City Magick: Urban Rituals, Spells and Shamanism - Christopher Penczak 2001

Midsummer
As the World Turns

Midsummer’s Eve, or the eve of the Summer Solstice, marks the start of summer in our modern calendar. To the ancients, however, it was recognized as the day when the light started diminishing. The summer continued to be hot and humid, but the amount of daylight started to dwindle. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year.

Midsummer is much like Samhain, in the sense that the doors between worlds seem to be open. Many celebrate this time with nature spirits and fairylike beings, or do magick to draw more solar light within themselves. On this day, some traditions claim that the light and shadow components of the gods do battle, and that the light loses, as seen in its waning strength. The light god must be sacrificed on Lammas and sent to the underworld on Mabon, to be there for Samhain. The dark god resumes his control of Earth and the kingdom finishes blooming and starts to wither.

As the god-force has a dual aspect, a polarity of light and darkness, so do we all. In this celebration, we observe our dual nature.

Materials Needed: Mirror

This ritual is best done at twilight or at night, since it deals with shadows. Have your mirror on or near your altar and light your space only by candlelight. Keep things dim and evoke a feeling of the otherworld.

Do Exercises 1, 3, and 4 to prepare for the ritual (see pages 17, 25, and 27). Pay extra attention to your protective shield. Although your shadow is a natural part of you, and not something evil, as many contend, it can be difficult or frightening to view. Being centered, grounded, and feeling well-protected makes the experience easier.

Cast a magick circle, as outlined in chapter 2. Add any urban elements from chapter 6 that resonate with you.

Ask to be aware of your shadow side on this day, when the shadow side is victorious. Ask it to come with “ease and grace,” meaning it will not be traumatic for you. Remember, the shadow is not evil. It is simply the part of us we usually do not show to the world. Sometimes, we do not show it even to ourselves. When presented with it, the weight can be too much to bear. Gradual introductions like this are best.

Look into the mirror. Gaze deeply into the reflection of your eyes and your entire form. You may look or feel different. You may start thinking about all the things you push away, things about yourself that you try to ignore. While the shadow can bring emotions we want to avoid, it also brings strengths we may have forgotten.

When the process feels complete, stop looking in the mirror. Thank the shadow aspect of the god for showing you this about yourself. Thank all beings you have asked to be with you and release the circle.

Make sure to ground yourself fully and be centered and present. Write down anything you learned about yourself for future reflection. Pay attention to your dream on this night and keep a notebook by the bed for further insight.