How to Celebrate Litha: The Summer Solstice Celebration

The celebration predates Christianity and existed under different names and traditions around the world. Also called: Feast of Saint John the Baptist, Summer Solstice, St. John’s Feast Day, Jāņi, Enyovden, Līþa/ Lithe, Midsommar, Ivan Kupala Day, Juhannus, Mittumaari, Alban Hefin, Gŵyl Ganol yr Haf, Sankthans, Joninės, Jaanipäev, Keskikesä

When is the summer solstice? Litha (Summer Solstice): June 20

Pagan Beliefs on Litha

At the summer solstice, the Sun travels the longest path through the sky, and that day, therefore, has the most daylight.

General overview of how modern pagans can celebrate this time of year

• Believers create a sacred space outdoors, with leaders walking around an area and chanting while sprinkling the area with water and salt, which are believed to be spiritually cleansing. Representatives of earth, air, fire, and water are carried around the circle while participants imagine a sphere of light and invite spirits associated with the cardinal directions. A poem may also be read.
• Often during the Summer Solstice, observers build bonfires and perform a fire ritual to welcome in the summer while holding a wish for the summer in their minds.
• Observers may find a quiet spot and meditate about light and dark forces and their effect on the world, while others celebrate the holiday outside, particularly families with young children.
• Weddings or handfastings may also be typical.

Wiccan Beliefs on Litha

Wiccans see the sabbats as changing relationships between the God and Goddess, with the Goddess full with child during Litha and the God at His most virile. Litha is considered a day of joy at the light’s full return and one of inner power and brightness. Many also consider it an excellent time to practice love magic or get married.

The Wheel of the Year – The Goddess is now full and pregnant with a Child, and the Sun God is at the height of His virility.

Until now the God and Goddess have ruled supreme, they have imposed their will upon the kingdom without challenge, but now a somber figure makes his appearance. This is the beginning of the ancient pagan theme of the battle between the brothers; the light and dark kings now begin their conflict. The Dark King attempts to overpower the Queen; the child she bears represents the realm. They fight, light against dark, but at this time the sun is still at the height of his powers, and the King drives the challenger back. In his struggle, he overthrows the usurper, but is wounded, and his strength begins to decline. The light still rules supreme, but a shadow has fallen over the kingdom. The God and Goddess remain at the height of their power, yet a new force – darkness – is awakening in the world.

1) Create a ritual or ceremony:
One of the most common ways to celebrate Litha is to hold a ritual or ceremony that honors the energy of the day. This can be done alone or with a group, and can include elements such as lighting candles, casting a circle, offering prayers and blessings, and making offerings to the gods and goddesses associated with this time of year.

Quite simply, an easy way to connect with the day, is to read some pagan prayers, or make your own seasonal oil, and I will provide a few recipes for that below.

• Bonfire’s representing the Sun, were lit to rouse love, purification, health, and fertility.
• Some witches believe that this day is the best for working magick.
• Tradition has it that on this day the Little People could be seen more easily than at other times.
• It is believed that the veils between the worlds, (like at Samhain,) are thinnest and the spirits of the dead pass through freely.
• Tradition has it, that if you accidentally step on a St. Johns Wort flower on Midsummer night, you would be transported to the realm of the Fey.

2) Connect with nature:
The summer solstice is a time of heightened energy and vitality in the natural world. Take this opportunity to get outside and connect with the beauty and power of nature. Go for a hike, spend time in a garden or park, or simply sit outside and soak up the sun.

You may also choose to create an outdoor altar or sacred space to honor the spirits of the land and the elements. Consider the trees that are around you and include them in your Ritual. I must say that don’t worry about the traditional northern European trees having exceptional importance, because you need to get in touch with the trees that are connected to you and where you live.

• The oak tree is at the center of midsummer celebrations. The Celtic word for oak, duir, means doorway, and oak, as the King of the Forest, is seen as a doorway to both the mystical realms and the new, darker cycle of the year that is about to begin.
• Mistletoe, long believed to have healing and fertility powers, is thought to harness the soul of the tree and be at its strongest when it grows on oaks at midsummer.
• The beech tree, brightening the forest with its fresh lime green leaves, is seen as the Queen of the Forest and consort to the oak king. To the druids, it symbolized ancient wisdom and it was the sacred wood of the summer solstice. In folklore, it is believed that if you write a wish on a beech twig, then bury it, your wish will come true as the twig decays.
• Hazel trees are believed to have magical properties and to protect against evil spirits. They were a symbol of fertility in medieval times. Stirring jam with a hazel twig is thought to stop those mischievous fairies from stealing it!  

3) Prepare seasonal foods and drinks:
Litha is a time to celebrate the abundance of the summer season and the harvest to come. Incorporating traditional seasonal foods into your celebration is a great way to honor this energy. Some examples of seasonal foods include berries, cherries, melons, and other fresh fruits, as well as grilled meats and vegetables. You may also choose to prepare or enjoy seasonal drinks, such as lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water.

4) Perform a sun ritual:
The summer solstice is all about celebrating the power and warmth of the sun. Performing a ritual or ceremony that honors this energy can be a powerful way to connect with the magic of this season. You may choose to meditate or visualize the energy of the sun, or engage in a ritual that involves honoring the sun as a deity.

Many people stay up on Midsummer’s Eve to welcome the sun as it rises. Modern druids still famously gather at Stonehenge.

5) Host a gathering or party:

Finally, Litha is a time of celebration and community. Consider hosting a gathering or party to celebrate with friends and loved ones. This can include activities such as bonfires, dancing, singing, and other forms of merrymaking. You may also choose to incorporate other Litha traditions, such as creating flower crowns, performing divination rituals, or making herbal remedies and potions.

According to Ceisiwr Serith, in his book The Pagan Family, European traditions celebrated this time of year by setting large wheels on fire and then rolling them down a hill into a body of water.

The people of pagan Europe would light bonfires and dance all night on Midsummer’s Eve, accompanied by rituals led by druids. Customs included bonfire jumping, with the highest jump believed to predict the height of the year’s crop.

In ancient China, the summer solstice was an important festival when workers were given the day off to celebrate. Ceremonies honored the earth and the feminine force known as yin. Similarly, the ancient Romans’ celebrations focused on Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, home, and family.