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This Thread is to share rituals for Midsummer celebrations. I hope this helps you to plan a very special Litha. |
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Litha celebrates the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. This is a celebration of the God and the warmth and power of the sun. It is also a good time for a rededication as well as pet blessings. It is also a good time for healing, love and protection magickal workings. Incense: Anything floral. Herbs: Mugwort, vervain, chamomile, rose, lily, oak, lavender, ivy, yarrow, fern, elder, wild thyme, daisy, carnation. Apythia Litha Ritual (Includes rededication and pet blessing) Need: tall white or yellow candle and a short black candle, cauldron for burning, incense (Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Jasmine, rose, lotus, other flower), bowl of blessed, pure water, wand, paper, pen, one white candle for each pet and the pet or representation of him or her (photo, drawing etc.) Cast circle, call corners, light altar, goddess, god candles. Statement of purpose: Pick up your wand, and with arms upraised, face the South and say: I celebrate the noon of Summer with this rite held in honor of the Blazing God of the Sun. All of nature vibrates with the fertile energies of the Goddess and the God. The Earth is bathed with the warmth, and light and life of the Sun. The Wheel of the Year turns again. Since Yule the light has been growing ever stronger. At Ostara the light finally became greater than the dark, and the light has kept on growing until today, the middle of the time of light, Litha, Midsummer. From here, the light begins to fade again, until once more, the Wheel will turn to darkness and Yule will return. Today the Sun is high, the Light is bright, the Earth is warm. As the Lord of the Sun blazes above, the Fires of my celebration shall flame below. Place wand back on altar. Face altar. Light white and black candles. Brother Sun and Mother Moon, day is longest now. Energies of the brilliant Sun aid all at work or having fun. Longest day, a blessing is, from rise to set supreme is the Sun. Fueling growth and passions bright, strong and true is the solar light. Bounty grows and river flows, as Earth is warmed and lighted. Creative energy reaches zenith on this day of shortest night. Crops grow high and excitement grows, with each new ray of Sun. Every day, all creatures play and hail the mighty Sun. Ancient solstice, fires burning, honor the Sun and feed the light. Druid, Indian, Norse, and Celt all danced on Summer Solstice, joyously felt. Solar winds and solar flares wash away our hunger and our cares. Mighty Sun, King of warmth, makes humans to frolic and bees to swarm. Keep this day in memory bright, to warm you on long winter nights. May the rays of solstice keep us warm, all through the year. So mote it be. (by Abby Willowroot) On a piece of paper, write all your troubles, problems, pains, sorrows and illnesses. O fiery Sun, burn away the unuseful, the hurtful, the troublesome, the painful, the sickness, and ill luck. Purify me. Light paper with sun candle (the long white one, not the God candle.) Drop paper into cauldron. By the powers of the Great Goddess and the Great God, by the powers of the Great Spirit of All-That-Is, by the powers of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, and by the powers of the Sun, Moon and Stars... I banish these banes from my life Visualize the negative energies burning away to nothing. When the paper has been consumed by the flames say: As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new, for this is the sacred cauldron of the Triple Goddess. O Great Mother Goddess, bless this water, so that its touch may bless and renew, even as the rays of the Midsummer Sun nourish and bless all life. Pour the water over the ashes. Pass your cupped hands over the cauldron, pausing briefly each time to "pour" in wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune to be part of your life. Dip the forefinger of your right hand into the cauldron water, and trace a pentagram on your forehead, saying: "Let my mind be open to the truth." Anoint your lips saying: "Let my lips always speak the truth." Anoint your heart area, saying: "Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always." Anoint the centers of your palms, saying: "Let my hands be gifted to work in magickal ways." Anoint the soles of your feet, saying: "Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!" Pet blessing Do each pet separately. Light a white candle and then, holding your pet (or its picture), kneel before the altar and recite the following prayer: O Great Horned God, father of the woodlands, and loving lord of all creatures that walk crawl, swim and fly. A threefold blessing I humbly ask of thee on this special day: May (pet's name) life be a long, happy and healthy one. May (s)he always receive your divine protection. And when our incarnations in this world cease to be, may we forever be reunited in the great Wiccan otherworld known as the Summerland. Blessed be! (Raven Silverwing) Chant name of pet and Blessed Be three times. Enjoy a simple feast if desired. Thank the Deities and the corners. Open the circle. |
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Midsummer Litha Ritual The South Warden opens the Circle.
