The Night of San Juan is filled with magic, symbolism, and celebration. It takes place at midnight between June 23rd and 24th with the lighting of a large bonfire , festivities, dancing, and food. It's a much-anticipated tradition, a time to have fun and wish for all that surrounds us on this magical day, with rituals charged with energy to bring out the best in ourselves.
This celebration coincides with the summer solstice and begins on the day the sun begins to lose energy, continuing until December 21st, the winter solstice. It is celebrated by lighting bonfires that symbolize the sun's strength and energy, a pagan tradition associated with magic.
The night of San Juan
It's a night of celebration, where the Feast of Saint John is commemorated on the eve or night of Saint John's Day itself. This tradition is observed in European and Mediterranean countries, and especially in South America, and is linked to ancient traditions and Spanish legends such as the Legend of the Enchanted Woman . As it is a night filled with magic, we will celebrate with the best rituals to attract what we desire.
Jump the bonfire
It's one of the rituals that best represents this night of San Juan. According to tradition, you have to jump over the bonfire seven to nine times to have good luck throughout the year. You must remain true to your wishes for health, love, and good fortune while jumping, focusing on the best possible outcome to attract that positive energy. If you can't jump over a large bonfire, you can always do it with a small one, a homemade bonfire that you can set up at home with all the necessary safety equipment.
Get into the sea water
This magical night is widely celebrated in coastal areas , as it marks a very distinctive tradition in beach regions. The celebration takes place in the water, a sacred space where people must get wet. If the sea isn't nearby, it can still be done in a natural body of water.
The best and most special time to do this is at sunrise, on the morning of Saint John's Day, the 24th. It's a magical and energetic moment, when you can bathe in the sea to purify your body and eliminate negative energy. Another important time is to jump over the waves up to seven times, right at midnight, to attract good luck.
Another tradition is to do it in the waters of rivers, springs, and streams . In the Asturias region, there's even a tradition of rolling on the grass wet with morning dew. If you perform this ritual, you'll be protected from negative energies throughout the year.
Burn your wishes at the stake
Another tradition involves writing your wishes on a piece of paper and then burning it in the bonfire. If you have a small bonfire, after jumping over it seven times you can proceed to burn the papers. If you want to add something extra to your ritual, take some bay leaves and rub them on your body . Then throw them into the bonfire to burn away any negative energy.
You can start preparing for the celebration a year in advance. For example, this year you can make a list of wishes for the coming year. These wishes should be clear and concise , written on separate pieces of paper, and kept in a safe place with several bay leaves. Prepare these wishes the night before, recite them on St. John's Day , and then return them to the bay leaves. The following year, take out the papers again and burn them in the bonfire.
Ritual to attract love
Fire is encouraging; it signifies purity and energy, so you can observe it while celebrating the night. If you want to attract someone's love, this is the best night to do so. There's a ritual performed with cinnamon and honey.
You will need ground cinnamon, honey, a pink candle, and a photo of the person you wish to attract (or write their name on a piece of paper). Place the photo or the paper on a table and draw a circle of cinnamon around it. Then, coat the candle with honey and light it. Let the candle burn completely while you focus on it, concentrating on its energy and the person you wish to attract. Once it has burned out, gather the remains, the photo or paper, and the cinnamon, and bury them in nature.
If you want to attract that special someone, add rose petals to the sea at night. Also, tie a red ribbon around your left wrist that same night to attract your soulmate. Another way is to leave a red candle burning while watching the bonfire, making your wish to attract that love and asking the Universe to release that wish. Write their name on a piece of paper and burn it in the bonfire.
Remove bad energies and guarantee health
Water is purifying, and you can use seawater, river water, or water infused with medicinal plants. The water should be left to stand overnight to absorb the moon's energy and influence. The next day, it's important to wash your face with this water without looking in a mirror.
Ritual to attract money
This ritual is known in many parts of the world and consists of attracting money with the help of a magnet. You will need a bag, some coins, and bills. Place the money, a magnet, and a small bell inside the bag, then sew it closed by hand. Leave the bag inside a purse or bag at midnight on St. John's Eve (Midsummer's Eve). This ritual is believed to attract money.
