Parenting in the Pagan Traditions

It's actually no surprise to me that Father's day and Litha are in the same month. At the Midsummer Solstice we are celebrating the Sun God in the height of his power. We are focusing on that wonderful, warm, masculine power. The Sun God is the focus in the balance of the powerful young warrior and the nurturing father figure.

This year is my husband's first father's day. I want to make it special for him. He just began a new job which doesn't allow for much family time until he adjusts to a new sleeping schedule. (He's on shifts that consist of 2 overnights, one late night, and two early mornings.) So Father's Day will be a lazy day of taking it easy. I want to get one of those plaster molds that you can make an imprint of your baby's hands and feet. We'll set an impression of Elora's little hands for him. It'll have her name and age and a little message just for him on it. We also sent a message to be seen on Sprout TV Father's day weekend for him. I'll Tivo it as he might be at work when it shows. *wink*

We'll make him a special dinner. He has a few favorite meals that I haven't made in a while. Though I want to get him some baseball tickets, that may have to be a birthday gift in July for him. Anyhow, that day will be his day.

For those of you aren't near your dads or Dad is no longer with us, you can build an altar for him. What special things remind you of Dad? My husband's dad in Rhode Island is a landscaper and a sailor. He also is a wine person. We'll decorate a small place of sailboats, a mariner's compass, a bottle of his favorite wine, etc. We'll send warm loving energies to him. Once we have embued the items with that love and warmth, we can pack it up to send to him.

If dad is no longer with you, make of altar of items that cause you to remember and think fondly of the happy times you spent together. Share these memories if you wish with your family. Send loving energy to the universe. Dad will recieve it.

Have a happy and enjoyable Father's Day!