South Now is the time of summer, when the heat steams from the earth, the lakes grow warm, and the breezes bring heat with them, as well as rain. I invoke the warden of the South, Paralda. West Now is the time of summer, when the rains fall hot and bring with them heat and making the air wet, soaking the earth. I invoke the warden of the West, Nixsa. North Now is the time of summer, when the heat makes the earth shimmer under our feet in the air, and the rain steams from the ground even as it hits. I invoke the warden of the North, Ghob. East Now is the time of summer, when the heat and humidity make us flee indoors in search of cooler, drier air and the earth is parched. I invoke the warden of the East, Djinn.
The warden of the South steps into the circle and lights a candle set in the center. Then she steps back into the south.
West: It is the longest day. North: It is the shortest night. East: It is Midsummer.
North: It is the time of light. East: It is the derth of dark. West: It is Midsummer.
East: It is the reign of summer. West: It is the poverty of winter. North: It is Midsummer.
South It is Midsummer, and the Lord of Flames takes his height. West The heat comes on, baking all in its path, as the Earth rises to great the Summer Lord. His light iluminates the sky, and night becomes day. East Between us, we hold the earth and sky. North Within us, we hold the dark and light. West Among us, we hold the Lady and her children.
North: Earth East: Air West: Water All: And the fire grows between us. West: Autumn North: Winter East: Spring All: And the fire glows within us.
East: The Wand, She sets the wand on the ground, facing east. West: The Cauldron, She sets the cauldron on the ground in the west. North: The Stone, She sets the stone in the north. All: And the sword of fire around us.
South: The Lord of Summer takes arms and strides across the sky, bearing with him his sheild of the Sun and the Sword of Fire. On this longest day, none challenge him and he reigns for one day supreme, unchallenged.
East: Fire in the air as lightning... North: Rears to strike the ground... West: Soaked with the summer rain... All: We bid welcome to the Fire, the Lord of Summer.
North: The King doth keep his revels here tonight, to dance our ringlets in the whistling wind, And we four great him. Welcome lord!
All: Welcome lord! |
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"The Light of the Shore" A Ritual for Two People for the Celebration of Midsummer or "Litha" by OakWyse Before we begin... * This is the longest day of the year, the power of the Sun is at its peak, and at the same time this is the beginning of the waning of the Sun’s energy and power. We celebrate the strength and energy this day holds and ask that the magick created today carry us through the dark time of the year as the Holly King succeeds the Oak King. * The altar is decorated with sunflowers, brown-eyed susans, or other yellow flowers. * In the three branch candlestick, Three dark green candles are placed, symbolizing the mature greenery of midsummer, and the God and Goddess of Litha, Danu and Bel. * The white candle, a bowl of water, and a branch represent Fire and Well and Sacred Tree. * Bannocks and Ale are prepared. * Offering bowls and grain offering. * Musk oil offering. * Silver offering. * Participants may wear crowns of summer flowers. * A Solar Wheel of woven vine, covered with holly leaves, is nearby. * Participants write on slips of paper the names of endangered species, and gof groups or peoples who work for social and/or ecological justice, to be used later in the rite. * If a Senior Druid wears a crown of Oak leaves, one of Holly may be held in readiness. * All texts are understood to contain the directions "In these or similar words." * [B and G] represent the two participants in the original rite. Divide roles as appropriate for you. The rite may be adapted for a larger group. The Procession Process to the Sacred Grove and travel around it three times deosil. Light the center Green candle on altar, and the altar incense. Opening Litany adapted from Celtic Devotional by Caitlin Matthews[G] Glory of the Day-Star, hail![B] Lifter of the Light, Burnisher of the sky. [G] Gifts of love to earth are bringing,[B] Summer’s shimmer, dew’s delight. [G] Dancing be the heart within us,[B] Open be our souls to bliss, [G] Courage vanquish every shadow,[B] Greet misdimmer with a kiss! Kiss each person in the Grove Awen Invocation [G] From the Gods, and from the Spirits of the Earth, and from the Ancestors, may we have the inspiration of worship and of prayer. By Fire and Well and Sacred Tree Earth-Mother now we honor thee; May we be hallowed one and