Midsummer! Also known as Litha, this solstice holiday is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. The earth is at its most fertile, and life is bursting out all over (yes, even here in the Northeast).

The goddess, in her role as Mother, is pregnant with the child of her consort, the sun god, and the whole world blooms with her. This is the best time for magickal work for abundance, fertility, and any kind of growth. If you can, try to celebrate outside amidst the glorious outpouring of nature's glory.

A Simple Summer Solstice Ritual
At this time, when the earth's gifts are so openly displayed, take the opportunity to give back a little. Instead of a complicated ritual, why not plant a tree for your Mother? If you have a place of your own, you can plant one of the traditional witchy trees like oak or willow. If you don't have room to keep a tree, donate one to a local park, or send money to the Arbor Day Foundation and plant something small at home to symbolize your gift. Take a moment to give thanks for all the gifts of the land—and be sure to clean up after yourself. After all, your Mother is watching.

Excerpted from The Goddess is in the Details by Deborah Blake