Litha

As the sun reaches its zenith and the world around us blooms with vibrant energy, Wiccans and many other pagan traditions celebrate Litha, also known as the summer solstice. This ancient festival holds deep spiritual significance, honoring the longest day of the year and the power of the sun. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of Litha and delve into how to properly observe this sacred sabbat.

The Origins of Litha:

Litha finds its roots in the ancient pre-Christian traditions of Europe. The word “Litha” is believed to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon word “Aerra Litha,” meaning “before midsummer.” This festival marks the peak of the sun’s influence, when daylight is at its longest and nature is in full bloom.

The celebration of Litha has ties to various ancient cultures, including the Celtic festival of Beltane and the Norse holiday of Midsummer. These traditions recognized the sun’s vital role in sustaining life and paid homage to its power and fertility.

The Celtics held bonfires on high hilltops to celebrate the distance between the earth and the Sun, since it is at its highest point. They would gather around these fires and sing and dance. The Celts also used this time to recognize the Goddess Aine, the goddess of love, summer, sovereignty, and fertility.

The Romans would use this day to honor Juno, the wife of Jupiter. She was known as the goddess of women, childbirth, and fertility. Vesta was also worshiped during this time, being as she was the goddess of hearth, home, and family. Because of course, what could be more abundant and bright than large families back then?

The Early Europeans took a more symbolic approach to their rituals. They set alight large wheels and rolled them downhill. At the bottom of the hill, the wheel would roll into a body of water. There is much speculation as to the purposes behind this tradition, but the winning theory of course is that the wheel is representative of the Sun. The wheel turns down the hill and is extinguished at the end, just as Litha is marking the now dark half of the year.

The Egyptians, to our speculations and that of theologists, positioned the pyramids so that on the Solstice the sun could set exactly between them.

A similar event happens with another mysterious structure, Stonehenge. At Stonehenge, the light falls directly onto the center stone on the solstice. The Mayans also had similar structures underground that only had light filtered through in a certain way on the solstice.

In some Neo-pagan paths, the Oak King and the Holly King are the rulers of the Earth each in their own half of the year. From Yule to Litha, it is said that the Oak King rules. On Litha, the two battled for the crown and it is then that the Holly King triumphs. The Holly King will rule through fall until the winter solstice (Yule) and the cycle will begin again.

In the Wiccan practice, it’s a bit deeper. The Oak King (The God) and The Goddess are at the height of their power, and the Goddess is heavily pregnant. She is filled with the life of her coming son just as the earth is sown with seeds that will soon come to harvest.

On Litha, the authority of the Oak King is challenged as the Sun begins to wane. This is when the Holly King will begin his rule.

Aside from the God and Goddess at this time, those who work with the fae have folklore too.

It is said that on Litha night the fae come out to play tricks on humans. Litha to them means a battle of dark and light and some of them seem to feel a bit more mischievous as a result. Folklore says that they’ve even dragged a human or two into their world on Litha night. So if you work with the fae, be sure to work safely and protect yourself.

Observing Litha in Wicca:

Create an Altar: To honor Litha, create a beautiful altar adorned with symbols of the sun, such as yellow and gold candles, sunflowers, and citrus fruits. You can also include items representing fire, such as red or orange gemstones and small bonfires.

Ritual Cleansing: Begin your Litha celebration by purifying your sacred space. You can use smoke from herbs like lavender or frankincense to cleanse the area, or sprinkle saltwater around the perimeter while focusing on releasing any negative energies. Other useful herbs to employ are vervain, chamomile, lily, oak, fern, thyme, daisy, and honeysuckle.

Welcome the Sun: As the sun reaches its peak, take a moment to welcome its energy. Stand outside and feel the warmth on your face, or visualize the sun’s rays flowing into your body, filling you with vitality and strength. Express gratitude for the sun’s life-giving energy and its role in the cycle of nature.

Light the Bonfire: Lighting a bonfire is a central aspect of Litha celebrations. If you have access to a safe outdoor space, kindle a bonfire or a small fire pit. Sit around the fire with loved ones, sharing stories, singing songs, and meditating on the transformative power of fire.

Celebrate Nature’s Bounty: Litha is a time of abundance and fertility. Take a walk in nature and revel in the vibrant colors and scents of summer. Collect flowers, herbs, or leaves to create a beautiful Litha wreath or bouquet. (I personally love to decorate my altar with flowers during this time of year!) Express gratitude for the gifts of the earth and its bountiful blessings.

Perform Solitary or Group Rituals: Litha is an excellent time for Wiccans and witches to perform rituals focused on personal growth, manifestation, and transformation. Craft spells or rituals that harness the energy of the sun and set intentions for the coming months. Engage in activities that align with the themes of the summer solstice, such as creating sun-inspired art, practicing yoga or meditation, or engaging in outdoor festivities.

Litha, the summer solstice celebration in Wicca, is a joyous and sacred time to honor the sun’s energy and the abundant gifts of nature. By observing Litha with reverence and intention, Wiccans and others connect with the cycles of the Earth, celebrate the warmth and vitality of the sun, and embrace the transformative power of fire. Whether through solitary rituals or joining in community gatherings, Litha offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on personal growth, express gratitude for nature’s bounty, and set intentions for the months ahead.