all That you may hear us when we call. Then cense one another with words like: [B] Pure and hallowed may you be. [G] So be it. Earth-Mother and Outdwellers Offerings [G] Earth-Mother we honor you and ask your blessing on our rite.All take a bit of grain and place it in the Offering Bowl, with the same words. At the conclusion of the Rite, the offering will be taken outside and given to the Earth. An offering is made to the Outdwellers according to your own practice, and placed outside the Nemeton.. Attunement [G] rings bell 3 times. [B] As our ancestors once did, so we do today, and so our children will do in the future. We are here to pay homage to Danu, the All-Mother, Lady of all the Gods, and to Bel, Lord of the Sun; to the Gods, to the Ancestors, and to the Earth Spirits; to the brightest light of the year. Now is the time of balance, when the flowering plants are in their prime, and the fertility of the earth is at its strongest point. Life is now fully awake. The bees buzz heavily from flower to flower, and butterflies near the end of their life. In the meadow sire and the dam now nurture growing fillies and colts. This is the Feast of Midsummer, the turning of the year. As the Sun now burns brightly bringing warmth to Mother Earth, so its warmth begins to wane, and the fires of life begin to bank even as the days grow warmer. The new life created at Beltaine now strains toward maturity. From this day on, darkness will vie with light, and the cold of year’s end does approach. The Holly King wrestles with the Oak King, and the Goddess grows from Maiden to Mother, and the promise of the Crone. So let us join together as one to make our offerings in joy and reverence. [G] These are the Fires of Bel. Light yet overpowers darkness, and warmth is still upon the earth! Flowers mature around us, and heavy is the air with their perfumed joy!She goes to each candle and lights it with fire from the altar, with these words. [B and/or G] These are the Fires of Bel, this is the Bosom of Danu.All are seated , and there is silence for a moment. One leads the Two Powers meditation as usual. Purpose of the Rite, Naming of the God and Goddess of Alban Heruin [G] Alban Heruin is the balance of the year, when light and dark dance together, when warmth and cold meet together, and hold hands. We make offerings to Danu, and to Bel.[G] lights a Green Candle for Danu, and makes an offering of oil. [G] Danu, Mother of all, birth-giver and nurse, River of Life, to you we call: Receive the honor of our verse! [All] So be it![B] lights a Green Candle for Bel, and makes an offering of oil. [B] Greetings, Bel, ancient God of Sun, Smith and herald of new life begun: Join us now and make us one! [All] So be it! Opening the Gates [B] Let us now open the portals to the Otherworld, in Tree and Fire and Sacred Well. Come we now to this sacred grove in this place between the worlds, to give honor to Danu, and Bel. Offerings make we now, that the portals may be opened. [G] offers silver into the well, saying: In the deeps flow the waters of wisdom, Sacred Well, flow within us. [B] lights the White candle, saying, I kindle the Sacred Fire in wisdom, love and power, Sacred Fire, burn within us. [G] sprinkles well water on the tree on the altar, saying; World Tree with roots in the earth, and arms in the skies, Sacred Tree, grow within us. [All] So be it! Invocation of the Three Kindreds [B] We welcome now the Three Kindreds to our Rite: Ancestors, Earth Spirits, and Gods. Gods, and Dead, and Spirits all, Receive our offering, hear our call. By Fire, and Well, and Sacred Tree, From Land and Sky, and from the Sea, Now come, we pray you, to this Grove, And bring your wisdom, strength, and love! [G] Ancestors, Old Ones, remember us as we remember you; Ancient Ones, hear our prayers and accept our offering of love. Hoof and horn, leaf and stone, aid us as we aid you; Earth Spirits, hear our prayers, and accept our offering of love. Gods and Goddesses, Shining Ones, honor us as we honor you; First-Born of Earth Mother, hear our prayers and accept our offering of love.All sit and meditate upon the hosts of Spirits they have called. All speak in their hearts to whichever spirits present themselves to them. Offering to the Alban Heruin Deities , [G] The Song of Danu: Mother Goddess, source of all, Danu, harken to our call: Living River, flowing strong, Fertile power, living song; All are manifest in thee, Mother Goddess, Blessed Be! [B] The Song of Bel: Bold and Burning, God of Light, Bel, now bringing love to sight: Passion great and Body strong, Summer promise, Summer song; All are manifest in thee, God of Fire, Blessed Be! [G] takes the Solar Wheel and says