It’s a bit of a misnomer, this “midsummer” stuff, but in the Olde Celtic Ways, the days around the summer solstice were counted as the middle of the growing season.
Halfway through the Growing Season, the gardens are absolutely fabulous.
In folklore, this time is when the veil between the human world and the supernatural realm is very thin. This night, and tomorrow, is when the fairies, sprites, and nature spirits can freely cross over to interact with the physical world, and particularly humans. The tricky fae love to play their pranks and throw their spells our way. It is suggested that the thinning veil makes dreams, visions, and intentions incredibly potent, and any magic cast this evening would be exponentially strong.
Old World views of fairies are more like the original murderous Tinkerbelle who would have killed off Wendy without a second thought; she was successfully re-branded as a helpful, team-player in a world of friendly fairies. That’s Disney for you, but the Real Fairies are like Puck, interfering in human interactions, leading folks astray, and even kidnapping some! In order to keep the little jokers at bay, folks would hang fragrant herbs on their doors and wear crowns of flowers around their heads.
Ancients also lit bonfires to ward off dragons and witches who might poison springs and wells. As the bonfires died down, folks would Leap over them, an act that was believed to bring Health, Fertility, and Good Luck.
According to the Scottish folk, every 100 years on the Midsummer’s Eve the Trees would pull up their roots and Dance! I’m willing to drink however much Scotch it takes to see that happen!
While I have a knack for feeling the presence of other-worldly spirits, I’ve never felt the presence of fairies or sprites. It could be I’ve not been paying attention, though, so I’m now on the lookout…
I’ll be out in the grove, looking for Fae, waiting for the trees to dance…
Peace
The News from Sonnystone Acres 