editorial
by Cendi
Litha is my favorite Sabbat. It's the height of the waxing Sun and the beginning of the summer season. I met my future husband at the first Litha ritual I ever attended, in 2001. I had been solitary and in the broom closet prior to that, and I was nervous about meeting the freaky, wonderful and magickal people who were sure to attend this weekend-long celebration, which was held in a rural area on private property in Eastern Washington. There he was, all dressed in black -- a dragon standing guard at the entrance to the property where the festival was held, making sure all who entered were invited. It was love at first sight.
My fear of public pagan celebrations was all for naught. The ritual was beautifully done, featuring a duel between the Oak King and the Holly King, and a chalice was passed around the circle with wonderful homemade mead for all to share. The people were friendly. The only negative thing I took away from that ritual was a cold sore.
Yet even though the summer is just beginning, I can't help but feel a little sad, because Litha also marks the time when the Sun begins its annual slow death, struck down mercilessly by the churning Wheel of the Year at the height of its power and glory. The long days may give the illusion of an endless summer, but inside I feel a desperate need to get out and worship the Sun before the dark half of the year begins in September.
One way to get out and celebrate the glory of the light half of the year is by attending pagan festivals, which happens to be the theme for this issue of Widdershins. C. Cheek helps us get the party started with a nice piece about building bonfires. Earth Tones Columnist Genevieve Williams adds musical selections that explore the boundaries of sound as we cross the threshold between the waxing and the waning year. Former Widdershins Editor-in-Chief Melanie Fire Salamander shares her recent festival experience with a review of Earth Dance. Sexy Sylvana reviews the Rite of Luna; Anita tells us what's in the stars for us this season; and Janice Van Cleve encourages us to explore the boundaries of our minds with a review of Dr. Masaru Emoto's recent presentation in Seattle on changing matter with thought.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Widdershins, gentle readers. Have a lovely Midsummer, and be sure to get out and meet some freaky, beautiful, magickal people at one of the many pagan festivals our region has to offer.
Copyright © 2006 by the article's author