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Litha: A time of flowers, a time of violets
One of my favorite things about summer, are seeing violets pop up among the plush green grass. Violets were my long deceased grandmother’s favorite flower. I was thinking of her as I sat down to write something about “Litha and flowers,” so I decided to focus on the one particular flower that my grandmother loved. Afterall, even for witches and pagans, these small yet powerful flowers offer a wealth of practical and metaphysical applications, making them a cherished element in magical practices.
A Journey Through History
Violets belong to the genus Viola, which includes more than 500 species. These flowers have been admired and utilized since ancient times. In Greek mythology, violets were a symbol of sex and heavily associated with Aphrodite. The Greeks also used violets in wine to calm tempers and induce sleep. Romans, on the other hand, associated violets with mourning and remembrance, often using them in funeral rites.
During the Victorian era, violets became symbols of modesty and humility. They were exchanged between lovers as tokens of their affection and used in perfumes and cosmetics due to their sweet scent. Violets also played a role in traditional European medicine, praised for their soothing and healing properties.
Practical Uses
In contemporary times, violets continue to offer a range of practical uses:
Culinary Uses: Violets are edible flowers that add a touch of elegance and a mild, sweet flavor to various dishes. They can be used to decorate cakes, make violet syrup, or create candied violets. Violet leaves are also nutritious, containing vitamins A and C, and can be added to salads.
Medicinal Benefits*: Violets have been used in herbal medicine for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Violet tea, made from the flowers and leaves, can help alleviate respiratory issues like coughs and bronchitis. The flowers are also used in poultices to treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Skincare*: Violet-infused oils and creams are beneficial for the skin, helping to hydrate and soothe irritation. The antioxidant properties of violets can aid in combating signs of aging and promoting a healthy complexion.
*Consult with a doctor before using plants for medical uses. This is not meant to be medical advice, but rather a list of ways that some do use the violet plant.
Metaphysical Uses
For many witches and pagans of a variety of traditions, violets hold significant metaphysical value, making them a staple in various rituals and spell work. Traditions vary, of course, but here are some examples of common uses in metaphysical practices:
Love and Harmony: Violets are often used in love spells and rituals to attract or enhance romantic relationships. They are believed to promote fidelity and deepen emotional connections. Placing violet petals in a sachet or wearing violet-scented perfume can attract love and maintain harmony in relationships.
Protection and Healing: Violets are associated with protection and healing. Creating a violet-infused oil and anointing the body can provide a protective barrier against negative energies. Violets can also be used in healing rituals to promote physical and emotional recovery, bringing peace and tranquility.
Spiritual Growth and Clairvoyance: Violets are linked to the crown chakra, enhancing spiritual growth and psychic abilities. Meditating with violets or using them in dream pillows can aid in developing intuition and receiving divine guidance. The calming energy of violets can also facilitate deeper meditative states and spiritual clarity.
Memory and Remembrance: As symbols of remembrance, violets are used in rituals to honor and connect with ancestors. Placing violets on an altar or in a remembrance garden can help maintain a spiritual connection with loved ones who have passed.
Peace and Calm: Violets’ soothing energy makes them ideal for rituals aimed at reducing stress and anxiety. Incorporating violets into baths, teas, or incense can create a peaceful and calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and emotional balance.
There are clearly a variety of uses for violets, from the metaphysical to the practical. For me, their primary function will continue to be that of remembrance, as each time I see them I am reminded of my grandmother, a woman that shaped so much of my early life.
Celebrate Litha with Sun Wheels and Sun Catchers
As the Summer Solstice approaches, the time to celebrate Litha is upon us. This festival marks the longest day of the year, a time when the sun is at its zenith, flooding our world with warmth and light. To honor this radiant season, we invite you to join us in creating beautiful Sun Wheels and Sun Catchers.
These crafts are not only a delightful way to welcome the sun's peak but also a meaningful activity that connects us to the vibrant energy of Litha. Using natural materials like twigs, flowers, and ribbons, you can create Sun Wheels to adorn your home or sacred space.
Alternatively, you can capture the sunlight with dazzling Sun Catchers, crafted from beads and clear discs, to fill your space with sparkling light.
Gather your supplies, invite friends and family, and let your creativity shine as we celebrate the abundant energy of the Summer Solstice together.
