Today is the longest day of the year. The God is at his peak strength. It is also the midpoint of the year. Light large bonfires after sundown. On this day you will be at the peak of magickal power! Remember that nothing lasts forever. Celebrate abundance, fertility, virility, beauty, and the bounty of our earth. Good time for handfasting, workings for empowerment and consummation.
Other Names: Summer Solstice, Midsummer
Celebration of: The Goddess is pregnant with the God
Related Holiday: Feast of John the Baptist
Colors: White and Pale Yellow
Symbols: Spear (God) and Cauldron (Goddess). Summer flowers, St. John’s Wort, birch, white lilies
As with the winter soltice, the summer solstice is a time of rest. But while Yule’s rest is one of hibernation, Litha’s is one of relaxation. Months have been spent on planning and planting, on fertilizing and weeding, on growing crops, whether literal or magickal. It’s time to soak in the sun. Perform Sun magick to fuel growth and abundance spells. Give offerings to, and work with, the genius loci of your area. Perhaps even investigate what would be involved in attracting a house spirit into your home, if you so desire. Make your bed with fresh sheets and blankets, tuck a dream pillow under your head, and drink a cup of mugwort tea to inspire prophetic dreams. Collect Sun water to wash the floors and walls to bring the Sun’s energy into vour home. Add some of the Sun water to the sink when washing dishes to imbue them with energies of health and growth. Picnic, play outdoor games, and build a bonfire to celebrate the freedom that comes from having finished a hard-worked task.
Rachel Henderson