Now does the Wheel of the Year begin to turn from the Light. Let us pass this Wheel around the Circle,and unite our prayer, and praise, and life energy into its wood and leaves as a joint offering of dedication for the waning of the year.The Wheel is passed Sunwise around the Circle. Each person takes it in her/his hands, and directs their own prayers and energy into it. When it returns to the begining, [G] says: [G] Let us now celebrate the Balance of the Year! Let us rejoice in the Light, Let us welcome the Dark! Let us raise our prayers in dance to Danu and to Bel!Music is played. All hold the Wheel in left hand and dance counter-Sunwise, as the year begins to wane. As the music comes to an end, [B] says [B] All hail, the powerful Solstice Sun! All hail, Danu, Mother of All, River Goddess, Lady of the Hearth! All hail, Bel, God of Fire, giver of Life!The Wheel is then hung by the altar as an offering. After the rite it will be taken outside and hing in a high tree. If there is a Senior Druid, he/she may exchange an Oak Crown for one of Holly. Prayer of Sacrifice An offering of bannock is made, and cup of ale, with appropriate words of praise from the heart for Danu and for Bel. The Omen One seeks the Omen through means of choice (rune, ogham, tarot, etc.) and interprets the Omen. Receiving and Using the Returned Power [B] Let us now express our hopes and dreams, our thoughts and prayers for this Earth, our Mother, warmed by Bel, watered by Danu . . . [G] We give thanks to the creature-companions who have protected us this day. We remember especially those creatures whose thread of life can now be barely traced in the Tapestry of Creation, especially:Each steps into the Circle to offer his/her own prayers. Prayers are offered for endangered species _________________. [B] As the Earth circles, we celebrate those who strive to help the disempowered, especially: Prayers are offered for those who work for social and ecological justice __________.[G] We rejoice in the green Earth, in the burgeoning of projects and ideas, in the growth of friendships and associations. [All] As Summer fields ripen with the grain of Life, so may all that is in our hearts come to maturity!Sit. Holding hands, all express needs, either silently or aloud, followed by a period of silent meditation. Other workings as needed may be done at this time, making use of the energy raised. At the conclusion of this joining, all share the Bannocks and Ale. [B] Join we now in chant of Communion and Praise. [All] I bind unto myself today The virtues of the Starlit Heaven, The glorious Sun’s life-giving Ray, The whiteness of the Moon at Ev’n; The Flashing of the Lightning free, The whirling Wind’s tempestuous Shocks, The stable Earth, the deep salt Sea, Around the old, eternal Rocks . (from "Patrick’s Breastplate") Unwinding and Ending [B] O Vigorous Bel, Lord of the Sun, we thank thee for thy bright presence here. We have been honored to have your Spirit among us. Farewell, and Blessed Be! [All] Farewell, and Blessed Be! [B] O Mother Danu, River Lady, we thank thee for thy bright presence here. We have been honored to have your Spirit among us. Farewell, and Blessed Be! [All] Farewell, and Blessed Be! [G] The Goddess, the God have been honored. This Rite of Litha is done. Fire and Well and Sacred Tree, and Gatekeeper of these portals three, we offer thanks and praise to thee! With praises to the waning Sun, may gates be closed, and rite be done! [B] Now our Rite of Litha is done. Blessed peace on everyone, and may we keep the light of Sun![B] leads others three times counter-Sunwise around the circle, in a journey back from the Otherworld. [G] rings the bell three times. The Rite is done. Copyright 1998, by OakWyse Permission to copy is granted if this notice is included Internet and other reprints of textual contents only are allowed so long as text is used in full and without modification, for educational purposes without profit, with all credits given, links provided to this site and this copyright tag attached, unless specified otherwise in the text itself. Permission is given for the use, including respectful modification, of ritual material by individuals or groups for the purpose of worship, though we request that credit be given where possible and appropriate. All other rights reserved. | | |
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Summer Solstice Ritual In addition to your usual magickal tools, you will need: - A Golden Yellow Altar Cloth
- Small Cloth Pouch of Summertime Herbs
- Cauldron
- 1 cup Fresh Spring Water
- Red Sun God Candle
- Green Earth Goddess Candle
- Summer Blend Incense (Jasmine, Rose, Lotus, Wysteria, or combination).