Sun Wheels
Supplies Needed:
Twigs or grapevine wreath base
Florist wire or string
Fresh or dried flowers
Ribbons in sunny colors (yellow, orange, red)
Scissors
Hot glue gun (optional)
Steps:
Create the Base: Form a circular base using twigs, securing them with florist wire or string. Alternatively, use a pre-made grapevine wreath base.
Attach Flowers and Greenery: Select fresh or dried flowers and greenery. Attach these to the base by weaving the stems through the twigs or securing them with florist wire. Hot glue can also be used for extra hold.
Add Ribbons: Cut ribbons in various lengths and colors that represent the sun (yellow, orange, red). Attach these to the base, allowing them to hang down. You can tie the ribbons or secure them with glue.
Decorate Further (Optional): Add other decorative elements like small charms, crystals, or beads that resonate with the energy of Litha.
Display: Hang your sun wheel in a prominent place where it can catch the sunlight, such as on a door, window, or in your garden.
Sun Catchers
Supplies Needed:
Clear plastic or glass discs (such as old CDs or clear plastic sheets)
Cardboard (optional)
Transparent glass or plastic beads
Wire or fishing line
Suction cups with hooks (for window hanging)
Glue (E6000 or hot glue)
Scissors
Sun-themed stickers or paint (optional)
Steps:
Prepare the Base: If using old CDs, you may want to cover the reflective side with sun-themed stickers or paint to create a decorative back. For other clear bases, ensure they are clean and free of dust.
Attach Beads: Thread beads onto wire or fishing line, creating strands of varying lengths. Secure the ends with knots or glue to ensure the beads don’t slip off.
Attach Strands to the Base: Secure the beaded strands to the edges of your base using glue. Arrange the strands in a way that allows them to dangle freely and catch the light.
Decorate the Base (Optional): Add additional decorative elements to the base, such as paint, stickers, or small charms that complement the sun theme.
Add a Hanging Mechanism: Attach a piece of wire or fishing line to the top of your sun catcher to create a loop for hanging. If using suction cups, attach them to the loop.
Display: Hang your sun catcher in a sunny window where it can catch and reflect sunlight, creating beautiful light patterns.
These crafts are not only fun to make but also help to bring the vibrant, warm energy of Litha into your home and sacred spaces.
Shadow Work: Flower cycles
Litha, also known as Midsummer, is a celebration of the sun at its peak and the abundance of life it brings. Reflect on the cyclical nature of flowers and the sun. Flowers bloom, flourish, wither, and return again in a perpetual cycle, much like the sun rises, reaches its zenith, and sets. Consider areas of your life that follow similar cycles.
What aspects of yourself or your experiences need to be brought into the light for growth and healing?
Write about a particular pattern or cycle that you notice in your life. How can you embrace both the flourishing and the withering phases of this cycle to foster a deeper understanding and acceptance of yourself?"
Coven Coloring Club
Another turn of the wheel means...more coloring! Litha is a very colorful time of the year, with flowers blooming and the lush greenery. Lots of color should be met with a lot of color-ING! So, this Litha, we have TWO new coloring sheets for you all! Color your picture, post it on socials and be sure to tag us so we can see all of your pretty, interesting, etc. work! We are on most social sites @midwestcovencast or you can use #covencoloringclub! We can't wait to see them! You can download the sheets below.
Southern Hemisphere Shout Out:
Blessed Yule to our friends in the southern hemisphere! The sun will begin to bless you more as darkness cedes its hold. For more about Yule and some fun activities, check out the Yule Newsletter we put out when the wheel turned to Yule in the northern hemisphere. .
Weekend Reads Returns for Season 4
Hey book lovers! Midwest Coven Cast Presents: Weekend Reads will be back on the air on October 11, 2024 to bring you more occult reads in the public domain! We are excited to have another season and will be sure to pass along details to you all very soon!
Special Thanks to our Patrons!
Without those of you who contribute to our Patreon, we couldn’t continue to host our podcasts, keep our website up, or so many other things. Thank you to all, but a special thanks to Steve D. and anonymous – You keep our little witchy corner of the universe spinning!
CALENDAR
20 June Litha/Summer Solstice
21 June Full Strawberry Moon (8:07 PM CST)
05 July New Moon (5:57 PM CST)
21 July Full Buck Moon (5:17 AM CST)
01 August Lughnasadh
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