Sabbats Almanac: Samhain to Mabon - Kristoffer Hughes 2018

Kosmesis Summer Solstice Ritual by Deborah Castellano
Litha

THE RITUAL ITSELF WILL happen late afternoon; in the drowsy hours of the warmth of the day you will do the magical act. But the ritual truly will not be complete unless it’s followed by a dark act of decadence during the evening; a smoky bonfire, a luminous opera, a club where you can feel the bass run through you like the universal heartbeat. The perfect gin martini in a velvet surrounding. A visit to a faraway lover. When selecting the activity that will follow your ritual, think about the intention you are setting with your kosmesis and plan accordingly.

First, set your intention. Much like Hera and Pandora, you have a job to do. What are you attempting to accomplish with your kosmesis? Be clear, be succinct. Now is not a time for fear. Ask for what you want and then just a little bit more. Kosmesis is not for the meek and the circumspect. You are asking for the Aztec four hundred divine rabbits who preside over parties and drunkenness—too much is never enough.

Then, select everything that you will wear: purse/wallet, underthings/lingerie, pants/skirt, top/dress, jewelry, scent, skin care, cosmetics (a little eyeliner never hurt anyone, all genders included). Don’t be afraid to try things on. This can be your personal makeover montage. When you have selected your adornment in its entirety, lay it out. Put on a robe.

Select your spirits, ancestors, and goddesses that you would like to guide you on this adventure. They don’t need to be traditionally associated with kosmesis—it’s more important that they are game and you have a relationship already with them. Arrange your altar, ideally a vanity table or bathroom sink, with representations of your goddesses, spirits, and ancestors. Bring any offerings you would like to make to them and make them. Invite them to be a part of your kosmesis. Speak from the heart and go with what inspires you in the moment. Give your intention. If you don’t know what to offer, incense, bottled water, flowers, sweets, and candles are rarely offensive. Consecrate your altar by sprinkling rose water on it. Let everyone know that the altar will stay in place until the next morning.

Next, prepare food for yourself. A bit of decadence will help set your intention for you if you prepare and eat mindfully.

Suggested Menu for Inspiration

Bread

Honey (sweetness to your life)

A cordial glass full of St. Germain or Elderflower soda (the essence of summer solstice)

Fresh strawberries (to attract in your intention)

Dark of the Night Yogurt: Plain yogurt with olive paste and lavender Breton gray salt (olives for success, salt to keep you grounded in reality, lavender for anything can happen and any wishes)

Honeyed Solstice Bread

1¼ cup hot water (as hot as it gets from your tap)

1 tbsp honey

1½ cups bread flour

1½ cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

2 capfuls of olive oil

1½ tsp active dry yeast

Add ingredients to your bread machine in order as they are listed here. Set your bread machine to the smallest loaf, regular whole wheat setting and lightest crust. As your bread machine is mixing, check to make sure the bread is mixing correctly (is it too sticky? Too dry? Add more bread flour or water as needed).

Dark of the Night Yogurt

1 container plain Greek yogurt

Pinch of lavender

Pinch of salt

A spoonful of black olive paste (or purchased olive tapenade if you are being lazy about it)

Kosmesis Recipes

Next, plan how you will accomplish the bathing aspect of the rite. Will you take a bath or shower? What kosmesis goods will you use? Be sure to hold your intention while performing your kosmesis.

Here are a few simple recipes you can enchant while making them by infusing your intention into them:

Lovely Litha Bath Tea

1 tsp quick oats

1 tsp dried milk

1 tsp dried rose petals

1 tsp powered honey

1 tsp flax seeds

4 tbsp pink Himalayan salt

Small mason jar

Small muslin bags

Mix ingredients together in the jar and let sit out uncovered overnight. Mix again and then cover. To use, spoon into a muslin bag for a (mess-free!) bath.

Luscious Lips Scrub

1 tbsp honey, warmed

1 tsp sugar

2 drops peppermint essential oil

Toothbrush

Small jar

Mix the honey and the sugar together; pour in small jar. Use the toothbrush over your lips with the honey and sugar mixture. Rinse from lips and from toothbrush.

Cooling Summer Facial Toner

¼ cup witch hazel

2 tbsp rose water

6 drops rose essential oil

4 drops cucumber essential oil

Small spritz bottle

Mix ingredients together in spritz bottle. Screw on cap and shake. Use after washing your face but before moisturizing.

Brightening Strawberry Face Mask

10 fresh strawberries

3 tbsp honey

1 tsp lemon

1 egg white

1 tbsp coconut oil

5 drops rose essential oil

Mix ingredients in a blender until smooth. Apply to your face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water.

Final Kosmesis

Dress while making eye contact with yourself in the mirror. Consider each piece’s significance to your kosmesis and your intention as you put it on. Adorn yourself in cosmetics, scent and jewels as you see fit, continuing to hold your intention and your own gaze. Kiss the mirror. Go to the place that you have chosen for the evening. In the morning, thank your spirits, ancestors, and deities. Draw an omen using whatever divination you would typically use. Dismantle your altar. See what the dark of the year will now bring you.