Midsummer is upon us, and that means it's time for Litha! This Sabbat is all about celebrating the height of summer, and enjoying the abundance of the season. But what is Litha exactly? Where does it come from, and why do witches celebrate it? In this article, we will explore the history and meaning of Litha, and give you some tips on how to celebrate it yourself!

What is Litha?

Let the warmth of Litha remind you to let your inner light shine. (Picture:Pentacle Mini Signet Ring)

Litha is the midsummer celebration in the pagan and Wiccan calendar. It is a time to celebrate the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Litha takes place on June 21st (or sometimes June 20th), right in the middle of summer. The word "Litha" comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word meaning "summer", which is fitting for this Sabbat.

Wiccans and pagans believe that the sun has a special power in midsummer. On this day, the sun is said to be at its strongest and most powerful. This is a time of year when nature is thriving, and the days are long and warm. For many pagans, Litha is a time to celebrate the sun god or goddess.

The real Litha meaning is that it is on the summer solstice. A solstice is when the sun is at its highest or lowest point in the sky. The summer solstice is when the sun is at its highest point, and this is what we celebrate on Litha. The word "solstice" comes from the Latin solstitium, which means "sun stands still". This is because on the day of the solstice, the sun seems to stand still in the sky before it starts to move back down again. In the northern hemisphere it happens on June 21st, and in the southern hemisphere it happens on December 21st.

How to celebrate Litha?

Freshen up your summer look with our elegant witchy stud earrings! (Picture:Triple Goddess Mini Stud Earrings)

I love summer and how the world feels to be buzzing more alive with life than normal.  This year I plan on celebrating midsummer with a small bonfire in my backyard. To get ready for Litha, I like to clean up my yard and make it feel like a summer oasis. This year I am also going to plant more herbs that are associated with midsummer, like lavender, rosemary, and thyme.

I also like to make sure I have plenty of summer fruits and vegetables on hand to enjoy during the Litha celebrations. Strawberries, peaches, tomatoes, and corn are all perfect for this time of year. And of course, no midsummer feast would be complete without some barbecued food!

What are your plans for midsummer? If you haven't got any yet, there are many ways to get involved:

-Search online for local get-togethers or online group sessions if you feel comfortable doing so

-Research on social media the different recipes, rituals and nature based excitement to try out for yourself

-Plan a BBQ or nature picnic

-Get up with the sunrise and stay outside until the sun sets

-Make a sun tea

-Decorate yourself, your home or your altar in colors corresponding to Litha: reds, yellows, orange, white and gold

-Make a solar or lunar offering

-Write down your midsummer wishes and hang them on a tree

-Dance around a bonfire

-Perform divination like a tarot reading or pendulum reading, or use candle magick

Summer Solstice rituals

The types of magick that are enjoyed most typically at the summer solstice include:

-Fae Magick; this involves working with the nature spirits that come out to play during midsummer.

-Fire Magick; this is magick that involves using the element of fire, whether it's intentional candle work, fire divination such as capnomancy, or fire spellwork such as releasing intentions by burning bay leaves.

-Nature Magick; this can be in the form of earth-based magick such as charms made in clay or sand, or using midsummer herbs in your spellwork.

-Sun Magick; this is magick that involves working with the sun's energy such as a suncatcher charm for protection, charging your talismans under the sun, using the sun's energy in your manifestation work or making an offering to the sun.

So there you have it, everything you need to know about midsummer and Litha! This is a time of year to celebrate the sun, the earth, and all of the abundance that summer has to offer. So get out there and enjoy it! And if you

Summer Solstice blessing

Here is a short blessing prayer you can say for the solstice, included into your rituals, or just with your morning tea whilst you enjoy the sunrise.

"On this day of midsummer, may the sun bring me warmth, may the earth support me, may the air renew me and the fire ignite my spirit. May the sun bring me new beginnings, and may the moon make dreams take flight. May the balance I seek be found within me, and may the love I give be returned to me tenfold. So mote it be."

What are your thoughts on Litha? Have you ever celebrated it before? Let me know in the comments below! Until next time xox