Summer Solstice, also known as Litha or Midsummer, is the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere. One of the most iconic locations associated with the Summer Solstice is Stonehenge, the ancient stone druid circle in England. At sunrise on this day, the light passes through a stone corridor to illuminate an altar stone, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Our neighbors to the south are experiencing Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. While Yule honors the birth/return of the Sun, After Litha, we enter the waning season where the days begin to grow shorter, and we start to say goodbye to the light half of the year. It is one of 8 Wiccan sabbats that mark the Wheel of the Year, ever turning.
Litha is most celebrated as a sun/fire festival. Fire is a powerful element: even the action of lighting a single candle is a powerful act. There is a lot of power and energy in the Summer Solstice. Use it intentionally to burn away what no longer serves you (gosh, haven’t we done that already?!?), or to light and nurture what change you want in your life. Remember, always balance a release with an intention for positive change.
The sun is at its peak now, symbolizing the perfect balance between light and dark, both in the external world and within us. The term Solstice itself means Sun Stands Still, capturing the essence of this moment when the sun appears to pause in the sky. The magick of Summer Solstice is taking the time to tune into your dreams and sow those soul seeds. A time to celebrate nature's bounty and abundance, as we surround ourselves with the colors and fragrance of blossoming roses, wildflowers, lavender, honeysuckle, and jasmine. So, as you bask in the warmth of the sun and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrances of the season, take a moment to ponder the weeds you wish to remove from your life and the blossoms you are eager to see flourish.
Ways You Can Honor Litha
- We are always talking about Moon Magick…but in honor of Summer why not try some Summer Magick? Simply using the sun’s energies & heat to activate energy & clean crystals also. Sun Magick is great for work that includes growth, enlightenment, and power.
- Pull tarot or oracle cards – some believe this is the most powerful day of the year for magickal work
- Herbs are at their peak now, both magically & therapeutically. So, gather them up, cut that St. John’s Wort, mint, lavender, and sage and let the light, love & plant world fill you on this magical day
- Call on Goddesses of love such as Aphrodite, Yemaya or Oshun and perform a love ritual
- Time to light the fire! If you cannot safely have a fire outside that night, have some candles ready with tall jars so they do not blow out. A few floating candles would be best, tea lights work great for that.
- Leave an offering for the faeries- Litha is said to be one of the two times of year when the “Veil Between Worlds” is the thinnest (the other being Samhain.) Honey is a favorite treat!
- Decorate your altar or sacred space with summer flowers
- Keep a jar outside overnight to collect midsummer dew or rain and keep it in your witch’s cabinet.
So, whether you are welcoming Summer in the North or Winter in the South, remember, we are One Planet, One Human Family, One Living & Breathing Being.
So, until next time wishing you a beautiful and inspired Solstice! Shine Brightly!
With infinite love, ~Debbi
