The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of summer. The point the life-giving Sun is at its strongest over the powers of darkness.

Litha: the Summer Solstice--also known as Midsummer’s Day--falls at the time of the year when the Sun is at the highest point in the sky, resulting in the longest day and shortest night. Celebrations are generally held on the 21st of June, although the solstice covers a period of about four days either side.

Litha is a symbol of light, love and happiness, as well as warmth and the power of the sun. A time where those of us who practice magic speak of drawing down the power of the sun. It’s a time of power, fuel, passion, enthusiasm, and rejuvenation. It’s a time to set out in faith and imagine what is fully possible for yourself. Dream an expansive vision for your life which, as the darkness slowly returns, can be harvested come autumn to sustain you through the ever-shortening days.

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Celebrating Life

By the time of this Solstice, all seeds have been planted. In agricultural communities, the solstice is a time for people to get together and celebrate life. Traditional festivities have included lighting bonfires on hilltops, leaving flower and crystal offerings as a thank you to the sun.

Balancing Ourselves

Litha represents the balance between fire and water, both outside of and within you. Balance is what we seek, and at the two Solstice points of the year (summer and winter) we are offered access to a doorway in time. Litha symbolizes a grand portal of energy, space, and opportunity--a change to let go of fears, doubts, and insecurities.

We Bloom

Litha is known as a time of expansion and ripeness. Mother Earth has given us all that we need filling us with abundance. As our energy is boosted by the warmth of the sun, all of nature comes alive. Plants, herbs, and flowers are in full bloom, and we see the seeds we planted in the spring mature with each passing day. This is a time to meditate on what lies ahead in the year for you. Pull a tarot card, scry in your spheres andmirros, ask of your pendulum, and see what insight comes to you. Set your intentions on your summer altar, and in time, you will see your dreams come to life as the sun begins his journey south.

Use this powerful summer solstice energy to your advantage. Set a clear intention to bring more transcendence, expansion and transformation in your life. Continue to focus on whatever it is that you manifested during the last new moon.

Flowers should be everywhere! Especially in the darkest places. My all time favorite self-love ritual is buying myself flowers.

Elements to work with on Litha

Colors: yellow, orange, red, gold

Crystals: citrine, carnelian, tigers eye, sunstone, amber

Flowers & Herbs: daisy, marigold, sunflower, thyme, sage, St. John’s wart, elderflower

Goddesses: Aphrodite, Gaia, Aditi, Vesta

Gods: Apollo, Horus, Lugh, Aten

Spellwork: self-love rituals, faery magic, protection spells, personal growth, healing

Celebrations

Of course, do them all OUTSIDE! Spend time focusing on harvesting the peak of the sun’s energy and what it has manifested in your life. Begin preparing for the sun’s power to fade and how this will effect your choices and energy level.

Make flower wreaths

For your head or for your front door! Now is the time to pick all the wildflowers you can get your hands on. String them together and make a wreath or tie them together in a bundle and hang them upside down to dry out.

Have a bonfire

According to the old pagan tradition, the bonfire wards off evil spirits and negative energy. Gather your friends! Dance and celebrate the power of the sun. If you aren’t able to have a bonfire then light a candle to honor a solar deity and the element of fire.

Leave an offering for mother earth

Make an altar outside and fill it with flowers, honey cakes (or any cakes/bread you have) and leave this offering to the sun and mother earth, after all she is the reason we have this wonderful season.   

Create an energy bag

Collect herbs, crystals and other things that are associated with vibrancy and life. Stuff them into a small drawstring bag. Leave this bag out in the sun to collect energy for you to use in spells and rituals at a later date. The energy at Litha is the most powerful sun energy of the whole year, but this bag will not hold it indefinitely. It can be recharged with regular sunlight though.

 Summer Solstice Prayer:

Wishing you a very sunny solstice 🌞🌻

What Summer Solstice rituals or celebrations do you practice? Share them in the comments below 💭