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Litha: The Height of the Sun’s Power
Litha, also known as Midsummer or the Summer Solstice, falls on 20th–22nd of June and marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. The Sun is at its peak strength, filling the world with warmth, light and abundant energy. This is a time of joy, power and celebration, but also of transition, as from this point forward, the days will begin to shorten again.
Origins of Litha
Though Litha is the Old English word for mid-summer, it was not added to the Wheel of the Year until the 1970s. Not considered a major Celtic fire festival (like Beltane, Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh), Litha is still a fire festival in its own right, since it honours the life-giving power of the Sun. It is a time to celebrate abundance, protection and the balance between light and dark, as well as to express gratitude for the earth’s gifts before the gradual descent into the darker half of the year.
Midsummer celebrations predate even Celtic festivals and were honoured by many ancient cultures. Evidence of this can be seen in stone megaliths, such as Stonehenge and Newgrange, which are often aligned with the rising sun on the Solstice. Today, such megalithic structures have been adopted by many pagan revival traditions, including Wicca and modern Druidism, despite having no historical association.
Creating a Litha altar
A Litha altar should be bright, warm and full of solar energy. Consider including candles in gold, yellow or orange to honour the Sun. Fresh herbs like basil, mint or rosemary symbolise abundance and protection, while a sun symbol or wheel represent the power of the season. Crystals such as citrine can be included to bring joy while tiger’s eye signifies strength.
Flowers like sunflowers, marigolds and daisies are a nice touch for vitality and positivity. Oak leaves and acorns can also be added to honour the Oak King and his final reign.
Themes and Symbols of Litha
☀️ The Power of the Sun – Litha is a celebration of light, warmth and the life-giving force of the Sun.
🔥 Fire and Transformation – Bonfires, candles, and solar symbols represent strength, purification and renewal.
🌿 Fertility and Abundance – The earth is at its most fertile and lush and crops are beginning to ripen.
🧚 Veil Between Worlds – Litha is a mystical time when the veil between realms is thin, making it ideal for divination, connecting with spirits and honouring nature spirits.
🌕 The Battle of Light and Dark – In some myths, the Oak King (who rules from Yule to Litha) battles the Holly King (who rules from Litha to Yule), symbolising the shift towards the waning part of the year.
How to celebrate Litha
🔥 Light a Bonfire or Candle – Fire is a central part of Litha, symbolising the Sun’s power and protective energy.
🌞 Watch the Sunrise or Sunset – Honour the longest day by greeting the Sun at dawn or bidding it farewell at dusk, offering gratitude for its warmth and light.
🌿 Connect with Nature – Walk in the woods, visit sacred wells, swim in natural waters or simply bask in the beauty of the season.
🌻 Decorate with Solar Symbols – Use sunflowers, marigolds, golden candles and citrus fruits to bring solar energy into your home and altar.
💛 Celebrate Love and Abundance – Feast on fresh fruits, drink mead and dance outdoors to embrace the season’s joyous energy. Litha is also a traditional time for handfastings (pagan weddings).
🔮 Perform Divination – Tarot, runes, or scrying in water or fire can offer powerful insights, as the heightened energy of Litha makes it an ideal time for vision work.
Final Thoughts
Litha is a festival of power, joy and transformation. It reminds us to celebrate the light within and around us, to express gratitude for the Sun’s warmth and to prepare for the shifting energy ahead. Whether you light a candle, dance around a fire or simply soak up the sunshine, Litha is a time to honour life’s energy and embrace the magic of the longest day.