Preparation: Sweep area moving in deosil manner. Set up Quarter Candles and any accessories symbolizing the Elements of the Quarters. Decorate the altar with seasonal flowers, especially Sunflowers. Prepare your Pouch of Summertime Herbs, and as you make it, pour your troubles, pains, sorrows, illness, and regrets into it. Place the Cauldron in the center of your altar, the Red Sun candle to the right of it , the Green Goddess Candle to the left of it. Place the cup of Fresh Spring Water in front of the Goddess Candle. Take a shower or bath for purification. Sit quietly and meditate for a while, then ground and center. When ready, play some peaceful music for the ritual.
Cast the circle Pick up your Wand, and with arms upraised, face South and say:
"I celebrate the Mid-of-Summer, held in honor of the Blazing Sun God. All of Nature vibrates with the fertileness of the Goddess and of the God. The Earth basks in the light and life of the Sun. The ever turning Wheel of the Year has made the light ever stronger And the light has kept growing longer, until today... The light is at its peak, Litha, MidSummer's Day, SummerSolstice.
From here, the light begins to fade, until once more the Wheel turns to the time of darkness, Yule, Winter Solstice. Yet, for today, the Sun is high, the light is bright, the Earth is warm. As the Sun God blazes above, may the fires of my riteflame below."
Face the altar
Light the Green Goddess Candle to the left of your cauldron, saying: "Oh, Mother of Nature, She that brings the meadow to bloom, Green Forest Mother, from lakes and streams your children spring forth. Blessed Lady of the stars and the Moon, Fruitful Womb of which I honor, and ask of Thee, Thy Blessings."
Light the Red Sun God Candle to the right of your cauldron, saying: "Oh, Father of all things, He that plants the seed and nurtures Life. God of Fertility and Fruitfulness, from hill and forest your children emerge. Blessed Lord of the blazing Sun, potent Consort of which I honor, and of Thee, Thy Blessings."
Take the Herb Pouch and hold above your head, saying: "By thy power, oh sacred herbs, may the Lord of the Sun Burn away the hurtful, the troublesome, and the painful, Leaving me purified through His warmth and Light."
Hold the pouch over your main Altar Candle to take flame. While it is burning, drop it in the cauldron, saying: "Great Goddess and Great God, from Thee all powers flow forth. The Two that are One, Great Spirit of All-That-Is, By Thy powers, and the powers of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth, By Thy powers, and the powers of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, I banish these negatives from my life."
Visualize the negatives burning away to nothingness. When all that is left is ashes, douse the ashes with the cup of Fresh Spring Water, feel as if the water were being poured over you and your negatives washed away. Air dry by dancing and running your hands up and down your arms, body, and legs. Don't forget your head... lay it back and shake, running your fingers through your hair.
When done, face altar, wave hand over the cauldron and say: "As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new. Mother Goddess, bless this water so that it may bless and renew me. Father God, may your rays of the MidSummer Sun bless and nourish me. Two that are One, may your blessings sustain me as I journey, anew."
Pass your cupped hands over the cauldron, pausing briefly each time to ' pour ' in wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune to be part of your life. Dip the forefinger of your right hand into the cauldron water, and trace a pentagram on your forehead, saying: "Let my mind be open to the truth." *Anoint your lips saying:* "Let my lips always speak the truth." *Anoint your heart area, saying:* "Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always." *Anoint the centers of your palms, saying:* "Let my hands be gifted to work in magickal ways." *Anoint the soles of your feet, saying:* "Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!"
Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings. MidSummer spellworkings include: prosperity, fertility, and plentiful harvests.
Finish by having the Cakes and Ale Ceremony and releasing the circle. The Ritual is done.
