SABBATH SERIES: LITHA/MIDSUMMER
Here in the Northern Hemisphere we are about to head into Litha/Midsummer, also known as The Summer Solstice.
Now, if you’re a seasoned witch, or a seasonal witch, you will know exactly what this is and when it takes place. You’ll most likely already have planned out your meals and activities, gathered herbs, flowers and crystals, collected animal relics, and scents to honor the Solstice that is almost upon us.
If you’re a closeted witch, a baby witch, or a witch newly acquainted with the pagan wheel of the year, then you’ve come to the right article!
Grounding Yourself Through the Wheel of the Year
If you’ve read my article over on Call of the Quean about how I became a witch, you’re familiar with the fact that it took me some time to become solidified in my seasonal crafting as a practitioner. There is no shame in where you are on your journey or how long it takes to arrive at a place that feels true to you.
There are so many avenues, interests, types of magick and lore that can pull us in many directions all at once! One thing I found to be most simplifying, whenever I caught myself getting carried away or overwhelmed by the craft, was stopping, taking a deep breath, and looking out my window.
Was the sun shining, or dimmed by a nearby cloud?
Was the ground covered in soft green patches, or crispy red and golden leaves?
Were the flowers blooming, or wilting in honor of the winter wind?
Seasonal witchcraft is the simplest form of magick, yet it demands the most respect. It’s simple in that all it takes is observance for it to be alive within you, and therefore within your practice. This is why I highly recommend starting your practice with seasonal witchcraft-ing!
Infusing Each Sabbath with Your Personal Touch
As we move forward in this series of articles about the Sabbaths you will learn how to observe each season, and therefore implement your own findings to each new change within nature, to honor it as well as yourself. So grab your Grimoire, and favorite quilled pen, make yourself a potion (tea), and let's dive in!
There are many myths, traditions, and celebrations that occur during the Summer Solstice, and I am going to share with you, not only my own practices, but other myths, traditions and lore in this article as well . I will share additional resources where you can pick up other witches' practices too.
Embracing the Sun and Water Gods at Their Peak
Litha/Midsummer is marked by the stars, when the sun transits Cancer (around June 21st; always consult your almanac of the current year for exact dates) It is when the sunlight has reached its peak of outlasting the moonlight.
Simply put, it is the longest day of the year with the sun's duration lasting roughly fifteen hours! That’s a lot of vitamin D.
The Oak King/Green Man
As the name suggests, The Oak King, known to some as the Green Man, is a tall man dressed in green to symbolize nature at its peak, adorned with a crown of oak leaves, acorns, held together by oak branches themselves. Pagan legend has it that on this day the The Oak King, after many months of rising in his glory, is now at his oldest. Although this is the brightest day of the year, a day that honors the Sun Gods at their height, it is actually the Holly King that prevails, reminding us to take in the sunlight and the warmth of this season, before heading into the dark, colder months awaiting ahead. The Oak King is celebrated, not for being a champion, but for bringing us through to the brightest, warmest, longest day of the year. It is with his last hope that we carry this light with us until his rise begins again at the Winter Solstice.
The Sun Gods
Greek mythology speaks of honoring the Sun through their Gods Kronos, Apollo, and even Prometheus. There is debate on ancient traditions, but modern hellenists honor all three, or one of the aforementioned. Their connection to the sun, or the water, points to the importance of these elements when honoring the Solstice. Bonfires, crop blessings, sing songs, water cleansing, and feasts - feasts are a tradition across many, many cultures when celebrating Sabbaths/holidays.
The Water Gods
Although honoring the sun is an obvious choice, it is undeniably important to mention the water Gods and Goddesses, Poseidon, Oceanus, and Scylla. Their influence during this Sabbath is undeniable. In the heat of summer we spend our time waiting by the pool, counting down the days to our beachside vacation, running through sprinklers, and kayaking down rivers. It is here that the Gods and Goddesses of water rein. Most being familiar with Poseidon and Oceanus, I want to draw your attention to Scylla.
Harness Scylla's Power: Boost Confidence and Embrace Summer Energy
Scylla is a nymph, gorgeous and desired by many; to have and also to be. Known as the “man-eater” after being turned into a monster, the energy of summer can very much feel unsettling, and overwhelming, especially for those in the world of dating or love.
Our confidence can grow immensely, or shrink violently during this solstice. By conjuring her energy you can enjoy the summer festivities, and magick, with full confidence in yourself, and what the Universe has lined up for you in months to come.
