Midsummer: the Ritual
Here is the next section of the chapter on the Midsummer rites in The New Pagans’ Handbook.
The Ritual
As with most of our rituals, an outdoor setting is preferred. However, that is as matters make it; so two areas or rooms should be prepared; one for the core of the rite, the other as a retiring area.
As usual in the making of a rite there will be room for improvisation and ritual thought to embellish the simple story. The election of a ‘Ringleader’ to oversee and give continuity to the ceremonies will be found helpful.
The ceremony should begin at the still beribboned oak, or around Robin’s decorated staff, the attenders having gathered previously at the retiring area to prepare themselves. Make up and dress should be as before with obvious seasonal changes, flowers etc, except that the Lady now carries a bouquet of red flowers tied with a blue ribbon. These are the flowers of maturity and high summer, but the blue is now on open display and declares the deadly nature of the game.
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