When the day is at its longest and the full glory of the earth is manifested in the bounty of summer, every rock, tree, bird, and insect seems to radiate vitality. We take a cue from the natural world and use this time to align with the powerful energies that surround us. Let the warmth of the sun, the beauty of nature, and the magic of the season guide you to new heights.
What are the themes of the Summer Solstice?
As the longest day and shortest night of the year, the Sun reigns strong at its peak. It's a moment of radiance, energy and vitality. The Earth is blooming with life and the air hums with warmth and magic. For witches and spiritual seekers, the solstice is a powerful time to celebrate abundance, power, protection, and the sacred fire within.
When is the Summer Solstice?
In 2025, the summer solstice will occur on June 20th. The summer solstice occurs at the moment the earth's tilt towards the sun is at maximum. The summer solstice can occur between June 20th-22nd depending on the year. This is because the Earth's orbit around the Sun is slightly longer than the 365 days in our calendar, leading to a shift in the solstice date over time.
Where does the term Litha come from?
Litha, pronounced "LEE-thuh" is believed to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon word for "midsummer" and is still used by modern pagans and witches today. It is what those who celebrate the wheel of the year call the summer solstice. Like all wheel of the year celebrations, Litha serves as a reminder of our connection with nature and the cycles of life.
Sun Magic on the Solstice
On this day, the Sun reaches its highest point, delivering the most direct energy to Earth all year. This peak of the sun's power is often interpreted as the triumph of light over darkness. As the brightest star in our sky, the Sun is essential for sustaining life on our planet. Viewed this way, it's easy to see why themes of vitality, energy, creativity, and life itself are central to this celebration. Use the Sun's rays to bring full power and achievement into the areas of your life you wish to strengthen. Here are a few ways you can do just that:
Sunrise or Sunset Solar Blessing: Wake up with the Sun by watching the sunrise and reflect on where you're at this year. The solstice is a time between planting in the spring and harvesting in the fall, reflect on the journey between. You may even share a blessing about the day such as, "With the Sun's light, I awaken. With its strength, I rise. With its warmth, I grow."
Charged by the Sun: Utilize the Sun's powerful energy on this day by charging items under the Sunlight. This can include anything from your crystals, to your journal, grimoire, creative tools, water, oils candles, altar cloths, and tarot cards. While the Moon charges objects with intuitive, inner wisdom, the Sun charges by activating vitality and energy.
Solstice Oranges: Slice a few oranges, pat them dry with a paper towel, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Place them under the solstice sun until completely dried while also flipping them every couple hours. This allows them to absorb the sun's powerful rays, imbuing them with its energy. String them together to create beautiful summer window decorations that can also be brought out for the winter solstice.
Sun Tea: In a large, clear glass jar with a lid, place 4-6 herbal tea bags. (Bonus points if they include any of the herbs listed below!) Fill the jar with 1 quart of fresh, cold water. Add some sliced citrus if you have it. Seal the jar and place it in direct sunlight for 2-4 hours. You can leave it longer if you wish, but this minimum time is needed for the tea to steep properly. Once brewed, strain if needed and refrigerate. Serve chilled over ice with a drizzle of honey or a sprig of mint. Drink this tea whenever you need a boost of sun-filled energy during the warm summer days ahead.
Litha Oil by Luna Lifted
Correspondences
This list is a compilation of correspondences often linked to the summer solstice. While many of these are widely recognized as summer solstice items, some are based on the writer's personal perspective. It is important to remember to prioritize what resonates with you and your own practice.
Flowers & Herbs
- Sunflower: vibrant summer flower often associated with the sun and power of light
- St. John's Wort: an herb often associated with the summer solstice and is believed to have protective and healing properties
- Calendula: flower with vibrant yellow and orange petals known to boost confidence and positive energy
- Chamomile: a flowering herb that grows daisy-like flowers. Known for its calming and soothing properties that can allow one to become more receptive during rituals
-
Peony: a vibrant colored flower with an enticing floral scent that is usually in bloom around June in North America
- Yarrow: a flowering herb that has a long history of use in herbalism, traditional medicine, and witchcraft lore
-
Lemon Balm: a herb with a refreshing and uplifting scent believed to attract love and positive energy
-
Lavender: a herb that is usually in full bloom around this time of year, often used to promote relaxation and spiritual connection
Crystals
-
Sunstone: this crystal is directly linked to the sun's energy and is believed to boost confidence, self-worth, and creativity
-
Citrine: known as the "merchant's stone" or "success stone," citrine is associated with abundance, prosperity, and manifestation
- Carnelian: this stone's vibrant color and connection to the sun's energy make it a good choice for boosting creativity, courage, and abundance
- Tiger's Eye: used for empowerment and aligning with one's higher self
- Amber: provides protection against negative energy
- Orange Calcite: a stone that can help release past traumas that may be holding you back, giving you space to welcome joy and optimism back into your life
Deities
- Gaia: the Goddess who represents the Earth, Mother Nature, and the planet's life-sustaining power. The summer solstice with its long days and abundant sunlight is seen as a time when Gaia is at her most vibrant and fertile.
-
Brigid: the Goddess born from fire. She is a caretaker of wild animals, and protector of mothers and newborn children. She is often described as a redhead wearing a cloak of sunbeams, sometimes shown as a triple goddess.
- Apollo: the god of sun and light, making him a natural fit for the solstice when the sun reaches its peak
- Helios: Greek God of the Sun associated with light and the power to see everything
- Lakshmi: Hindu Goddess of abundance, beauty, and delight, she is associated with the earthly pleasures of summer and the harvest season
- Vesta: Roman Goddess of the hearth and home, is honored during a festival that culminates around the summer solstice
-
Aine: Celtic Goddess of Midsummer and Queen of the Faeries. She is associated with summer, love, protection, fertility, and sovereignty.
- Amaterasu: Japanese Sun Goddess and a central figure in the Shinto religion. She is known for her compassion, warmth, and kindness.
-
Sekhmet: lion-headed Egyptian Goddess, rules over solar fire, war, and healing. She is fierce and protective, and she embodies transformation through strength and divine justice.
Symbols & Altar Items
- The Sun
- Tarot Cards: The Sun (XIX), The Emperor (IV), The Empress (III), The Lovers (VI), The Wheel of Fortune (X), The Ace of Wands, The Nine of Cups, The Four of Wands.
-
Oranges
- Candles to represent fire
-
Flower Crowns
-
Sun spirals or mandalas
Rituals
These rituals offer an invitation to align with the abundant energy of the solstice, however these can be done throughout the summer whenever you feel called to.
- Host a bonfire
- Make a Litha loaf: a bread loaf that incorporates ingredients that align with the season
-
Bless your sunglasses or sunhat as protective talismans
- Make flower offerings to the sun: gather flowers that are in bloom in your area and create an offering mandala outside. Arrange them in a sun pattern and leave them on earth with a prayer of gratitude.
-
Create a summer altar: decorate with symbols of summer and add items that represent abundance and growth.
May this solstice nourish your courage, creativity, and inner fire.
-Kendra
About the Writer
Kendra is the creator of Luna Lifted, an eclectic witch with a passion for sharing her craft and knowledge of magick with the world. When she's not designing and creating new things for Luna Lifted, you can find her reading a fantasy novel, gardening, gaming, or indulging in a long bath. Kendra resides in Minnesota with her three cats: Tunechi, Rumi, and Marceline.
