Midsummer (the ‘Summer Solstice’) is a spirit night marked by bonfires and celebrations. It is a night when the faeries are abroad and Robin Goodfellow dances about the countryside in merriment. The days are warm and crops are beginning to mature. Farmers carry fire into their fields to ward off evil and ensure a good harvest.
The modern conception of the Wiccan holy days all stemming from Celtic tradition is really a fabrication of Gerald Gardner and Ross Nichols (founder of modern Druidry), drawing on the questionable writings of James Frazer. Historian Ronald Hutton notes that Midsummer celebrations were not a ‘Celtic’ custom—the observance being restricted to the English, Ireland, and Scandinavian influenced parts of the British Isles.
Bonfires and merriment were widespread throughout England up until at least the reign of Henry VIII. Observance was not known in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, but was widespread in the Scandinavian influenced WesternIsles. Edicts against such observances enacted during the reformation show that such practices were wide spread in western Scotland. Celebrations occur historically in Gaelic Ireland, but not in Gaelic Scotland.
Robin Goodfellow was one of the most well-known faeries in English lore and popular culture. He was also known as Puck, which is both a name and a word, puca in Old English, which translates roughly to ‘woodland elf’ or forest spirit. He was immortalized as the mischievous trickster in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Nights Dream. As Christianity moved across the land and began to suppress the old ways, the old spirits became transformed. The fae and spirits of the land became demons while their leaders became associated to a greater or lesser extend with the Devil. One can see this blending in the early 17th century depiction in Robin Goodfellow: His Mad Pranks and Merry Jests (above).
Robin Goodfellow may also have connections to the legend surrounding Robinhood, or Robin of the Greenwood. They are both spirits of the forest with connections to a certain romantic notion of the outlaw. In this outside role, Robin, the ‘hooded man’ may be a reference to Wotan…
Solitary Ritual for Midsummer
Observance may be done on the day of the solstice, June 21 this year, or on the few days following.
Prepare a space where you will not be distracted. Fill a bowl with water. You may also place a single flower within it, but it is not necessary. Have two candles either green or white. Light your candles.
Center yourself and quiet your mind.
Go to the East and raise the bowl.
“Spirits of the East, Spirits of Air, I welcome you.”
Move to the South.
“Spirits of the South, Spirits of Fire, I welcome you.”
Move to the West.
“Spirits of the West, Spirits of Water, I welcome you.”
Move to the North.
“Spirits of the North, Spirits of Earth, I welcome you.”
Move to the center of your space.
“I make this offering to the Spirits of the Land and the immortal Fae.”
Take a deep breath and release the breath into the water.
“I make this offering to the Ancestors.”
Now sit in silence with the Spirits and Mighty Dead. Feel the warmth of summer. Think of the growth that has lead to today and the bounty that is to follow. Blessing of the harvest. May you reap what you have sowed.
“Thank you for being with me.”
When you are ready, clap three times.