(This ceremony was written to follow straight on from Dragon and Thorskegga's handfasting, in the presence of the gods invited to the sacred space and thus it is missing some of the elements normally expected from a heathen ceremony, such as the hammer hallowing.
As it was held in the presence of non heathen friends and kin there are also more explanations of what is happening )
Blow a horn and beat a drum to gain attention.
Dragon: Now is the time for the Midsurmmer Ceremony, gathered are the Ciltern Kindred, The Hearths of the Harnmer, the frierids and kin of Thorshof.
Thorskegga: There is no obligation to take part in this ceremony. but feel free to join in if you wish, or watch from outside the herb garden. Everyone who wishes to join the ritual, form a circle within the garden.
Dragon: I welcome the gods called for our handfasting, noble Heimdall : heavens defender, father of the tribes of man. Frey and Freyja, Frigga, Thor, and all the other powers of heaven, be heartily welcome this midsummer day,
Make offering of food or mead.
Thorskegga: I welcome the land spirits called for our handfasting, spirits of the forest, fared from the oak ridge, spirits of the field, fared from the copyground. Spirits of the garden who dwelt aIl around, be heartily welcome this midsummer day.
(Oakridge (nearest woodland) and Copyground (nearest farm) are local place names)
Make offering.
Dragon: Now the horn will be passed around the circle, that all may drink and invoke their gods or add their midsummer blessing.
Thorskegga: If you are uncomfortable speaking or drinking from the horn, just pass it to your neighbour.
The horn is passed and speeches made in honour of the summer
Thorskegga: The forces of winter and hunger are banished from our lands, the friend of man and protector of the sanctuaries is triumphant. Safe beneath her defender's shield the Earth is green and fruitful. Hai1 to the Thunderer and hail to the Earth his lady.
Dragon: We are present to mark the midsummer - the turning of the year. A time to consider and reflect upon those plans we have made, projects we have undertaken and journeys begun. As the year turns from waxing to waning, we enter a time of consolidation. Time to nurture and develop. Time to see the results of our work grow. As the harvest approaches without continued work now the harvest wiIl be poor that we have sown must be weeded and watered, beasts fed and sheltered, and allowed to mature before we can harvest the rewards.
Thorskegga: This midsummer marks an anniversary: a thousand years have passed since the Icelandic Parliament accepted a new and foreign faith, and the folk of the North lost their freedom to worship the gods they loved. Despite the sadness of this event, which was followed by a millennium of religious intolerance, we suggest that we should see this as a new era in which we can start again with a clean slate. Now is the time to really get our act together, find fresh inspiration and heal some of the wounds the faith has suffered in the 20'" century.
Pass horn for round of boasts.
Dragon: Jord, Sol and Thunderer, grant your blessing and the fruits of the Earth.
Thorskegga: Frigga, grant your blessing on the sons and daughters of men.
Dragon: Frey and Freyja, grant your blessing on the beasts af the field.
Skegga: All goodly powers, grant your blessing on our work for the year. This cake of honey, saffron and spices, represents the sun which gives life, health, wealth and joy. Eat and enjoy the blessing of Midsummer's day.
Dragon hands out cake to the ladies and Thorskegga to the men.
Dragon: The ceremonies are over, let the party commence!