Litha or Summer Solstice is celebrated on or around June 21st depending upon the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. The astrological date is Sun 0° Cancer. On the Wheel of the Year Litha, the longest day of the year, is directly across from Yule the shortest day of the year.  Litha has been celebrated as the triumph of light since ancient times with joyous rituals that celebrate the warmth of the Sun and Earth in high summer. It is a celebration of passion and of ensuring the success of the crops. The Goddess is heavy with pregnancy as is the earth. The Sun King is at the height of His power.High Summer’s revelry is tinged with a bit of sadness, for we realize that from this point onward the Sun will begin its slide into darkness.  In our Wiccan celebrations the Oak King, who represents the waxing year and rules from Yule to Litha is triumphed over by his brother, the Holly King who rules from Litha to Yule, representing the waning year. The defeated Oak King retires to the Underworld to rest and gain strength.
 

The power of the Sun at Solstice is protective, healing, empowering, revitalizing and inspiring.  It adds a powerful charge to all spells, crystals and herbs.  Divination is also a traditional pastime at Litha.  Practice Magick concerning abundance, fertility, the riches of Nature and communication with Nature Spirits.Midsummer is one of the most magickal times of the year and faerie folk are very active, playing pranks and trying to steal away young and beautiful humans to join them in the Hollow Hills. Litha is a crossover point (which faeries love) with the sun standing still before it begins to slip backwards towards Yule.

At Litha there is an abundance of flowers, the days are long and warm and the natural world is sensuously inviting.  Faeries love the roses that bloom at mid-summer and by adding rose petals to your bath you may ask the Fey to help you attract love.  Brew a rose bud tea and drink it to increase your psychic powers.

At Midsummer you are more likely to see Water Nymphs near streams and ponds or undines near the seashore.  Water Faeries are said to be the most numerous of all spirits because it may be easier for Faeries to manifest where the air is damp.  Where there is water, there also may be a window between the worlds, for water has many mysterious properties. What other Element can reflect images of the physical world?  Yet you may also look through water, into a different realm filled with beings that may not live within our world.

Don’t forget to leave offerings to the Faerie Folk on this special night.  Milk, wine and honey mead are enjoyed by Faeries.  You may also leave a small bowl of fresh water for them to wash their babies in.  If you grow fruit or vegetables leave some on the ground or on the tree or bush as an offering. Not only are you honouring the Fey by doing this you are also honouring Mother Gaia by returning some of Her gifts as a token of respect.

Litha bonfires possess great power and it is believed that jumping over one will bring prosperity and protection.  Courting couples join hands and jump over the embers to bring about a long and happy marriage, prosperity and many children.  Charred embers from the bonfire are very magickal and if placed around gardens and orchards will protect the crops and ensure an abundant harvest. Embers are also charms against injury and bad weather at harvest time.

Decking homes with birch, fennel, St. John’s Wort and white lilies brings blessings and protection.