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Dear Friends, You are my vanguard. Until recently I never thought a whole lot about the Bee-friends. But just recently I've felt called-- well, more like compelled-- to draft a ritual to lend them magickal assistance during this time when so many of them -- Honey Bees in particular -- are just disappearing for reasons that no one seems to understand. I was goggling for updates today and found that the theories include pesticides/herbicides, virus, parasites, cell phone emissions (although that one is less popular than it was a month or so ago), and -- wouldn't you know -- stress. This is a simple "do-it-yourself where ever-you-are" ritual, although I am sure people could have fun getting together and doing it in groups if they wanted. I would appreciate it if you would all send it on to anyone you know, post on any lists where it would be appropriate, and otherwise help to get it out there to as many people as possible before June 20th. Love and Light Ritual for the Bees To all energy workers, Shamans, Pagans, Faeries, New Age Visionaries, Healers, Lightworkers, Tree-Huggers, Bambi-lover, Gardners, and other custodians, caretakers and stewards of Mother Earth: For any of you who are concerned about the recent flight of a significant percent of the world's Honey-Bee's through the veil and away from our Earth, then please consider joining one of your number in the following Ritual to encourage the return of our beloved Bee friends --those joyously industrious pollinators and fertilizers, builders of hive, colony, community, and makers of sweet honey and dance so devotedly to the buzz of their own passionate light. To be performed on the eve of the Summer Solstice, Wednesday June 20, 2007. As the longest day fades into night, light a candle. Let the candle be of bees wax. If you don't have a bees wax candle (or prefer not to use one) then dab a bit of honey on the candle of your choice. If you have no honey or bees wax -- or even if you do --feel free to choose a bright yellow candle, or other candle that reminds you strongly of the energy of Bees. You might like to decorate it with images or symbols that make you think of bees and the role they play in our lives. You could even prepare a special place for it -- make an altar or a spot on your altar -- dedicated to the bees. Perhaps have some fragrant flowers near by. As you light your candle, think of the bees. At this point, if you are aware of any fear or distrust you have of bees because of their sting ( a purely defensive weapon that carries the heaviest penalty for use), then consciously release it now. Send it into the flame and watch it go up in smoke. Think of all the good that bees bring to our planet and to each of our lives through their work of pollinating the plants and flowers. Think of their buzz-hoppy fertility dance and the determined, hardy fragility of their industrious, interconnected, community-based, hive minded uniqueness. Think of the taste of honey. Be in appreciation. Let your heart fill with love for our bee-brothers. See, sense, feel the bees flying -- singly, in pairs, in small groups -- through an invisible gateway into the blue sky of Earth. Imagine them greeting, and being ecstatically greeted by, the flowers who have longed for their delicate touch, the encouragement of their voices, and the stimulating buzz of their presence. See them joyously making their way home, flying eagerly into the doors of hives and colonies that have waited patiently for their return. Welcome the bees back to their homes, their hives. Make buzzing sounds. Don't be overly quick or perfunctory about this. Buzz for at least 3-5 minutes and really get into the feel of it. Dance around, place a taste of honey on your tongue or in your tea and savor the taste extravagantly. Sensously rub a salve or ointment containing bees wax into your skin. Do any or all of these things. Thank the Bees for their service to the Earth. Thank the Melissa, the ancient Greek Bee-Queen, for the labors and blessings of her people to the Earth in any way that feels joyous and true for you. If you like you may use this chant: Bzzzz Bzzzzz Bzzzzz Bees! Bzzzzz Bzzzzzz Bzzzzz Bees! We call you home to the hive. We call you home to the hive. Striving, thriving, Striving, thriving, We call you home to the hive. We light your way. On this longest day we light your way Home to the meadows, Home to the skies, Home to the flowers, Home to the trees. We light your way home. Bzzzzz Bzzzzzzz Bzzzzzzz Bees! If it is safely possible, burn the candle down during the night. If isn't possible, then re-light the candle on consecutive nights until it is burned through. If enough of us do this, the bright beacon of our focus love, will an intention will guide the bees safely back to their homes to the continued health and joy of Mother Earth. Bright Blessing to all. Blessed Bee |
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