Litha: Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Litha is one of the eight Sabbats within the Wheel of the Year, celebrated by many pagans, witches and followers of the Wiccan tradition. Litha, also known as Midsummer or the summer solstice, is a celebration based on ancient traditions that mark the longest day of the year.

This joyous time, observed around 21st June in the Northern Hemisphere, has been celebrated for centuries by various cultures to honour the sun at its peak strength. Litha is a time of abundance, vitality and light and a time to enjoy the warmth and fertility of the season. From dancing around bonfires to feasting on summer harvests, the festivities of Litha reflect a great respect for nature’s bounty and the sun’s life-giving energy.

Traditionally, Litha celebrations involve lighting bonfires, which are symbolic of the sun’s strength and are believed to offer protection and promote prosperity. Sharing meals with loved ones, and enjoying seasonal foods like fresh fruits and vegetables are also common practices. Many people also create and wear flower crowns, representing the beauty and bounty of nature.

For witches, Litha is a time for rituals that honour the sun’s energy, such as making sun wheels, crafting protective amulets and performing divinations. It is a time to reflect on personal growth, set intentions and celebrate the vibrant energy and fertility of the natural world. This period is also associated with the Oak King who represents strength and the peak of masculine energy, as well as the fertility goddess, who symbolises the earth’s abundance during the summer months.

Litha Abundance Spell

Many witches believe that the heightened solar energy during Litha can amplify intentions related to abundance. Rituals and spells performed during this time often focus on harnessing the sun’s energy to manifest desires, set goals and attract positive outcomes.

What you need

A green candle (for prosperity and abundance)
A small dish or bowl of water
A small dish of salt
A piece of paper and a pen
A fire-safe dish or cauldron or a place to bury the paper such as a pot of earth

What to do

Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. If possible, do this spell outdoors in daylight. Alternatively, you can set up the spell near a window.
Set up your materials on a table or altar. Place the green candle in the centre.
If you follow a circle-casting tradition, begin by casting your circle and calling upon the elements and deities that resonate with abundance and prosperity.
Place the dish of water and the dish of salt near the candle.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt into the water, symbolising purification and grounding of your intentions for abundance.
Take the paper and write down your intentions for abundance and prosperity. Be specific about what you wish to attract into your life. For example, financial stability, career success, good relationships or opportunities for growth.
Fold the paper and place it under the green candle.
Light the green candle, and, as you do so, visualise its flame attracting abundance and prosperity towards you.
Repeat a chant or affirmation aloud, such as: “By the light of Litha’s sun, abundance flows to me. Prosperity and wealth, I summon thee.”
Meditate on the flame of the candle and visualise yourself surrounded by abundance in all aspects of your life.
When you feel ready, burn the paper with your intentions in the fire-safe dish or cauldron. As it burns, envision your intentions being sent out to the universe. Alternatively, if you are unable to use fire, you can bury the paper.
Thank the elements, deities, or spirits you invoked (if applicable) for their presence and assistance.
Allow the candle to burn down completely if possible, or extinguish it with gratitude, knowing your manifestation has been set into motion.

Litha Sun Water Ritual

Creating sun water is a beautiful ritual that taps into the energy of the sun which is especially strong during Litha, the summer solstice. This ritual lets you charge water with the life-giving power of the sun, making it a versatile tool for spiritual practices. Whether you use it for cleansing, anointing, or as an offering, sun water embodies vitality and abundance, perfect for enhancing your magical activities.

What you need

A clear glass jar or bottle with a lid
Fresh, clean water (spring or distilled is ideal)
Sun-safe crystals (optional, such as clear quartz or citrine)
Herbs or flowers associated with the sun (such as chamomile, marigold, or sunflowers)
A small piece of paper and a pen

What to do

Choose a sunny day around Litha (21st June) for this ritual.
Cleanse your jar or bottle by rinsing it with clean water and letting it dry in the sun.
Find a quiet outdoor space where the sun shines brightly.
Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself and focus your mind on the purpose of the ritual.
Place your jar or bottle on the ground or a stable surface where it will receive direct sunlight.
Fill the jar with clean water.
If using crystals, add them to the water. Ensure the crystals are safe to put in water.
Add herbs or flowers to the water. These can float on top or be fully submerged.
On the small piece of paper, write down your intentions for the sun water. This could be anything from personal growth, protection, healing, or manifesting positive energy. (Optional)
Fold the paper and place it under the jar.
Stand or sit comfortably near your jar of water.
Close your eyes and visualise the sun’s energy filling the water with its life-giving power.
You can say a simple chant or affirmation, such as: “I charge this water with the power of the sun. May it bring light, warmth and energy wherever I use it.”
Leave the jar in the sunlight for several hours, preferably from morning until late afternoon.
Allow the sun’s energy to infuse the water with its strength and vitality.
At the end of the day, carefully remove the jar from the sunlight.
Strain the water to remove any herbs, flowers, or crystals. You can dry the herbs and flowers for later use or return them to nature.
Seal the jar with its lid.

Some uses for sun water

Here are a few examples of how sun water can be incorporated into various spiritual and magical practices.

Use sun water to cleanse and purify yourself, your sacred space, or objects.
Use sun water to anoint candles, crystals, or tools during rituals and spells.
Add sun water to your bath for a refreshing and energising experience.
Use sun water to water your plants to promote growth and vitality.
Some practitioners use sun water for its energetic properties by drinking small amounts.
Use sun water as an offering in rituals or ceremonies to honour deities or spirits.
Use sun water to charge crystals, jewellery, or other magical items with solar energy.
Use sun water to cleanse and recharge crystals that are safe to put in water.

In closing, I hope you’ve found this exploration of Litha and its rituals insightful and inspiring. Whether you’re new to celebrating Midsummer or a seasoned practitioner, embracing the traditions of this ancient festival can deepen your connection to nature’s cycles and the sun’s energy. Did you enjoy this post? Did you find the rituals and spells useful for your own practice? If so, consider sharing this article with others who might also appreciate its wisdom. Together, let’s continue to honour and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Litha.