Litha is one of the eight sabbats on the Witches’ Wheel of the Year that marks the seasonal changes. Celebrated on or around the 21st of June in the UK, Litha marks the Summer Solstice – the longest day of the year. As with many of the sabbats, it goes by several names including Midsummer.
As the sun reaches it’s peak, Litha is recognised as a time of joy, vitality, fulfilment and abundance. Traditionally, bonfires were lit at dawn to honour the sun and keep its energy strong. Herbs gathered on Midsummer’s Eve were thought to hold special potency and it was considered a powerful time for divination and for fairy magic – a liminal moment when the veil between worlds grows thin.
It’s a time to step fully into the light and celebrate everything that is alive and thriving. It’s a time to look at what has grown from the seeds you planted in Spring and to revel in the abundance around you. With its fire and sun energy, this is a warm, golden and abundant festival, full of magic and possibility.
Litha Altar Ideas
Here are a few suggestions for what to place on your altar for Litha.
- Sun symbols – a golden disc, a sunflower, tarot card or anything circular and bright to represent the sun.
- Candles – gold, yellow and orange candles to honour the solar energy of the day. Let them burn safely while you celebrate.
- Herbs – fresh-cut herbs like St John’s Wort, lavender or rosemary, gathered if possible on Midsummer’s Eve when their magic is said to be strongest.
- Flowers – marigolds, sunflowers and chamomile are all beautifully aligned with Litha’s sunny energy.
- A jar of honey – sweet, golden and associated with the abundance of midsummer. Bees are sacred to this time of year.
- Fairy offerings – a small dish of milk, honey or cream left near your altar or at the base of a tree acknowledges the liminal magic of the solstice.
Litha Correspondences
Colours: Gold, Yellow, Orange, White, Green
Crystals: Citrine, Sunstone, Carnelian, Clear Quartz, Amber, Tiger’s Eye
Flowers & Herbs: St John’s Wort, Lavender, Chamomile, Elderflower, Rosemary, Marigold
Foods: Honey, Strawberries, Herbal Teas, Fresh Salads, Lemon Cake
Rituals & Activities for Litha
Rise early and watch the sunrise. You don’t need to do anything elaborate – just step outside with a cup of tea and acknowledge the sun on the longest day. Notice the quality of the light and take a moment to feel grateful for everything that is growing in your life right now.
Make a Litha herb bundle. Gather or buy a few of the herbs associated with this time of year (lavender, rosemary, chamomile) and tie them together with golden ribbon. Hang it to dry in your kitchen as a reminder of the season or burn it safely as an offering.
Spend time in the garden or on a walk at golden hour. The light at midsummer is something really special. Turn your phone off and just be in it for a while. Notice what is in full bloom and what has changed since the beginning of the year.
Make a sun wheel. Using sticks, twigs or paper, create a simple wheel or sun shape and decorate it with flowers, ribbons and herbs. It’s a beautiful altar piece and a lovely thing to make with children.
Light a candle at dusk and sit with your journal. Litha is a good time to reflect on the year so far. What has flourished? What are you proud of? What do you want to carry with you into the second half of the year? Write it down while the candle burns.
Leave a fairy offering. Place a small dish of milk, honey or cream near your door, in the garden, or at the base of a tree. The solstice is considered one of the most potent times for fairy activity and a small act of acknowledgement costs nothing and feels quietly magical.
How will you be celebrating Litha this year?
