Litha

Litha, a significant Celtic tradition known as Midsummer's Day or Summer Solstice, has been observed on June 21st for centuries. This celebration, deeply rooted in the agricultural and spiritual practices of the ancient Celts, marks the day with the most daylight, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

During Litha, the Celts believed the sun's warmth could dispel darkness, paving the way for abundance and wealth. To harness this energy, they performed spells focused on healing, self-growth, self-love, shadow work, and protection. Remarkably, this tradition of harnessing the sun's energy through spells continues to this day, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Litha.

The harvest for the year and fertility equaled a wealthy lifestyle to the Celts and was celebrated during this time. Many people took this time to perform spell-works for fertility, abundance, or prosperity.

The Celts celebrated the solstice with unparalleled vitality and joy. They lit Bonfires and sent wheels of flaming hay down hills towards the water, a thrilling spectacle believed to bring luck. The more daring they jump over the bonfire, the luckier they think they will be. Feasting, dancing, and merriment filled the air, creating an atmosphere of pure celebration.

Today, we honor the solstice throughout June in various ways. We connect with nature by enjoying the outdoors and the life within it. We engage in creative activities such as making wands and/or dolls and contribute to the environment by picking up litter. We celebrate the season by gardening and making wreaths and/or suncatchers. We pay homage to the Fae by leaving food offerings, and we connect with our homes and/or altars by decorating them. We savor the season by baking/cooking summer foods. These modern-day practices reflect the spirit of Litha and its continued relevance in our lives.

On June 21st, an outdoor altar can be set up for the Litha ritual. Doing so allows one to use the sun's power when performing the ritual. The ritual typically involves a series of steps, such as invoking the sun's energy, setting intentions for the coming season, and expressing gratitude for the abundance of life. Enjoy a gathering with loved ones and feast on summer foods together afterward. Later in the evening, bonfires are lit and then safely jumped over. Merriment continues until you decide you're done.