Ancient Celebrations for Today
LITHA
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A lesser known Pagan holiday, Litha occurs during the Summer Solstice between June 19 -22. More commonly referred to as Midsummer’s Night, Litha is believed to be a time when faerie folk pass into the human world at Twilight and offer blessings. Litha is a time to celebrate the abundance and beauty of Mother Earth. Flowers are in bloom and gardens are producing fresh vegetables and fruits. Gather family and friends to celebrate the longest day of the year and coming harvest season.
History of Litha
Midsummer Night is the longest day of the year and has been celebrated in some fashion since ancient times. In Pagan tradition, Litha marked the end of the Oak King’s reign and the rise of the Holly King, who oversees the world as the days gradually get shorter as the world descends into the cold dark of winter.
Like Beltane, fire is an element of Litha. Bonfires were lit to assist the sun as it journeyed across the sky, changing course and shortening the days. It was believed that the faerie realm was the most accessible during Midsummer Night.
Litha was also a celebration of the Celctic goddess Danu (Anu) who represents earth and fruitfulness. According to Irish mythology Danu was the Universal Mother of Tuatha De Danaan - a tribe of ancient people in Ireland believed to have invaded Ireland and ruled until being defeated in war on midsummer’s day, after which they retreated to the hills and eventually became the Faerie folk.
As Christianity swept across Europe in the early middle ages, Litha / Midsummer Night was adopted by the Catholic church as St. John’s Day, celebrating John the Baptist.
Setting Intentions at Litha
Litha is a good time to align yourself with the powerful energies of the sun and summertime. Everything is growing and expanding and now is the time to expand your ideas, business, goals or desires. And like all Wheel of the Year Sabbats, Litha is an opportunity to show gratitude for all that you have and thank Mother Earth for her bounty.
Litha is also a time to acknowledge your successes thus far in the Wheel of the Year.
Symbols of Litha
Colors: Blue, green, yellow, pink, purple (look to nature for the colors of Litha, as seen in the sky, woods and flowers)
Foods: Honey, elderberry, strawberry, fennel, thyme, fresh greens, mead, light wines
Stones: Peridot, diamond, emeralds, lapis lazuli
Symbols: Bonfire, sunwheels, flowers
Flowers & Plants:Oak, mistletoe,, elderflower, lavender, pine, fern, pine, rose
Deities: Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Ishtar, Helios, Llew, Holly King, Lugh, Sol, Ra, Zeus, Thor
Ways to Celebrate Litha
Make floral wreaths for your front door
Host a bonfire and potluck for family and friends
Gather and dry herbs to use throughout the coming year
Take time to meditate and give thanks for the blessings you have in your life
Create an ‘invisibilty’ amulet from seeds of ferns gathered on midsummer eve
Build a Faerie House in the woods, to invite their goodwill into your life
Recommended Reading
The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year: From Samhain to Yule, Your Guide to the Wiccan Holidays by Judy Ann Nock
The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens, and Spells by Skye Alexander
The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book: Your Complete Guide to Crafting and Casting Spells by Skye Alexander
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