Midsummer and St. John's Day

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We’re quickly approaching the summer solstice (this Wednesday at 10:58am) and less than a week away from St. John’s Day. Coinciding with Midsummer, John the Baptist’s feast day is celebrated on June 24 and carries its own traditions, festivities, and magic.

John the Baptist is an incredibly beloved saint behind a variety of folk practices and rituals. Like many of the feast days that occur on or around ancient festivals, it’s likely that this date (in this case, the day commemorating his birth) was chosen to coincide with the widely-celebrated and sacred Midsummer celebrations. It makes sense that one of the most magical saints would be associated with one of the most magical nights of the year.

This morning, I published a guide to Saint John’s Day for patrons (see here for more information and to join). It includes a folk history of the holiday, background on Saint John, and a few rituals you might want to try this weekend (the hours between midnight and sunrise on Saturday morning are among the most powerful of the year). You’ll also find the above printable prayer card featuring Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

Happy solstice!