Litha - Summer Solistice

 

Litha, the old Celtic and Scandinavian celebration that denotes the Summer solstice, it is a chance to commend this happy time of development and restoration. It's a chance to respect the force of the sun, the provider of life and light, and to interface with the rhythms of nature that support us. As the days develop longer and the sun sparkles more brilliantly, our general surroundings start to wake up in a dynamic presentation of variety and warmth. This supernatural season denotes the festival of Litha, otherwise called the late spring solstice, the longest day of the year.

For quite a long time, individuals have assembled to check this event with customs and merriments, commending the victory of light over murkiness and the re-establishment of the normal world.

Whether you are hoping to associate with the energy of the time or basically luxuriate in the glow of the sun, there are numerous ways of observing Litha and embracing the soul of summer. How about we investigate the customs, practices, and ceremonies that make this antiquated festival so significant and motivating? In this way, get a fire going, accumulate with friends and family, and revel in the enchantment of Litha as we honour the turning of the seasons and the boundless potential outcomes that lie ahead. This is the celebration that commends the mid-year solstice, which regularly happens around June 21st in the northern side of the equator. It's one of the eight old Celtic/agnostic celebrations on The Wheel of the Year. Here are the eight Sabbats:

Yule/Winter Solstice - December 20-23

Imbolc/Candlemas - February 1-2

Ostara/Spring Equinox - March 20-23

Beltane/May Day - May 1

Litha/Summer Solstice - June 20-23

Lammas/Lughnasadh - August 1-2

Mabon/Autumn Equinox - September 20-23

Samhain/Halloween - October 31-November 1

During Litha, Neo-Celts, Pagans, and others commend the force of the sun and the overflow of the regular world. It's a chance to respect the longest day of the year and to interface with the energy of the sun, which is at its most grounded as of now. Numerous Agnostic customs and customs related to Litha centre around subjects of development, change, and overflow, as well as regarding the patterns of life, passing, and resurrection. At Litha, individuals might play out various customs and services to stamp the event, like lighting huge fires or candles, making contributions to the divine beings and goddesses of the sun, and taking part in open-air exercises like picnics, climbing, or swimming. It is likewise a period for investing energy with friends and family, interfacing with the regular world, and pondering the gifts of the time.

The Oak Lord is related to strength, development, and imperativeness, while the Holly Ruler is related to rest, reflection, and recovery. Together, they address the repeating idea of the seasons and the consistent progression of life, passing, and resurrection in the regular world. They are as a matter of fact, in numerous practices, two countenances of the all-father, addressing the extremity that exists in every way.

Symbols Of Litha / Correspondences

1.    The sun: As the summer solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the height of the sun's power, the sun is a key symbol of Litha. It is often represented through imagery such as the sun wheel, sunflowers, or the colour yellow.

2.    Fire: Fire is a powerful symbol of transformation and purification to use in Litha rituals and ceremonies. Light bonfires or candles to honour the sun and mark the turning of the wheel of the year.

3.    Flowers: Flowers are a symbol of the abundance and vitality of the natural world, and may be used to decorate altars, wreaths, or other ritual items during Litha. Some common flowers associated with Litha include sunflowers, roses, and lavender.

4.    Water: As a symbol of life, renewal, and cleansing, water is often incorporated into Litha rituals and ceremonies. This may take the form of ritual bathing, washing of ritual tools or altar items such as crystals, or the use of water in other symbolic ways.

5.    Herbs: Many herbs are associated with Litha and the summer season, such as chamomile, lavender, and St. John's Wort. Gather herbs and use them in rituals, spells, or for making teas or other remedies.

6.    Oak leaves and acorns: In some traditions, oak leaves and acorns are associated with Litha and the Oak King. These symbols may be used to represent strength, fertility, and the power of the sun.

7.    Crystals: Certain crystals are believed to be associated with Litha and the energy of the summer solstice, such as citrine, sunstone, and carnelian. These crystals may be used in rituals or worn as jewellery to connect with the energy of the season.

However, there are some common practices and rituals that are often observed during Litha that almost everyone does and may not know it. You can of course, make your summer solstice celebration your own..

1.    Outdoor activities: As Litha marks the height of summer, many people choose to celebrate the solstice by spending time in nature, such as going for a hike, having a picnic, or camping.

2.    Lighting a bonfire: Like Beltane, Litha is often celebrated with a bonfire. The fire represents the sun's power and is used for purification, releasing negative energy, or invoking positive energy. Light a bonfire on midsummer's eve!

3.    Making flower crowns: Wearing flower crowns is a popular tradition during Litha. The crowns can be made from fresh flowers, herbs, or other natural materials that represent the abundance and beauty of Mother Nature.

4.    Performing rituals: Litha is a time to honour the sun's power and the abundance of the summer season. Many people perform rituals to celebrate the solstice, such as lighting candles, making sigils, or making offerings to the gods and goddesses.

5.    Fairy offerings: In some folklore and mythology, fairies are believed to be particularly active during the summer months, and some people may believe that they are more likely to encounter fairies or other supernatural beings during this time. You may wish to include fairy offerings or invoke fairy energy during Litha rituals as a way to honour the season.

6.    Connecting with nature: Litha is a time to connect with the natural world and its cycles. You can do this by meditating in nature, performing a grounding ritual, or simply spending time outdoors and observing the changing of the seasons.

7.    Celebrating with friends and family: Litha is often seen as a time of joy and celebration. Many people choose to gather with loved ones and share food, drinks, and music as they honour the solstice and the turning of the wheel of the year.

8.    Make floral wreaths to put on your door or wear: Flower wreaths are frequently made on Litha. Wear them on your head or decorate your front door with them to celebrate the season.

9.    Gather and dry herbs: Gather and dry herbs while they're at their peak to use them in the coming year.

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