Litha, the Summer Solstice
Litha, or Midsummer, is one of the four solar festivals observed by many Wiccan and Pagan traditions. Learn about ancient solar celebrations, and ways you can enjoy Midsummer with rituals, feasts, and crafts.
All About Litha
Litha, or Midsummer, is a celebration of the summer solstice. Here's where you'll find links to all kinds of information for this summer sabbat -- crafts, rituals, history and more!
Litha, or Midsummer, is a celebration of the summer solstice. Here's where you'll find links to all kinds of information for this summer sabbat -- crafts, rituals, history and more!
Litha History
Summer solstice celebrations have been held throughout history. While some cultures dedicated this time of year to the Divine, others saw it as a chance to welcome the balance between the light of the sun and the darkness which would eventually arrive. Celebrate Litha, or Midsummer, with fire and water and find the balance in your own life.
Summer solstice celebrations have been held throughout history. While some cultures dedicated this time of year to the Divine, others saw it as a chance to welcome the balance between the light of the sun and the darkness which would eventually arrive. Celebrate Litha, or Midsummer, with fire and water and find the balance in your own life.
Deities of Litha
Meet some of the solar deities from around the globe who are connected to the sun-focused themes of Midsummer.
Meet some of the solar deities from around the globe who are connected to the sun-focused themes of Midsummer.
Setting Up Your Litha Altar - What to Include for the Summer Solstice
Litha is the time of the summer solstice, and is a celebration of the sun. Use solar symbols and other seasonal goodies to decorate your altar for Midsummer!
Litha is the time of the summer solstice, and is a celebration of the sun. Use solar symbols and other seasonal goodies to decorate your altar for Midsummer!
Hold a Midsummer Night's Fire Ritual
Although this particular Midsummer ritual isn't ancient, it is inspired by the traditions and legends of the Celts of the British Isles. Take advantage of the long hours of daylight to celebrate Litha, or Alban Heruin, and honor the solstice outdoors under the skies. If you're interested in Celtic lore, or wish to honor the Triple Goddess, this might be the perfect ritual for you.
Although this particular Midsummer ritual isn't ancient, it is inspired by the traditions and legends of the Celts of the British Isles. Take advantage of the long hours of daylight to celebrate Litha, or Alban Heruin, and honor the solstice outdoors under the skies. If you're interested in Celtic lore, or wish to honor the Triple Goddess, this might be the perfect ritual for you.
Celebrate Fathers
With the summer solstice being a time to honor the fertility of the God, and coming on the heels of Father's Day, why not take a little time to do a dad-friendly ritual? Honor the fathers, stepfathers, brothers, grandpas, sons, and all the other men in your life at Litha with this simple ceremony.
With the summer solstice being a time to honor the fertility of the God, and coming on the heels of Father's Day, why not take a little time to do a dad-friendly ritual? Honor the fathers, stepfathers, brothers, grandpas, sons, and all the other men in your life at Litha with this simple ceremony.
Nature Meditation on Amergin
This rite is one designed to be performed alone, although with a little planning it could be done in a coven setting as well. Using the lyrics of the ancient Irish poem, The Song of Amergin, this meditative ritual is perfect for getting in touch with the natural world around you. What better time to do that than on a warm midsummer afternoon?
This rite is one designed to be performed alone, although with a little planning it could be done in a coven setting as well. Using the lyrics of the ancient Irish poem, The Song of Amergin, this meditative ritual is perfect for getting in touch with the natural world around you. What better time to do that than on a warm midsummer afternoon?
Juno and Vesta - Roman Goddesses for the Summer Solstice
The ancient Romans honored their goddesses Juno and Vesta. Juno was the goddess of marriage and handfastings, and had the month of June named in her honor. Vesta was the keeper of the hearth, and of sacred virginity. Both can be celebrated in June at the summer solstice.
The ancient Romans honored their goddesses Juno and Vesta. Juno was the goddess of marriage and handfastings, and had the month of June named in her honor. Vesta was the keeper of the hearth, and of sacred virginity. Both can be celebrated in June at the summer solstice.
Aerra Litha - The Saxon Pagans and Midsummer
The Germanic tribes celebrated Midsummer as well, and thanks to an eighth-century author, we know a bit about what they did and why.
The Germanic tribes celebrated Midsummer as well, and thanks to an eighth-century author, we know a bit about what they did and why.