For an easy Summer Solstice divination with rune stones, pull three runes without looking. The first one you put down will represent the year behind you (so far), the second the present day, and the third, the remainder of the current year. You can either ask a question of the runes before you pull them, such as “Will I find love this year?”, or just wait and see what comes up.

Dream Divination

Two of the herbs associated with Midsummer, mugwort and lavender, are also herbs that have been used for centuries to encourage prophetic dreams. You can place some of each in a small drawstring bag or sachet, and add a bit of chamomile if you like, for good sleep. If you have a question, you can write it down on a slip of paper and put it into the bag along with the herbs or ask it aloud as you lie down in bed. Tuck the bag under your pillow, and perhaps you will dream of the answer.

Herbal Spells and Charms

Here are some general suggestions for herbs that are associated with Midsummer and ways that you might use them in your spellwork, divining, and other modes of celebrating the holiday.

Chamomile: A healing herb that was sacred to various sun gods, including Ra (Egyptian), Cernunnos (Celtic), and Balder (Norse). Make an offering of chamomile tea, or throw some of the small white flowers into the Midsummer bonfire. Chamomile is known for its calming properties, so if you have issues with anxiety or stress, you can harvest chamomile on Midsummer and dry for use later.

Cinnamon: This spicy bark has long been used for love magick, to increase energy, and for prosperity work—all themes that come into play on Midsummer. Put a stick of cinnamon on your altar in honor of the gods and goddesses of love, or use cinnamon in your cakes and ale for your rituals. Cinnamon can also be used in the form of incense. A small handful of powdered cinnamon can be thrown on the fire as well.

Daisy: Associated with the Summer Solstice because of its resemblance to the sun, with white rays coming out from the yellow center, the daisy is sacred to many sun gods. It represents both love and innocence. It is said that daisies picked between noon and one o’clock on Midsummer (when the sun is high) have especially magickal qualities.

Elder: The elder is sacred to many goddesses. Elderflowers and elderberries are used to make tea and jam and to flavor mead. The berries are used medicinally for their immune-boosting properties. Birds love the berries, so if you have space to plant an elderberry bush or two, plan to share. Put out some berries or flowers to attract the faeries.

Foxglove: Foxglove is one of the herbs said to attract faeries. Once called “Witch’s Bells,” perhaps because of its common use in magick. In England, the flowers were sometimes put around sacred wells. However, foxglove is poisonous, and should only be grown for decorative purposes.

Hazel: Sacred to the Celtic god Lugh and to faeries, hazel is often used as a divining rod to find water or treasure. Hazel nuts were traditionally eaten to increase fertility.

Heather: Bees are attracted to the flowers of this low-growing shrub, making it one of the special Midsummer plants. If the blossoms are made into a tea, it is said to act as a general tonic. Heather is sacred to the goddess Cybele.

Lavender: It is traditional to throw a handful of lavender flowers into the Midsummer bonfire, in honor of the gods and goddesses (especially love goddesses), and for peace in the year to come. Lavender is an herb often used both medicinally and magickally for peace, healing, and sleep. Lavender incense can be burned to attract the faeries or to purify your ritual circle. Lavender is also used for love magick.

Marigold: Marigold is another “sun” flower, since its bright yellows and oranges look like small suns, and one of its folk names is “summer’s bride.” If they are picked at noon, marigolds are said to strengthen and comfort the heart. Marigolds can be strung into garlands and are often used at Hindu weddings and to decorate their altars. If you are going to be having a handfasting at Midsummer, you may want to string some marigolds together. Medicinally, marigold is often used topically to treat wounds and bruises.

Meadowsweet: Meadowsweet is one of the Druid’s most sacred herbs, also known as “Queen of the Meadow” and “Lady of the Meadow,” and sometimes called “Bridewort” because of its use in weddings. Meadowsweet is sacred to many goddesses, including Aine (Celtic) and Venus (Roman).