Getting Acquainted with the Faerie Queen…
There are other wonderful deities, Gods and Goddesses, that must be mentioned when celebrating Litha…
Aine, the Celtic fairy queen, is at the top of this list. Her connection to the fae makes her mystical, mysterious, and dangerous. The Summer Solstice is known to be a time of strong activity from the faerie realm. It is during these times that the Fae are known to traverse to the earthly realm and, possibly, cause mayhem.
Aine, name meaning '“Brightness”, is not shy to this day; she represents sovereignty, power over animals as well as harvest/crops, love, and despair. Many overlay her similarities to that of Venus and Aphrodite, however her complexity is why she is honored on the day of the solstice when light fights darkness.
When presenting items to honor her, I highly recommend anything that provides a “loving comfort”: roses, or red smelling flowers and fruits, chocolate covered strawberries, remains of past familiars/pets/companions, stained glass items/light refracting materials are also highly encouraged.
…and Her Alluring Winged Friends
There are many stories sharing encounters with these flitting creatures, but depending on whom you speak to, the fae aren’t always welcomed, but they are always respected!
Those who fear the fae still make sure to honor them by leaving gifts, in exchange for being left out of their schemes. Pastries, sweet fruits, shiny coins, and trinkets, flowers, and the like are great offerings to these sprites. You don’t have to place them on your indoor altar either, they can simply be left out by the trees, or at a park nearby; any place you may feel their presence looming.
There are also those who work with the fae, asking them to take part in their magickal practices. The only thing I recommend is to do research into which type of sprites you are working with, and what they are interested in, making sure to leave them items they enjoy, keeping you on their good side.
The clearest way to honor these beings is to go straight to the source, their Queen.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Solstice Activities
Regardless of which deity(s) you are drawn to, the ways in which to honor the solstice cross over immensely. Some traditions you can begin to add into the Solstice celebration are as follows:
Watch the sunrise or sunset.
Take a moonlight swim – the sun has made the waters warmer at night. I highly recommend this be done skyclad.
Plan a trip or have an adventure to honor the life-giving power of the sun's rays.
Harvest, Bake, and Craft with fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies of the season. For an added bonus implement sunflowers or sun symbols into cooking
Brew sun tea. Add honey for immune boosting properties & motivation.
Converse with the Fae (but be warned).
Candle magic especially surrounding manifestation, next chapters, and bringing “light” to dark times and/or secrets.
Bonfire rituals to honor the sun's abundant energy that will carry you into the waning year ahead. Leaping over a bonfire brings abundance, luck, and fun into the weeks and months ahead. Use incense sticks if you don’t have access to a bonfire.
How to Harness, Honor, and Manifest the Power of the Solstice
When the sun is at its peak, the energy of earth is also at its peak; birds singing, flowers at the height of their bloom, trees most robust, providing the best shade. At this time, humans are less likely to be committed; they are seeking adventure, taking time away from work, exploring physical connections over romantic relations – which is why making plans/cultivating your future is so important at this time!
As the sun warms the earth, it warms the heart, the soul, the mind, creating expansion in all forms. That is why the Summer Solstice is a great time to call in abundance, manifest the next big chapter in your life, and not take things too seriously.
Joy, playfulness, and curiosity are the most helpful tools when bringing forth new chapters during Midsummer. Some items to include on your altar, or around your home to pay tribute to Litha/Midsummer are:
Colors: Yellow, Gold, Red, White, Green (think RICHNESS).
Creatures: Fireflies, Butterflies, Sea Horses, Dolphins, Starfish (most sea creatures/plants), Otters, Faeries, Bees
Crystals: Sun Stone, Carnelian, Tigers Eye, Citrine. Add onyx to pull out any negativity blocking you.
Candle magic especially surrounding manifestation, next chapters, and bringing “light” to dark times and/or secrets. Pick a candle that is a color associated with this Sabbath for elevated energy.
Flowers and Herbs: Marigold, Oak Tree, St. John's Wart, Sunflower, Dandelion, Peonies, Chamomile, Mint, Yarrow, Mugwort. Use for decor or add to your recipes for meals, teas, tinctures, and poultices.
Though there are many other ways to honor the Summer Solstice, I hope this article piqued your curiosity on how to bring the power of Litha into your home and into your Craft. How you choose to practice, honor, and celebrate the Sabbaths is what makes your magic uniquely YOURS.
Until next time, stay spooky darklings xx
