We celebrate the Sun in his fullest glory during the longest day of the year at Litha. With many staying up through the short night, lighting bonfires from sunset to sunrise, the Sabbat is the Wheel’s most powerful celebration of the Sun. It’s the perfect time to forage for herbs and wildflowers and is a powerful season for love magic.
What is Litha?
Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice, is a threshold moment when the Sun is at the height of his power. Across cultures and centuries, this celestial event has been celebrated with bonfires, dancing, and feasting, joyous rites to honour the light and all it brings. The energy of the Earth is abundant now, fields bloom, bees hum, and life is in riotous splendour.
How is the Summer Solstice Traditionally Celebrated?
In pre-Christian Europe, communities lit great fires on hilltops to mirror the strength of the Sun, leaping through the flames to bless the coming harvest and court good fortune. Herbs gathered at Midsummer were believed to be at their most potent, steeped in solar magic. St. John’s Wort, vervain, and mugwort were prized allies at this time of year for healing and enchantment.
Ways to Honour Litha
You don’t need a roaring bonfire or a stone circle to connect with the spirit of Litha. Here are a few ways to weave Midsummer magic into your own practice.
- Rise with the Sun and greet the day with gratitude.
- Craft a solar charm using herbs, ribbons, and golden stones.
- Light a candle or fire, and meditate on what has grown in your life this year.
- Harvest herbs (ethically and with permission, of course), and dry them for future spellwork.
- Make an offering to the land, even water, song, or a handful of flowers can be a heartfelt gift.
Books for the Summer Solstice
Whether you’re deepening your Wheel of the Year practice or just beginning to explore seasonal magic, we offer a carefully curated selection of books to guide and inspire. From herbal lore to solstice rituals, discover more about Litha in our new editions of ancient and honoured grimoires.
A Grimoire of Ancient Charms, Lore, and Ceremonies
Love Spells celebrates the ancient art of love magic in a collection of authentic traditions used throughout the ages to invoke love, practice divination, and heal broken hearts.
Traditional Recipes, Herbal Wisdom, & Ancient Lore
Enter a realm of ancient herbal wisdom with The Herb Grower’s Grimoire, and discover the transformative power of the Earth’s most enchanting plants.
May your Litha be radiant, lit with warmth and wonder.
