Laurel Woodward - June

The month of June and the summer solstice! The sun is rising at its northernmost declination. In the northern hemisphere this is the longest day of the year. Also known as midsummer. The solstice is an ancient solar celebration and fire festival celebrating light and the power of the Sun. In places like Iceland, the night is so short that the sky does not become fully dark on Midsummer night. In Finland, bonfires were lit to ensure good luck and drive out evil spirits. In Latvia Midsummer Eve is known as herb evening, for just as the Sun is at its zenith, the energy of the many plants are very potent and are gathered at this time. 

Gather handfuls of fresh chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm on this day or night to make your own feel-good herbal blend. Stuff the herbs into a pouch and carry it in your left pocket to guard against negative words, or brew the herbs into an infusion and drink it to elevate thought and bolster a good mood. 

Pour the infusion into your bathwater and soak to encourage a positive outlook. This infusion has a pleasant scent and a gentle soothing energy to balance emotions, comfort a nervous stomach, and calm nervous tension. Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm our herbs in the nervine class that support and nourish the nervous system whilst encouraging relaxation. 

Chamomile is a cheerful flower with energy to support spells for abundance communication healing peace and rest. Chamomile infusions are used to maintain mood, improve digestion, treat body aches and remedy insomnia. Lavender has a calming sense used to relieve tension headaches, calm anxiety, and remedy sadness and depression. It holds magical properties for calmness chair clarity communication healing love peace protection sleep and transformation lemon balm has a fragrant lemony scent and a light Lemonade flavour. It grows like a weed in most zones and holds magical energy to support friendship happiness healing and love peace and success bells lemon balm infusions are used to soothe a frazzled psyche, a spirit and lift mood wash the part plant material and place it in a clean gallon jar. Fill the jar with cool water and secure the lid place the jar in a sunny place where it will not be disturbed. Allow the herbs to steep in the sunlight for up to 6 hours strain out the herbs and serve the liquid over ice for a mood lifting drink. Sweeteners with honey or brighten the flavour with a square of fresh lemon juice relate enjoyment. Store the onus portion of the infusion in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. By Lauren Woodward from Llewellyn’s Witchcraft Calendar 2025