On June 21st, many pagans and witches around the world will celebrate Litha, otherwise known as Midsummer. This holiday falls on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and the beginning of summer. It is a celebration of the sun.
Many ancient cultures celebrated the summer solstice in some way throughout time. Many believed bonfires would boost the sun’s energy, guarantee a good harvest, and help banish demons and evil spirits. Celts would hold hilltop bonfires and dance while some people attempted to jump over or through the bonfire for good luck. Europeans celebrated by setting large wheels on fire, then rolling them downhill into a large body of water. Stonehenge is oriented to highlight the rising of the sun during the summer solstice. The great pyramids of Egypt align with the sun on this day too. According to folklore, on Midsummer, the faerie folk pass into the human world at twilight and offer blessings.
For modern day witches and pagans, Litha represents inner power, brightness, and the power of the sun. It is seen as a spiritual celebration and a great time to practice love magick or get married. Celebrations, rites, and rituals can be done by either solo practitioners or as a group. No matter how experienced a practitioner is, Litha can be celebrated by anyone, as it is important to show gratitude for the abundance in one’s life and beauty of Mother Earth. Here are some ideas for how to celebrate:
- Make a Litha altar. Put this outside if possible, or by a window with lots of sunlight. Check out these altar ideas.
- Host a bonfire for a Midsummer Sun Ritual.
- Get back into nature – hike in the woods, pick up litter along the way, meditate in a quiet spot, and try wildcrafting.
- Spend the day outside with friends and family.
- Make a floral wreath for your front door.
- Garden.
- Watch the sunrise and the sunset.
- Make a suncatcher.
- Do something for others, such as donating food or clothes, or picking up litter.
- Charge your crystals.
- Go to the beach.
- Get your body moving. Attend a drum circle, or just dance.
- Perform Litha prayers.
- Build a fairy house or fairy garden. Check out our Fairy Magick spray, oil blend, incense, or shea butter.
- Watch Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This play was first performed in 1596 and is about four lovers who find themselves bewitched by fairies.
What to Eat for Litha?
What foods are traditionally served on Litha? Be sure to have seasonally appropriate fresh fruits like strawberries, and vegetables. Go for savory, fiery flavors. The fresher the produce, the better. Fresh honey is popular too. And try some tea made from Lemon Balm you can find at Salem’s Moon.
Check out some delicious recipe ideas:
- Summer Solstice Recipes
- Vegan Wildflower Honee
- Clover Honee
- Sun Bread
- Wild Black Raspberry Jam
- Easy Honeysuckle Wine (21+ only)
We hope you enjoy this magickal holiday no matter how you choose to celebrate!
Learn more
Litha History - Celebrating the Summer Solstice
The Legend of the Holly King and the Oak King
10 Deities of Litha: Summer Solstice Gods and Goddesses
-Lisa Sullivan
Salem's Moon welcomes many perspectives. The views expressed here are those of the author and not necessarily those of Salem's Moon.