Litha is the Summer Solstice or the famous Midsummer! Litha is a powerful time in the pagan calendar when the sun reaches its peak in the sky and the days are at their longest. This ancient festival is an old one. Many cultures around the world for thousands of years celebrate it. Litha it remains an important time for modern witches to honor the cycles of nature and the changing seasons.
Origins of Litha
The Pagan Wheel of Time is based on the ancient agricultural and solar festivals of pre-Christian Europe. It consists of eight seasonal festivals: Yule (December 20 – 23), Imbolc (February 2), Ostara (March 19 – 22), Beltane (May 1), Lithia (June 19 – 23), Lughnasadh or Lammas (August 1), Mabon (September 21 – 24), and Samhain (November 1).
The origins of Litha lays back to the ancient Celtic and Germanic cultures. Back then it was a celebration of renewal, fertility, and the triumph of light over darkness. The festival was traditionally held on June 21st, the longest day of the year. So, it is full of bonfires, dancing, feasting, and rituals designed to honor the sun and the power of nature.
Litha Correspondes
- Sabbat: Litha, Summer Solstice
- Date: Typically June 21st
- Themes: Sun, growth, abundance, balance
- Colors: Gold, yellow, orange, green
- Symbols: Sun, bonfire, oak, wheel
- Element: Fire
- Direction: South
- Crystals: Citrine, amber, tiger’s eye, sunstone
- Herbs: St. John’s Wort, chamomile, lavender, yarrow, mugwort
- Flowers: Sunflower, marigold, rose, daisy
- Incense: Sandalwood, frankincense, lemon, myrrh
- Food & Drink: Fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, sun tea, mead
- Deities: Sun gods and goddesses such as Ra, Apollo, Amaterasu, and Sol
- Tarot: The Sun, The Emperor (representing Aries, a sign ruled by Mars, which is associated with the element of fire)
- Animals: Horse, lion, phoenix, butterfly
- Magical Intentions: Growth, love, abundance, protection, healing
How to Celebrate Litha?
There are many ways to celebrate Litha, depending on your personal beliefs and traditions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Build a Bonfire
One of the most traditional ways to celebrate Litha is to build a bonfire and dance around it. The fire represents the power of the sun and the warmth and energy it brings to the earth. You can invite friends and family to join you, or celebrate alone in quiet meditation.
Create a Litha Altar
Setting up an altar is a great way to honor the energy of the season and create a sacred space for your rituals. Use items like candles, flowers, crystals, and symbols of the sun to decorate your altar.
Make Sun Tea
Sun tea is a delicious and refreshing way to honor the energy of the sun. Simply place herbs or tea leaves in a jar of water and let it sit in the sun for a few hours. As the water heats up, it will infuse with the flavors of the herbs and tea leaves, creating a delicious and energizing drink.
Perform a Ritual
Litha is a powerful time for magic and manifestation. Consider performing a ritual to set intentions for the coming months, or to honor the sun and the earth. You can use herbs, crystals, candles, and other items to help you focus your energy and intentions.
Spend Time in Nature
Litha is a time to celebrate the beauty and abundance of the natural world. Spend time outside, whether that means taking a hike, going for a swim, or simply sitting in a park and enjoying the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Choose Your Colors For Litha
The colors of Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice or Midsummer, are typically associated with the warmth and brightness of the sun and the bounty of the earth. Some of the colors commonly associated with Litha include:
Gold represents the power and energy of the sun, which reaches its peak during the Summer Solstice. It is a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Yellow is another color associated with the sun, and it represents joy, optimism, and happiness. It is a great color to use in Litha decorations or clothing.
Red is the color of passion, energy, and vitality. It can also represent the fertile earth and the abundance of the harvest season, making it a fitting color for Litha celebrations.
Green is the color of nature and represents growth, renewal, and abundance. It is a great color to use in Litha decorations, especially if you’re celebrating outdoors. Orange is a warm, vibrant color that represents creativity, enthusiasm, and excitement. It is a perfect color for the harvest season too.
Litha Foods
There are many foods that are traditionally associated with this holiday. All kinds of beriies for examples. Summer is the peak season for many kinds of berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These sweet and juicy fruits are perfect for snacking on or adding to desserts.
Also, bees are buzzing around collecting nectar and producing honey during the summer months. Honey is a popular sweetener in many Litha recipes, and is also associated with prosperity and abundance.
Litha is a great time for outdoor gatherings and barbecues. Grilled meats, vegetables, and fruits can all be part of your Litha feast.
Tea brewed in the sun is a refreshing and easy way to stay hydrated during hot summer days. You can make sun tea with any kind of tea, but herbal blends like chamomile, mint, or lemon balm are particularly refreshing.
Fresh greens and vegetables are abundant during the summer, making it the perfect time to enjoy crisp and refreshing salads. You can add nuts, fruits, or cheese to make your salad more filling and flavorful.
Mead is a traditional fermented honey beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a popular Litha drink, and is said to promote love and fertility.
In conclusion, Litha is a time to celebrate the power of the sun and the abundance of the earth. Whether you choose to celebrate with a bonfire, a ritual, or simply by spending time in nature, this ancient festival offers a powerful reminder of the cycles of life and the changing seasons. So embrace the warmth and energy of the sun, and let it inspire you to live your best life in the months to come.
