Summer Solstice, also known as Litha and MidSummer, takes place between June 21st and June 25th and is celebrated by pre-Christian religions. Christian based faiths celebrate this time as the Feast of St. John the Baptist or St. John's Eve.
It is believed that at this time in the year the sun has reached its peak of power, many choose to pray to Gods such as Helios, Apollo, Inti, Lugh, Ra, etc. At this time the Mother Goddess is close to the end of her pregnancy. Goddesses worshiped during this festival include Brigit, Amaterasu, Sol, etc. The Fae are also recognized at this time and offerings of fruit, glitter, gemstones, herbs and bread are left in gardens for the smallest of magic folk to enjoy.
Herbs or incense that are typically used during this holiday are St. John's wort, lavender, rose, fennel, hemp, and larkspur. Colors used to represent Litha are green, gold, yellow, orange, and red. Prayers you can include during your Litha ritual are prayers for inspiration (said to Brigit), prayers for protection (can be said to any God or Goddess), and prayers for a successful harvest in the months to come. Don't forget to light a fire and either dance around it or jump over it (if you keep it small enough) to ensure prosperity for the rest of the year.
It is believed that at this time in the year the sun has reached its peak of power, many choose to pray to Gods such as Helios, Apollo, Inti, Lugh, Ra, etc. At this time the Mother Goddess is close to the end of her pregnancy. Goddesses worshiped during this festival include Brigit, Amaterasu, Sol, etc. The Fae are also recognized at this time and offerings of fruit, glitter, gemstones, herbs and bread are left in gardens for the smallest of magic folk to enjoy.
Herbs or incense that are typically used during this holiday are St. John's wort, lavender, rose, fennel, hemp, and larkspur. Colors used to represent Litha are green, gold, yellow, orange, and red. Prayers you can include during your Litha ritual are prayers for inspiration (said to Brigit), prayers for protection (can be said to any God or Goddess), and prayers for a successful harvest in the months to come. Don't forget to light a fire and either dance around it or jump over it (if you keep it small enough) to ensure prosperity for the rest of the year.
Photo Credit: Raven Dossett