Lorri@Mabon_House 5/21/24 Lorri@Mabon_House 5/21/24

Litha Traditions & Rituals

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Litha is a celebration of the longest day of the year and the peak of summer in the Wheel of the Year. Litha is celebrated around June 21st, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, giving us the longest day and shortest night of the year. This day is also known as the Summer Solstice and midsummer’s night. It is a time to celebrate light, growth, and the and our connection to nature.

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.

Symbols of Litha

Some common symbols of Litha include:

Sunflowers: These bright flowers symbolize the sun and its energy.
Oak trees: Oaks are strong and powerful, just like the sun at its peak.
Bonfires: Lighting bonfires is a traditional way to honor the sun and its warmth.

General themes for Litha include:

Light: Celebrating the longest day of the year and the light that nourishes us.
Growth: Recognizing the peak of summer and the abundance it brings.
Power: Honoring the strength and energy of the sun.

Traditional Litha Activities

Litha is a time to celebrate the sun at its peak, and many traditional activities reflect this focus on light and energy. Here are some popular ways to celebrate Litha:

Lighting Bonfires: One of the oldest traditions is lighting bonfires. These fires symbolize the sun's power and offer protection. People often gather around bonfires to dance, sing, and celebrate together.
Gathering Herbs: Many believe that herbs picked on Litha are especially powerful. Common herbs include St. John's Wort, yarrow, and mugwort. These herbs can be used for healing, protection, and magic.
Decorating with Flowers: Flowers are abundant in the summer, and decorating with them is a beautiful way to celebrate Litha. You can make flower crowns, wreaths, or garlands to wear or decorate your home.

Rituals to Honor the Sun

Rituals are a meaningful way to connect with the energy of Litha. Here are some simple rituals you can try:

Create a Sun Wheel: A sun wheel is a circular arrangement of flowers, herbs, and other natural items that symbolize the sun. You can place it on your altar or hang it in your home to honor the sun's energy.
Sunrise Meditation: Wake up early on the day of the Summer Solstice to watch the sunrise. As you watch, meditate on the sun's energy and how it brings light and warmth to your life.
Make a Litha Candle: Decorate a candle with symbols of the sun, such as sunflowers, gold glitter, or orange ribbons. Light this candle during your Litha celebrations to honor the sun's power.

Community and Connection

Litha is a time for community and connection. Many people celebrate with family and friends. Here are some ways to gather and celebrate together:

Host a Solstice Feast: Prepare a meal with seasonal foods and invite friends and family to join you. You can enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are abundant at this time of year.
Study Litha Oracle Cards: Oracle cards are a type of divination tool used for guidance, insight, and reflection. They are similar to tarot cards but differ in structure and purpose. They are often seen as more beginner-friendly because they do not require extensive study of tarot card meanings and traditional spreads.

Attend a Festival: Many communities hold festivals to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Look for local events where you can join in the festivities, dance, and enjoy music.
Plan a Nature Outing: Spend time in nature with your loved ones. You can go for a hike, have a picnic, or spend the day at the beach. Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to connect with the energy of Litha.

Litha is a time to celebrate the peak of summer and the power of the sun. By participating in traditional activities and rituals, you can deepen your connection to this special time of year. Whether you light a bonfire, gather herbs, or meditate at sunrise, these practices help you honor the energy of Litha. Stay tuned for our next post, where we will explore Litha crafts and recipes to bring the solstice spirit into your home.

Does Manifesting Really Work?

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I was cleaning out my home office not too long ago and came across a Life Binder I started back in 2012. In it were notes and lists written in my Law of Attraction heyday. I had snippets from magazines glued to copy paper, representing my Be, Do, Have desires. There were images of white farmhouses and rose gardens, yellow kitchens and smart business casual outfits. There was the ubiquitous Check from the Universe, made out to myself (obviously), for an amount representing the salary I wanted that year. I had a lists of desires written in the present tense. I am so happy and grateful that…. There were gratitude lists galore.

I found different versions of my Be Do Have lists from 2012, 2014 and 2017 - each one with new items and wants.

Reading through these lists was fun. I checked off many of the items. I bought a house, got my masters degree, raised my kids, increased my income, started a successful blog. Did I manifest these? Maybe. But I also took a LOT of action to bring these desires into reality. But…..I definitely think that for some events in my life, there was some divine intervention. How I bought my house is a prime example. After my divorce I had to go back to renting and I thought I would never own a house again. But somehow I was approved for a mortgage, found a home in my price range that was big enough for my family and close to schools and my work. Everything seemed to fall magically into place at just the right time. Side note - this was 2013, when the housing market was still stable. Did I manifest this house? Maybe. Maybe not. But I’ve always felt like someone was looking out for me, to find what literally felt like the perfect place to call home.

