The longest day of the year is celebrated on the first day of summer, the summer solstice. The request from the witches is for the sun to stand still. Yellow herbs and flowers, and foods including yellow squash and acorns are used in recipes representative of the sun. Lammas or the Festival of Lugh is celebrated on Aug. 1 or 2. She explained that the dog days of summer are going to be winding down.
Breads are sun-shaped and corn is used to honor what the sun has given to the Earth.
The autumnal equinox is the time of year when the day and night are equal. Reflection begins and introspection is celebrated with altars of acorns, apples and oat sprigs. The Witches' New Year begins with Samhain, otherwise known as Halloween, representing the summer's end. It is a time for the Wiccans to remember their loved ones that have left this life. Pumpkin, hazel and grains are stored for the cold season approaching.