Feeling the warm summer rays on your face is truly soothing, don’t you agree? With the sun shining bright and daylight lasting until 9pm, the summer solstice, known as Litha, is just around the corner. Nature blesses us with fresh fruits and veggies, beautiful blooms, long days, fresh breezes, and warm summer rain.
But you may be wondering, what exactly is Litha, how is it celebrated, and what do you do on the summer solstice? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Read on to discover all of that and more.
Litha, taking place on the Summer Solstice between June 20 and 23 in the Northern Hemisphere, is a time of life and light as nature is in full bloom. It is a celebration of the Sun at its brightest and the beginning of summer, filled with abundance and promise of warm days ahead.
Traditionally, bonfires were lit on the eve of Litha to honor the powerful Sun, and herbs were thrown into the fire to bless the animals and encourage a bountiful harvest. Citizens would stay up all night, burning fires and welcoming the solstice sunrise in the morning.
Litha honors the Sun, the Green Man, the Lady, and mother nature at her fullest. This is also the time when fey folk emerge, so decorating your space with flowers and natural elements is a good idea. Just be cautious, as the fey can be mischievous creatures.
Symbols of Litha include gods and goddesses like Aine and Lugh, herbs like chamomile and lavender, incense like sage and frankincense, colors like yellow and green, crystals like amber and jade, and creatures like bees and dragons.
There are many ways to celebrate Litha, from performing a sunrise blessing or ritual to making crafts, setting up a Litha altar, playing music and dancing, setting out an offering for the fey folk, hosting a bonfire or BBQ, and fully embracing the outdoors.
Embrace the warmth and joy of summer, re-energize, and set new goals for the season ahead. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or on your own, let the summer solstice fill you with excitement and anticipation for the adventures to come.
So go ahead, start planning your Litha celebration and embrace the magic of the summer solstice!