Litha -Celebration of the Summer Solstice
By Jennifer Bones

The summer solstice has long been a time of celebrationand festivity for cultures dating back to ancient times and stretching throughthe present day. For those of us on the Northern Hemisphere, this day fallsapproximately on June 21st. During this time the Earth is tilted closest to theSun giving us greater exposure to the Sun's light and, subsequently, thelongest day of the year.

The themes of Summer Solstice are sex, love, creativity,energy, luck, health and wishes. "Solstice" comes from the Latin"sol" meaning sun, and "sistere," to cause to stand still.As the summer solstice draws near, the noonday sun rises higher and higher inthe sky each day. On the day of the solstice, it rises an imperceptible amount,compared to the day before, thus appearing to "stand still." In themagical sense, Summer Solstice brings us to the halfway point of the Wheel ofthe Year. The sun is in full reign, reaching a peak in the sky and sheddingbeams of truth. The brilliance of the sun allows us to see things clearly,banishing shadows and releasing the past.

This day has special meaning to all societies. For thosewho follow Faerie Magick, this is an especially meaningful event as it is saidthat all the faeries come out to celebrate this day with all the creatures ofthe forest. An elaborate feast is held with endless goblets of ale, festivemusic and dancing. If you're familiar with faerie lore, you won't be surprisedto learn that these Summer Solstice parties are clothing optional and lastuntil the wee hours of the following morning. Shakespeare centred hisfaerie-packed tale of love and trickery, A Midsummer's Night Dream, around thismystical day.

Of the modern religions, it is the Pagan & Wiccansocieties that celebrate this day with the most passion. This holiday is mostcommonly known as "Litha" (the ancient Germanic name for Summer) andit is believed to be the time when the Sun God is at his strongest. He is alsothe God of the Forrest and is often depicted as seated at on a green wood throne.During the time in which Christianity and Paganism was merging, images of theSun God wearing masks made of leaves were included in the architecturalfeatures of many early churches. This God has become more commonly known tomodern Wiccans as The Green Man.

Herbs are at their most potent state during this time.Now is the time to gather and dry your herbs for use during the rest of theyear. Be sure not to wait too long past Litha or the plants will begin to seedand lose potency. Gather roots as the Moon wanes and leaves& flowers as theMoon is waxing. Thank each plant as you harvest it, keeping in mind our debt toMother Earth and Her children.

The many sacred stone circles found around the globe(e.g. Stonehenge) were believed to have been built to celebrate this time. On apractical level any agricultural society would hold this time in very highregard. Not only does this longest day of the year offer a welcome break, italso marks the transition from cultivation to harvest. The significance of thisday was not only practical but also held a much deeper, spiritual meaning. Ifyou are lucky enough to live near a sacred stone circle plan a picnic and bringwhatever supplies needed for your individual spells and rituals.

 Alternatively, one can create their own stonecircle by selecting stones that you are able to feel a vibration from or areotherwise attracted to and placing them in a circle. Choose eight large stonesand place them equidistant at each spoke of the wheel. Fill in the spaces withsmaller stones. Cast your circle as you normally do prior to performing anyspellcraft.

This is the time of year to write down any wishes youhave and tossing them, along with a Litha inspired offering into a well,spring, or cauldron. For example, simply hold a small stone along with aspecial feather or sprig of herbs in your right hand and meditate on the wish(or reasons to be thankful). Once you have filled up the stone with yourmeditation, toss it with intention into the water. If a cauldron was used, emptythe contents into a stream or other body of running water when the spell iscomplete.

Litha has long been a time for unadulterated joy andpleasure. Lengthy and detailed scripted rituals seem to contradict the spiritof this season. Rather, we should celebrate with intention but with an openheart. Focus on how grateful one should be that the Sun continues His tirelessjourney each year providing so much to all of us. Pick a few themes (below) andsimply set out to have a great time. Rise early with the Sun and plan a bonfirefor later that night to further lengthen this day. In other words, party 'tillyou drop!

The following themes and recipes are utilized in Paganceremonies, rituals, and spells:

Herbs - basil, chamomile, daisy,elder, pine, St. John's wort, tyme, yarrow, frankincense, fennel, lavender, andlily

 Essential oils and incense -frankincense, lemon, lavender, sandalwood, lotus, jasmine, rose, wisteria, andmyrrh

 Colours - yellow, white, red,blue, green, tan

 Decoration - anythingreminiscent of the sun (yellows, reds, oranges), dried herbs, potpourri,fruits, summer flowers

Gemstones - any green stone (e.g.emerald)

Foods - mead, fresh fruits and veggies, lemonade, cookiesand cakes decorated to honour the Sun, and of course plenty of ale

 Spellwork - Litha is theperfect time for any magick but is especially good for Animal Protection andMarriage & Vow Renewal spells

Litha Incense - 2 parts Sandalwood, 1part Mugwort, 1 part Chamomile, 1 part Gardenia petals, several drops of Roseoil, several drops of Lavender oil, several drops of Yarrow oil

Orange Honey Butter - 2 Tablespoonsgrated orange zest, 3 Tablespoons confectioner's sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter,softened, 1 - 2 Tablespoons honey, Combine ingredients and chill until ready toeat. Yum!

 Easy Honey Mead - This recipecan be considered cheating but if you've ever tried to make honey mead at home,you'll appreciate this recipe's simplicity. First heat 1 part water with 1 partwildflower honey until the mixture is smooth and the honey's completelyincorporated. Sprinkle some rose petals into the mixture and let it cool.Strain the mixture (optional). Mix 2 parts honey water with 1 part grainalcohol and serve chilled over ice. (Alternatively, mix 1 part honey water with1 part vodka).

Jennifer Bones is a long timepractitioner of the Nature / Pagan religion. Her writings span from spiritualfiction to historic studies of women's issues. She is owner and manager of hercurrent website, [http://goddessgiftshop.com]

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