Mistletoe: The folk names for mistletoe include “Thunderbesom” and “Witches Broom.” It was sacred to the Druids, who cut it on Midsummer. Lore says that if you are going to cut it, to try not to let it hit the ground, and use only one stroke of the knife to sever it. Mistletoe found growing on an oak was supposed to be the most powerful. Legend also has it that if you kiss your beloved under the mistletoe, your love will last forever.

Mugwort: Ironically known both as Artemis Herb (or Artemisia) and St. John’s Plant, Mugwort is a powerful herb for magick to increase psychic ability, lucid dreaming, and divination. If you are going to be doing divination work on Midsummer, you can burn mugwort in the bonfire, use it as incense, or make a magickal wash to be placed on mirrors, crystal balls, or other scrying tools. A small pillow or sachet filled with mugwort and placed by the pillow is said to aid in both dreaming and astral projection.

Oak: The most sacred tree of the Druids, prized in other cultures as well, such as the Greeks, who had sacred oak groves. Often associated with thunder gods, in part because oaks are supposedly more likely to be struck by lightning than any other trees. They live for hundreds (perhaps thousands) of years, with strong, deep roots and branches that reach up into the sky. It was traditional to use oak wood on the Midsummer bonfires. In the ancient Ogham secret alphabet developed by the Druids, the oak was called duir, and stood for power, strength, Midsummer, and doorways. For a Midsummer ritual, you can use oak in the form of wood, leaves, or acorns.

Rose: Sacred to many love goddesses and also used as a symbol for the sun, roses can be placed on the altar, or used in Midsummer charms for love. Scatter the petals around the edges of your circle to enclose it, especially if you are doing a handfasting ritual. A tea can be made out of rose hips and used for cakes and ale, or left out for the faeries. It can also be sipped before bed if you want to dream of love.

Rosemary: The faeries are said to be fond of this herb, so you can use it if you are trying to attract the Fae folk. Traditionally used at weddings and handfastings, and also in love magick. A powerfully protective herb, it can also be thrown in the bonfire, used in incense, or scattered around a sacred circle. Try baking bread or cakes with rosemary in it to serve at your feast.

Rowan: It is traditional to make a protection charm from rowan wood tied with a red thread; hang this up if you are concerned about visits from unwelcome visitors on Midsummer. Rowan can also be used to help attract spirits or spirit guides. Rowan is either a tree or a shrub, and one of its folk names is witchwood, due to its common use in divining rods. It has long been associated with witches, and they are often found planted near stone circles.

St. John’s Wort: This is one of the herbs particularly associated with Midsummer, which is considered the best time to harvest it. It has golden flowers that represent the sun and fire. It is said to bleed red when cut, the sap is referred to as St. John’s blood. Traditionally it was used for healing and to banish darkness and negativity. It was called beathnua (life-renewer) by the Irish and considered highly protective. Interestingly, modern herbalists commonly use St. John’s Wort to treat depression. Gather it at noon on Midsummer for extra healing power, or throw it into the fire (inside or outside) to protect the home.

Vervain: Vervain is not to be confused with lemon verbena, which is a completely different plant, despite vervain’s Latin name of Verbena Officialis. One of the special magickal herbs of Midsummer, Vervain has long been associated with witches. Some of its folk names include “Enchanter’s Plant,” “Juno’s Tears,” and “Simpler’s Joy.” (A simpler is one who makes simples, or herbal remedies.) Lore has it that it is best to collect your yearly supply of vervain on Midsummer, and any left from the previous year should be thrown on the bonfire. It is sacred to a number of love goddesses, moon goddesses, and thunder gods, and it is used both for love magick and to protect the home from lightning.

Yarrow: Another one of the herbs specifically associated with Midsummer, yarrow can be tossed on the bonfire as an offering to the gods or used for love, healing, or protection magick.

A note on herbs: some people are sensitive to various plants, including herbs. All herbs should be used with caution until you are certain you have no issues with them. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it can’t hurt you.

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