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Litha

Your Friendly Familiar

Summer Solstice Holiday of Sunshine & Spirit

The Summer Solstice has arrived and marks the longest day of the year with the sun seemingly sitting still in the sky!  The word “solstice” comes from the Latin word solstitium, which translates as the “sun stands still.”  In 2022, it falls on June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and December 21 in the Southern Hemisphere.  In 2023, it will fall on June 21 on the Northern Hemisphere and on December 22 in the Southern Hemisphere. Litha (pronounced LEE-tha or LIE-tha) is a holiday that recognizes and celebrates this time of year and is also known as Midsummer Night’s Eve, Midsummer, or just Summer Solstice.  Many Wiccans, Pagans, Witches, and those of all (or no) belief systems celebrate this time of the year in various ways!  So let’s have some fun in exploring these different ways to celebrate this time of year with the most amount of sunlight!

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    What is Litha?

    Litha marks the time of year when the Sun is present for the longest amount of time in the year.  As the bright Sun remains high in the sky, this holiday marks the pinnacle power of the Solar God, or the Oak King.  If you remember my post on Beltane, that holiday was all about the equality of femininity and masculinity, engagement, and passion.  Well, Litha is more somber, or milder in comparison and celebrates the God and the pregnant Goddess’s marriage, which was promised back in Beltane.  This holiday is also associated with the Goddess Epona, who is the protector of hoof stock, including horses, mules, and donkeys.  Litha is all about things that the Sun gives us with the first day of Summer, such as growing crops and themes such as life and abundance.  You can find a lot of imagery of various plants and animals that recognize the themes and messages surrounding Litha.  As a result, many Pagans celebrate by having festivals and lighting bonfires (a common theme for Spring and Summer holidays) to bring luck and protection for the upcoming harvest.  Also, many throw garlands of herbs onto the bonfire flames in honor of the Sun God and Queen Mab.  Many modern-day people also hold a feast to recognize the Summer Solstice and the long days with warmer weather.  

    On a more Magical note, Litha is one of the few times of year where the veil between this world and the Magical World will be thin.  Many Magic practitioners conduct spells to lay out protection from Magical spirits or creatures, especially Fairies.  With the longest day of the year will come the shortest night of the year.  Thus, it’s a great night to hold a vigil by watching and waiting for the Sun to rise.  If you “hold steady” or show patience and the spirit of the season, you can gain control over Magic and hold more power within you.  However, there is a risk if you try because Fairies are known to whisk you away or cause madness.  Thus, having a few protection crystals, stones, or spells on hand may be helpful if you’re determined to possibly gain these new strengths.  Litha only lasts a couple days, at the most.  After the Summer Solstice, the God’s strength will start to fade and then the Holly King will gain full strength of power at the Autumn Equinox (the holiday of Mabon).  

    Welcoming Summer Throughout Time

    The Summer Solstice was celebrated throughout time and within many, many, many cultures and peoples.  Ancient Pagans took note of other Midsummer holidays, too.  Panathenaia was an Ancient Greek Midsummer holiday that celebrated Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War.  In Ancient Rome, Vestalia was a holiday around June 9th that honored Vesta, the Goddess of Hearth Fire, Home, and Family.  The Ancient Romans also held feasts to honor Juno, the Goddess who was the Protector and Special Counselor of the State.  In Guatemala, there was an ancient Mayan city where archaeologists discovered an astronomical observatory.  During the Summer Solstice, the buildings would be aligned with the Sun and the people would gather as their King would command and talk to the Heavens.  So the recognition and celebration of this special time of year still carries on today in some shape or form.

    Symbolism

    There are a ton of symbols that represent the Summer Solstice holiday of Litha.  Since this is one of the few times of year where the veil between our world and the magic world becomes thin, it is a time of gems, herbs, crystals, flowers, etc., that provide magical properties.  For example, herbs, such as St. John’s Worst during this time will have its power enhanced and will help bring you luck.  Crystals and Stones associated with this holiday will bring extra magical power, such as having Moonstone for inner peace, protection, and harmony.  Below is a chart that provides an overview of the holiday’s symbolism:

    How to Celebrate

    Do you do anything special for the Summer Solstice?  If so, how do you celebrate?  Many cultures around the world do different things for this time of year when daylight is at its longest.  What are your thoughts on Litha or celebrating this longest day of the year?  Please let me know in the comments for I would love to read them!  Thank you, my friends, for reading this post and I wish you all a Blessed Litha!

    “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”

    – Robin Williams (as John Keating in Dead Poets Society)

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