Midsummer: Magical Celebrations of the Summer Solstice

Rating:
Summary: Nice addition to the series
Review: Anna Franklin has done a fine job of giving information on the deities of Midsummer from around the world, surrounding them with lots of myths and lore and topping it all off with a fantastic collection of herbcrafting for the season. This book is a valuable resource for any Pagan -- solitary or coven member -- looking to celebrate the holy day.

Rating:
Summary: Another fun book!
Review: Lots of great ideas and history on midsummer customs - drawing from ancient times. There's a whole chapter on divination (tarrot, runes etc) - fairy contact too. Crystals and their properties are discussed as is making a wand, and working with herbs to make special oils and teas etc. There are a number of recipes. There's a section on animal totems for midsummer but I've found better books on totems (check out Jamie Sams). Of the differnt Sabbat books, this one seems to have more spells, potions, divination and magic. It a really fun book and I'm glad I bought it - I'll certainly be doing some crafting from it but I'm only giving it 4 stars because I think the whole relationship/connection to mother earth is too light.

Rating:
Summary: Magical Addition to the series
Review: Midsummer is a magical time of the year for most of us Pagans and this book reflects that magical spirit in its content.
Ms. Franklin provides us with all that is essential to celebrating the Midsummer Festival or "Summer Solstice" in this book. 
Expertly researched myths,lore and customs cap this piece.  I really enjoyed the stories about the origins of Midsummer festivals and the Ancient Themes. But the herbal correspondences, stone correspondences, tools, rituals and divination techniques all add to this as being a wonderful primer for those who are wandering early in their path and are looking for a starting place for their celebration of another turn in the "Wheel of the Year".
Ms. Franklin has given us a well written, nicely presented book on celebrating this Holiday in the Pagan calendar and it is a wonderful addition to the Sabat series by Llewellyn.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent guide to creating a midsummer celebration
Review: Midsummer is one of the Pagan festivals which celebrates a positive seasonal change, and this title covers common midsummer seasonal rituals, from the Rite of the Oak King to Drawing Down the Dawn. Recipes for herbs used in ritual celebrations blend with ritual instructions in this excellent guide to creating a midsummer celebration.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: This book is a fully rounded examination of the midsummer festival with history and lore, pagan themes and spiritual inspiration. It contains traditional Wiccan and witchcraft rites, along with Saxon and Druidic celebrations for the festival. I know for a fact that the Wiccan rites are authentic and I have never seen them published before. [I do worry that it may be a case of casting pearls before swine in some instances.] Along with stuff for the more serious Wiccan, the ritual suggestions would help beginners and experienced covens alike. There is a wealth of herb craft here, since midsummer is the traditional time for gathering herbs, which again, may appeal to ex[pereinced and beginner alike. I can't recommend this book too highly- the strongest in the series so far.