What is the Summer Solstice?
When the sun is at its highest point, we celebrate the Summer Solstice, also known as Midsummer or Litha. Often celebrated as a solar festival, a fire festival, or both, this sabbat centers on themes of joy, love, fertility, abundance, prosperity, good fortune, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Traditional Litha celebrations involve drinking, dancing, sharing a feast that incorporates summer fruits and honey cakes, and building a bonfire to celebrate the light and stave off the darkness or supernatural entities during this liminal time. Many also leave small offerings of milk, honey, flowers, or little trinkets for the fae.
Summer Solstice is also a powerful time for ritual work. It's a good time to cleanse and protect your home, as well as encouraging growth and abundance in all aspects of your life!
Ways to Celebrate the Solstice:
- Make a simmer pot with summer fruits and flowers to cleanse your home and invite in joy and abundance.
- Build a bonfire or light a candle to celebrate the fire festival and keep the darkness at bay.
- Take a walk and connect with nature. Enjoy the warmth of the sun, pick some flowers for your rituals, and take a moment to sit in gratitude.
- Have a picnic or grill outside and share a Solstice feast with loved ones, and incorporate bright fruits and vegetables or edible flowers into the meal.
- Take a ritual bath during the day and, if possible, open a window and enjoy the sunlight.
Herbs for Summer Solstice:
While there are more traditional herbs and florals used in Summer Solstice rituals like Calendula or Chamomile, you should feel free to use what you have around you in nature or what matches your ritual intention.
- Calendula
- Rose
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- St. John's Wort
- Rosemary
- Mugwort
- Sage
- Orange Peel
- Lemon Balm
Crystals for Summer Solstice:
Litha is a time to metaphorically "light a fire" in your heart, so finding crystals like Carnelian or Garnet that match and amplify that fiery energy can enhance your Solstice rituals.
- Carnelian
- Citrine
- Garnet
- Sunstone
- Tiger's Eye
- Red Jasper
- Amber