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The Summer Solstice, more commonly known as Midsummer, marks the longest day of the year and the zenith of Nature’s magical power. Magic worked on Midsummer is most often concerned with life and fertility. Jumping through the Midsummer bonfire attracts fertility, good luck, and prosperity to both the jumpers and the surrounding fields. The bonfires of Midsummer are traditionally kindled from the friction of two sacred woods, fir and oak. Nine different types of herbs are thrown upon the Midsummer fire, including your choice of: mistletoe, vervain, St. John’s Wort, heartsease, lavender, chamomile, calendula, lavender, fennel, mugwort, rosemary, thyme, meadowsweet, verbena, sage, mint, elder, yarrow, or roses. Folks feast, dance, jump the fire to handfast for a trial marriage. Herds were driven through the flames’ edge to purge fleas, ticks, and illness. When the fires had burned down, carry ashes back home and sprinkle in your gardens, in the four corners, and lay embers on the hearth. The ashes of the Midsummer bonfire bring powers of protection, health and luck.