Thursday, June 21 marks the turning of the wheel, Summer Solstice. Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, where the Earth’s tilt towards the Sun is at its maximum and highest position in the sky. In the Northern Hemisphere, the day of Summer Solstice is the longest day and shortest night. It is pretty obvious that Summer Solstice marks the end of Spring and the beginning of Summer. After this long, cold, rainy, Winter, it’s time!
Another name for Summer Solstice is the Midsummer Sabbat, celebrating Litha. This ushers in an exciting time of the year, from blooming gardens, to getting back to the outdoors and nature, you can “see the smiles returning to the faces.” With the return of the Sun, nature supports us with harvesting crops and warmth to support us.
Depending on your Spiritual beliefs or paths, there are many different ways to celebrate on this powerful day. When we celebrate Litha, the focus is on gratitude for the return of the Sun. Celebrations may be done in different ways. You may choose to get outdoors that day and be in the elements. You may want to create an altar. If you can, you may wish to create one outdoors or by a window where the sunlight comes in.
You may want to include the bright yellow and orange colors for your cloth since they too represent the Sun. Sunflowers are a great choice for your flowers. Put things that represent the Sun or Summertime. You may want to do a write and burn. Writing down all you wish to release and then burn it in the sacred fire. Midsummer night is great to have a fire ritual. This ritual is inspired by the Celts.
During this special celebration day, we want to remember the sacred males in our lives that have impacted our lives. You may even think of one in particular that you can dedicate the fire to. We honor them because the Sun is the male aspect. Invite friends over and gather to just have plain fun. After all, that’s what Summer is about!