Litha is a Pagan celebration of the solstice, marking both the longest day of the year and the first day of summer. In Florida that means storms, serious heat, and a green world with a lot going on.
On June 14, Sacred Oak CUUPS is offering a micro-retreat: a low-key day of workshops built around plants, folk medicine, and living seasonally in the place we actually live. Sessions cover houseplants as spiritual practice, permaculture rooted in Florida’s actual seasons, fire cider making, plant magic for protection and cleansing, and herbal tea tasting.
No experience needed with plants, with magic, or with us.
The day runs in two blocks with the UUFG worship service and a coffee social in between. Each block offers two or three workshops at the same time. Pick the one that calls to you, then choose again for the afternoon.
Morning Block — Living Ecology
10:00–11:00 AM (Choose one)
Houseplants as a Spiritual Practice
Led by Heather; Plant Enthusiast
When we think of plants in pagan practice, we usually think of herbalism, kitchen witchery, or specific herbs for spell work. But what about the plants we actually share our space with? Come talk about the simple joy of the humble pothos or spider plant — and how the everyday houseplant connects us to our practice in ways we tend to overlook.
Sacred Cycles: Living the Wheel Through Permaculture
Led by Sarah; Local Permaculturist
Stop following a calendar meant for another climate and start listening to the land you’re on. A grounded look at mapping the eight sabbats across the practical framework of permaculture — rooted in the rhythms of North Central Florida (Zone 8b) — for anyone who wants a vocabulary for responding to our local seasons with intention.
Midday — Service & Social
11:00 AM–12:00 PM — UU Worship Service celebrating Summer Solstice
12:00–12:30 PM — Coffee Social
Afternoon Block — Hands-On & Sensory
12:30–1:30 PM (Choose one)
Fire Cider: Folk Medicine, Folk Magic
Led by Katelin; [Culinary Queen]
Vinegar is one of the oldest magical substances we have — what happens when something sweet is allowed to sour and become something with teeth. Fire cider is that transformation in a jar, and it has quietly kept people alive through hard winters for a very long time.
In this hands-on hour, we’ll build our own jars together. We’ll cover the folk lineage (from Four Thieves Vinegar to your kitchen counter), each ingredient as both herbal ally and magical actor, and how to charge and set intention with your jar. You’ll also leave knowing how to dose it, use it daily, and bring it into your magical practice.
All ingredients and materials will be provided but please bring an apron, knife, and a cutting board. Your jar will be ready to strain in four to six weeks — you’ll go home with a working medicine and the knowledge to keep making it for the rest of your life.
Metaphysical Properties and Uses of Plants
Led by Elena; Folk Herbalist
Join Elena for a 60- minute conversation about the metaphysical properties uses of plants for protection, cleansing, and manifestation. We will discuss symbolism, cultural awareness and context, methods of application (smoking blends, mojo bags, baths, etc), and recommended reading.
White votive candles will be provided along with herbs and oils to dress a candle for your own purposes.
Tea-se Your Tastebuds
Led by Deborah; Tea Enthusiast
Come taste a variety of herbal teas — some to pep you up, some to calm you down. Try them hot and cold, share what you notice, and see if you find a new favorite.