Some of the items on my Be Do Have lists I no longer wanted. In fact, I’m really happy I didn’t get them. This includes jobs, relationships, a questionable chevron inspired rug for my living room. Did I not get these things because I wasn’t high vibe enough? Or because the Universe knew better? Or was it just bad luck/ good luck?

I’ve been off any kind of LOA/Manifesting for a few years now. I don’t know if it was because of the pandemic or I just got tired of trying to be positive so much of the time. A major flaw with LOA for me, is that it kept me in my head too much. I was always policing my thoughts and was constantly trying to find silver linings, when sometimes, it was just a pile of sh!t.

During COVID-19, out of curiosity, I did deep dives into the history of some of the most popular LOA figures - Abraham Hicks, Neville Goddard, Rhonda Byrnes, the hippy guy from The Secret. What I found wasn’t great. There are lots of articles and information about some shady past dealings with each of them. Is it all true? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way it was enough to put me off any thoughts of LOA until recently.

In her book, The Age of Magical Thinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, author and podcast host Amanda Montell delves into the ideas behind concepts like manifesting, debunking the idea that thoughts become things and that we can control anything by just focusing on it. On a logical level I understood what Montell was saying. We are programmed with cognitive biases and to imbue meaning into even the most mundane parts of our life. Coincidences become signs from a higher power. Bad luck is attributed to bad karma in a past life. Seeing certain numbesr is a message from angels. Listening to this book (I bought it on Audible) thoroughly debunk any kind of magickal thinking left me feeling a little sad. I mean, there has to be some magic in life, right?

Yes, humans are designed to make meaning out of pretty much anything, but I refuse to believe that there is NO higher power guiding us in some way. Perhaps it is a God or Goddess, or maybe our ancestors. I like to think that nature is my guide, because being outside brings me peace and clarity. Is this because I am allowing myself to slow down and be present enough to feel to my feelings? Or is it the essence of Gaia guiding me with soft winds and passing clouds? Maybe it’s a little bit of both.

I’ve picked up my Be Do Have lists again. This time feeling a little more grounded and wise about what I really want in life. My list in 2024 includes peace, joy, health and stability. And maybe a new rug for my living room.

Lorri@Mabon_House 4/2/24 Lorri@Mabon_House 4/2/24

10 Tips for Magickal Spring Cleaning

This post may include affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Mabon House only features products that I believe in and use myself or that I believe my readers would enjoy. Thank you!

As winter fades and the days get longer, many of us start to feel the urge to clean up, clear out, and reset. Spring is a season of growth and fresh starts, which makes it a great time to take a more intentional approach to your cleaning routine.

Around the Spring Equinox and celebration of Ostara, we see a natural balance between light and dark. It’s a good reminder to check in with what feels off-balance in our own lives or homes. And as we move toward Beltane in early May, the energy of the season shifts toward creativity, movement, and action.

Magickal spring cleaning doesn’t need to be complicated. Open the windows. Sweep the floors with intention. Burn a little incense or use your favorite room spray to shift the mood. Clear out things you don’t need—physically and energetically—and make space for what’s next.

Set your intentions: Before you start cleaning, set your intentions for the space. This can be anything from clearing out stagnant energy to inviting in abundance and positivity.
Make your own cleaner: Combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance. Shake well before using and use to clean surfaces throughout your home.
Walk through each room you intend to clean: Before you start cleaning, walk through each space and think about how you want to feel in the space, as well as how you want it to look.
Use salt water: Add some sea salt to water and use it to cleanse surfaces, windows, and floors. Salt water has a purifying effect and can help neutralize negative energy.
Incorporate crystals: Place crystals around your space to amplify the energy of your intentions. Clear quartz, amethyst, and rose quartz are all great choices.
Use sound: Use a singing bowl, bells, or a chime to clear stagnant energy and bring in positive vibrations.
Bless your cleaning tools: Before you begin cleaning, take a moment to bless your cleaning tools. This can be done by holding them in your hands and visualizing them being filled with positive energy and intentions.
Bring in fresh air: Open windows to let fresh air flow through your space. This can help clear out stagnant energy and bring in new, positive energy.
Declutter: Get rid of items that no longer serve you or bring you joy. Clearing physical clutter can also help clear mental clutter and create space for new opportunities.
Express gratitude: Finally, express gratitude for your space and the positive energy you have created. This can be as simple as saying a prayer or lighting a candle to honor your efforts.

Magickal spring cleaning is a powerful way to harness the energy of the season and create a fresh start for yourself and your home. By incorporating these tips into your cleaning routine, you can purify your space, infuse it with positive energy, and set the stage for growth and new beginnings. Whether you celebrate Ostara or simply want to take advantage of the season's natural energy, these magickal spring cleaning tips can help you create a clean, vibrant, and harmonious home.