Litha: An Introduction
Litha, the Summer Solstice, is a celebration in June between the 20th and 23rd, depending on the year. It is the longest day of the year, a direct counterpoint to Yule, where celebrations focus on the sun's power. Astrologically, the sun is entering Cancer, a water sign, making Litha a time of fire and water magic.
Ancient Celebrations
Many ancient cultures built stone structures oriented to highlight the sun's location, specifically on the solstices and equinoxes.
Stonehenge in England is the most widely known structure. The monument marks the relationship between the sun and the season.
Machu Picchu in Peru is a large stone on top of the mountain Intihuantana, "the place where the sun gets tied." The corners of the stone are perfectly in alignment with the cardinal points.
The Chaco Canyon in New Mexico is where the Puebloan people carved spiral designs into rock. These spirals are a record of the sun's path.
Eqypt has several notable structures, including the temple of Karnak, the Great Pyramids, King Ramses II Temple, and Qarun Palace, to name a few. Each monument, often aligning with the sunrise, marks the solstice, equinox, or specific celebration date.
Early European pagans celebrated the warming of the earth and the abundance of crop growth. Bonfires would illuminate the night, while feasting, dancing, and festivities were a reminder that through the darkest of nights, the light would always return. A common practice was lighting Sunwheels; a wheel of straw was lit on fire and rolled down a hill into a river, representing the sun's power.
Handfasting
June is a traditional time for unions, even for modern-day marriages. The old tradition of handfasting has become increasingly popular. The term "handfasting" comes from the act of the bride and groom crossing arms and joining hands, creating the infinity symbol. It was similar to today's common-law marriage — a man and woman held hands and declared themselves married. While some people may make it a permanent bond, others might declare it valid for "a year and a day." At the end of this time, they re-evaluate the union and determine if they want to continue it.
There are plenty of ways to have a magical ceremony celebrating your spirituality as part of your special day. Consider a Pagan-friendly custom like broom jumping or wrapping the couple's hands with a ribbon during the ceremony as part of your celebration. You may also invite deities of love and marriage, like Juno, Eros, Venus, Frigga, Hathor, and Aphrodite, to be part of your ceremony!
Modern Celebrations
Litha is a great time to take advantage of the extra daylight hours and return to nature. One common practice is watching the sun rise and set on this day to pay our respects to the Sun God's power as he arrives and departs. This practice can be a small quiet moment or a more extended ritual.
The most popular way to celebrate Litha is, of course, a bonfire. Gathering friends and family, serving food and drinks, and dancing to music long after sunset.
Another good practice is celebrating the successes thus far in the Wheel of the Year. How have the intentions set at Yule come to fruition?
Gods and Goddesses
Here are some gods and goddesses connected with the summer solstice.
Apollo (Greek): In addition to being the god of the sun, he also presided over music, medicine, and healing.
Horus (Egyptian): Horus was a solar deity of the ancient Egyptians; he rose and set every day.
Juno (Roman): She was the patroness of marriage; her month remains a popular time for weddings and handfasting.
Sulis Minerva (Celtic, Roman): She combines the Celtic sun goddess, Sulis, and the Roman Goddess of wisdom, Minerva. The resulting combination was Sulis Minerva, who watched over the hot springs and sacred waters.
The seasonal battle between the Oak King and the Holly King: The Holly King triumphs and reigns until Yule, when they will battle again.
The God and Goddess are at their highest power; the Goddess is heavily pregnant.
Correspondences:
Colors: Blue, Gold, Green, Red
Plants: Beech, Holly, Oak, Saffron, Chamomile, lavender,
Stones: Emerald, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Tigers Eye
Animals: horse, Crab, Goldfinch, Owl, Robin, Wren
Intentions: Divination, Endings and Beginnings, Life, Light, Success, Power,
