Litha, also known as Midsummer, is a time to celebrate the Summer Solstice. This is the time of year when the sun is at its peak strength. The day time is at its longest and the night is the shortest. The Earth is green and fully fertile. Litha is on June 24th but the Summer Solstice takes place on Sunday, June 20th, 2021. While it is a time of celebrating the climax of the sun and the fulfillment of our achievements, it also marks the battle of light and dark. For after the Summer Solstice, the sun will start waning and the nights will begin getting longer.
Litha is not only a time for celebrating the sun, it is also a time to find balance between fire and water. Early Europeans used to celebrate the Summer Solstice by lighting large wheels on fire and rolling them into a body of water. It is thought that this practice helped protect against summer time drought. Traditionally, lighting bonfires to celebrate the Midsummer was practiced all across the Northern Hemisphere. Oak is the wood traditionally burned at Litha to honor the Oak King. The Oak King rules over the waxing half of the year and represents strength, courage, and endurance. Litha marks the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King. The Holly King rules over Yule and the waning half of the year. After the Summer Solstice, the Holly King will start to regain power.
In Ancient Rome, the Summer Solstice was celebrated with a festival to honor Juno. Juno is the wife of Jupiter and the Goddess of Marriage, Fertility, and Childbirth. She was known to protect women and help bring children into the world safely. The month of June is named after the Goddess, Juno. It is no coincidence that June became the most popular time for weddings. June is the month of marriage, love, and family. June 21st also marks the sun entering the Tropic of Cancer. Cancer is considered the "mother" of the zodiac. Representing comfort, self care, and maternal energies. Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the moon.
Other traditions for celebrating Litha are gathering herbs. Most herbs are fully grown by Midsummer and it is believed harvesting them on this day will add to their power. The same goes for fruits and vegetables, so today is a great time for incorporating them into your diet. It is also a good idea to decorate your altar with summer flowers or create flower crowns. Honey is another great offering to use. Honey represents the sun, love, sweetness of life, and is highly nutritious. Getting outside and enjoying nature is a great way to honor the season. Wake up and enjoy the sunrise! Try to soak up as much of the suns healing energy as you can. In addition to spending time outdoors, it is the perfect time for family get togethers. Celebrating family, togetherness, love and light. Litha is also the best time for rituals involving healing, love, fertility, and passion.
I wish you all a prosperous Summer Solstice filled with bountiful Blessings!