Litha

Summer Solstice

June 21st

The Height of the Sun’s Power & the Abundance of Life

The Basics

Litha, also called Midsummer or the Summer Solstice, occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere (or December 21st in the Southern Hemisphere). It marks the longest day and shortest night of the year, when the Sun stands at the peak of its power.

This Sabbat celebrates vitality, growth, and abundance. The Earth is alive with greenery, flowers, and fruit; animals and people alike are full of energy. Yet it is also a turning point — from here, the days begin to shorten, reminding us of the eternal balance between light and dark. Litha is both celebration and reverence: a feast of life and a reminder of the cycle of change.

History & Origins

Ancient Europe

The Celts and Germanic tribes celebrated Midsummer with great bonfires, leaping through flames for blessings of health and protection.

Solar Worship

Many cultures honored the Sun with rituals at sacred sites like Stonehenge, which aligns with the solstice sunrise.

Herbal Lore

Herbs gathered at Midsummer — particularly St. John’s Wort, mugwort, and vervain — were believed to hold peak magical potency.

Folklore

Midsummer Eve was thought to be a liminal night when fairies and spirits were especially active, inspiring charms of protection and love magic.

Themes & Symbolism

Vitality, Growth, and Abundance

Illumination, Enlightenment, and Clarity

Protection, Strength, and Magic

Balance of Light & Dark at the Turning Point

Symbols

The Sun, solar wheels, and fire

Bonfires, candles, and lanterns

Oak leaves and the Oak King (mythic ruler of the light half of the year)

Sunflowers, roses, and midsummer herbs

Dragons, faeries, and protective charms

Sacred waters and midsummer dew

Colors

Gold – the Sun’s power, prosperity

Yellow – vitality, energy, abundance

Green – growth, fertility, nature’s peak

Blue – sky, water, clarity

Red – passion, strength, fire

Foods

Fresh fruits (berries, melons, citrus)

Garden vegetables (tomatoes, squash, peppers)

Honey, mead, and herbal teas

Breads, cakes, and pies with seasonal fruits

Sun-charged drinks (sun tea, lemonade)

Herbs used fresh or dried (St. John’s Wort, mugwort, thyme, rosemary)

Celebration Practices

Fire & Sun Rituals

Light bonfires, candles, or lanterns to honor the Sun’s peak power.

Dance, sing, or drum around the fire to raise energy and joy.

At sunrise, greet the Sun with prayers, chants, or meditation.

Herbal Magic

Gather herbs for drying and spellwork — especially protective and healing varieties.

Craft herb bundles or charms for health, love, and prosperity.

Make sun tea by steeping herbs or flowers in water left under the Sun’s rays.

Oak & Holly Kings

In Pagan lore, the Oak King rules the light half of the year, while the Holly King reigns over the dark. At Litha, their eternal battle begins again, symbolizing the turning from waxing light to waning light.

Honor this myth through storytelling, ritual drama, or meditations on balance.

Water & Healing

Swim in natural waters or collect dew at dawn, believed to be magical at midsummer.

Use this water for blessings, healing rituals, or anointing your altar.

Feasting & Celebration

Prepare a feast of seasonal fruits, breads, honey cakes, and fresh vegetables.

Share food outdoors with friends or family, giving thanks for the Earth’s abundance.

Modern Ideas for Celebrating Litha

Decorate your altar with sunflowers, oak leaves, crystals like citrine or carnelian, and gold candles.

Make a solar wheel charm (a circle or wreath with ribbons) to symbolize the turning year.

Charge crystals, water, or magical tools under the noonday Sun.

Spend time in nature, grounding barefoot in grass or soil.

Write down your personal strengths and blessings, celebrating what has come to fruition.

Closing Thought

Litha is the radiant festival of light and life at its zenith. It calls us to celebrate abundance, honor the Sun’s brilliance, and gather strength for the months ahead. By marking Litha, we embrace both joy and wisdom — dancing in the fullness of light while remembering that every peak is followed by transformation.