This is a joyous occasion and a time of feasting and celebration. Themes of Power, Longevity and Abundance abound as we are now in the full throes of the summer and plentiful beauty is everywhere.
The word Solstice comes from the Latin words "Sol" meaning Sun and "Sistere" which means to stand still. And so it appears that, just for a moment, the sun stands still in the sky so we can bask in his glorious light as we experience the longest day of the year (or at least, the most hours of daylight!)
It is a wonderful time to express your deepest gratitude for life and love and to connect with the land by getting outside and seeing nature in full bloom. Whilst it's not a harvesting festival, it is definitely a great time to look around and fully appreciate all that nature provides. And indeed, it is a good time for foraging nature's gifts in the hedgerows as many medicinal herbs and flowers are present at this time which, when harvested and treated, can provide nature's medicine ready for the winter months ahead. For instance, St John's Wort, a powerful medicinal herb, can be gathered and created into a very helpful remedy to seasonal depression later in the year.
Because it's worth remembering that, even though we are at the height of Midsummer during this celebration, it also marks the exact point where darkness wins over the light and we begin to return to the darker half of the year.
Litha marks the end of the planting season so now we get to watch all those seeds we have planted grow. It's a perfect time to stop and notice how you have progressed since Yule (The Winter Solstice) and to appreciate all that you are manifesting...
What can you do to Observe the Solstice?
The obvious thing is to appreciate the Sun by watching a the sunrise and/or sunsets during this festival. Indeed, you may be so full of energy at this point that you're up with the birds and perfectly placed to see the dawning day! It's quite typical for us to need a little less sleep as the energy is so high and we are all charged up with the excitement of the season (even if your mind doesn't know it, your body does).
If you're a yogi, you might want to grab that mat and find a peaceful spot to practice your Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations) facing east into the rising sun to give your thanks and absorb some of the sun's power through the somatic and intentional practice of yoga. This is sure to boost your spiritual energy and add heat to your body, oiling all those joints and getting the blood pumping.
Meditating under the sun is always a great way to observe this festival. But if you can't get outside (it might be chucking it down!!!), it can be done anywhere - your mind is a powerful visualisation tool which means you can bring the sun to you wherever you are!
Gathering with friends to talk about gratitude, progress and love or to just DANCE to share some of that amazing solar energy is a wonderful way to express yourself during this celebration, too! If you can make it to the top of a high hill or mountain, far away from the hubble bubble of society and right in the midst of nature to see the sun rise and set, this is a great idea - or maybe you want to grab a bunch of friends and head off to a sacred site to observe the dawn of the longest day.
Litha Correspondances
Deities:
Juno
Minerva
Vesta
Ra
Brigid
Apollo
Surya
Colours:
Gold
Yellow
White
Green
Crystals:
Citrine
Tigers Eye
Sunstone
Carnelian
Pyrite
Flowers & Herbs:
Sunflower
Lavender
Roses
Orange Peel
Mint
Mugwort
St John's Wort
Hydrangea
Elderflower
Lemon
Symbols:
The Sun (or items that represent him)
Butterflies & Bees
Flowers
Oak Leaves
Flower wreaths and crowns
REMEMBER:
If you're going to a sacred site to observe the sunrise and/or sunset, please also observe the golden rules:
Please don't take "souvenirs" away from the site... A great alternative is to bring a favourite stone with you and place it with intention where it can catch and absorb the energy of the place - do your thing whilst you're there and then, when you leave, take it with you and hey presto! You have your stone full of the site's unique energy which can then be placed upon your altar for the rest of the celebrations!
Please don't leave anything behind either... If you want to make an offering - as ever, place your offering with intention and then when you leave, bring it with you and put it on your altar to continue your offering at home. (Obviously, your gifts of wine and cakes won't hurt - this is more about leaving behind trinkets or objects)
These sites are ancient so just imagine if we all took something and left something else, eventually, there'd be nothing left of its original construction!
So... Blessed Litha everyone! Have a wonderful Solstice Day and let me know what you got up to! I always want to hear about your experiences...
Love and Light 💞✨
Cheryl - The Bohemian
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