Summer Solstice – also called Litha – is the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere. The word "solstice" itself is derived from the Latin words "sol," meaning sun, and "sistere," meaning to stand still. This name reflects that the sun pauses in its journey across the sky during the solstice before changing direction. The summer solstice holds great cultural and spiritual significance. Ancient temples like Stonehenge and Chichen Itza were aligned to this celestial moment, honoring the Sun’s power and the mystery of the light.
This solar event is one of 8 Wiccan sabbats that mark the turning of the Wheel of the Year. It is heat and light and flame and dancing, burgeoning energy. Our neighbors to the south are seeing a stark difference: Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. While Yule honors the birth/return of the Sun, Litha begins the cycle towards less and less light each day.
Litha, the Midsummer celebration on the Pagan and Wiccan wheel, marks the sun’s zenith—a time when Earth is lush, bursting with life, and humming with magick. Nature stands fully awakened, the days long and golden, and the veil between spirit and soil grows deliciously thin. Fire crackles, flowers bloom like spells unfolding, and the air itself feels alive with mystery. It is a sacred time to honor the sun god or goddess, to revel in abundance, passion, and the wild enchantment that dances in every shadow and flame
Litha invites us to dance with the faeries, offer gratitude for the abundance around us, burn away the old, and set powerful intentions with fire and passion. Bonfires, herbs, and solar symbols guide our rituals. It is a time for love spells, creative bursts, and offerings to the Sun and Earth.
Embrace the vibrant energy of this celestial event and allow it to inspire you to live in harmony with nature and celebrate the abundance of life. Let this Solstice be your turning point.
Until next time, wishing you a beautiful and inspired Solstice! Shine Brightly!
With infinite love, ~Debbi
Celebrate the Herbal Way
Now is the perfect time to connect with green magick. Herbs are now at their peak as well, both magickally & therapeutically. So, gather them up, cut that St. John’s Wort (the steeped flowers produce a gorgeously ruby healing oil!) and let the light, love & plant world fill you up.
What are your plans for Litha? Dancing around the fire to conjure the magick of this midsummer night? Communing with the faeries? Or making a flower crown...cause who doesn't like wearing one of those!
