Celtic Corner: Litha

The young maid stole through the cottage door,
And blushed as she sought the Plant of pow'r;
Thou silver glow-worm, O lend me thy light,
I must gather the mystic St. John's wort tonight,
The wonderful herb, whose leaf will decide
If the coming year shall make me a bride.

--Author unknown

Blessings of Alban Hefin, Midsummer, Litha, Summer Solstice, to Everyone in the Northern Hemisphere!

Blessings of Alban Arthan, Midwinter, Yule, Winter Solstice, to Everyone in the Southern Hemisphere!

As we bask in the warm sunlight of the longest day of the year, amid the green and growing things of summer, it's almost a shock to realize that after today the light will begin dying. The Oak King has reached the height of his strength, but even now the Holly King is stirring, beginning to stalk the Oak King in his quest to rule over the long dark winter. The endless cycle of birth and death continues.

The Holly King and Oak King are the twin faces of the Horned God, each ruling over the dark and light halves of the year. They are in a perpetual duel for the favor of the Goddess, and each ritually dies at the end of his season. But neither one is truly dead, he merely withdraws for six months, some say to Caer Arianrhod, the Castle of the ever-turning Silver Wheel. This is the enchanted realm of the Goddess Arianrhod where the god must wait and learn before being born again.

Source: Earth Witchery
 

Carolan's Cauldron:

Litha Recipes

Litha calls for fresh fruits and veggies, especially those of the sunny colors of red, yellow and orange.
 

Orange Honey Butter

2 Tablespoons Grated Orange Rind
3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
1 Tablespoon honey

Combine the orange rind, powdered sugar, butter and honey in a small bowl and blend until well mixed. Chill slightly and serve with scones or biscuits.

Source: Red Deer & Elenya
 

Peach Praline Muffins

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped fresh or frozen peaches, thawed and drained

1/2 cup chopped pecans

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Topping:

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/2/ stick melted butter or margarine