Litha

Litha Past and Present

Litha, also known as Midsummer or the Summer Solstice, is a pagan festival celebrating the longest day of the year and the peak of the sun’s power. It is a time of joy, abundance, and gratitude for the gifts of nature and life.

Litha has been celebrated in various ways throughout history and across cultures. Some of the common traditions include:

– Lighting bonfires to honor the sun and ward off evil spirits. People would dance around the fire, jump over it, or throw herbs into it for protection and luck.
– Gathering flowers, herbs, and fruits that are in season and making wreaths, garlands, or bouquets to decorate homes and altars. Some of the plants associated with Litha are roses, lavender, chamomile, St. John’s wort, and elderflower.
– Performing rituals of blessing, healing, and divination. Litha is a good time to cleanse and charge crystals, tools, and talismans with the sun’s energy. It is also a time to seek guidance from the spirits or the gods through tarot cards, runes, or other methods.
– Feasting and sharing food and drink with family and friends. Litha is a celebration of abundance and generosity, so it is customary to prepare a feast with seasonal produce and share it with others. Some of the foods and drinks that are popular for Litha are honey, bread, cheese, berries, wine, mead, and ale.

Litha can still be celebrated today in similar or adapted ways. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Litha in the modern world:

– Create a sun altar or shrine in your home or garden. You can use candles, flowers, crystals, statues, or symbols that represent the sun and its attributes. You can also offer gifts or prayers to the sun god or goddess of your choice.
– Watch the sunrise or sunset on Litha. You can meditate, chant, sing, or perform a ritual to honor the sun and its cycle. You can also take pictures or make art inspired by the colors and shapes of the sky.
– Make a solar water infusion. You can fill a glass jar with water and add herbs, flowers, fruits, or crystals that resonate with the sun’s energy. You can then leave the jar in a sunny spot for a few hours or overnight to infuse the water with the sun’s power. You can drink the water, use it for cleansing or blessing, or spray it around your space.
– Have a picnic or barbecue with your loved ones. You can enjoy the outdoors and the warmth of the sun while eating delicious food and having fun. You can also play games, tell stories, or make music together.
– Do something creative or expressive. Litha is a time to celebrate your inner light and creativity. You can write a poem, paint a picture, make a craft, or do anything else that sparks your joy and imagination.

Litha is a wonderful festival that reminds us of the beauty and bounty of nature and life. It is a time to appreciate what we have, share what we can, and connect with ourselves and others. Happy Litha!