What is Litha / Summer Solstice?

Celebrated by ancient cultures across the globe, the Summer Solstice, or Midsummer, heralds the longest day of the year and celebrates the potent energy of the Sun. Falling between December 20 – 23 in the Southern Hemisphere and June 19 – 22 in the Northern Hemisphere it is when the Sun is at its highest point.

It marks a pivotal gateway. From this moment on, the days will slowly begin to wane, getting shorter as we slowly edge towards the dark night of Winter Solstice.

What does the word Litha mean or refer to?

The word "Litha" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word for "midsummer”. The word “solstice” is from the Latin word solstitium, which literally translates to “sun stands still.” Around this time the sun appears to stand still in the sky. This illusion is simply caused by the Earth’s tilt and where the sun is located at this time.

What are the themes and symbolism associated with Litha?

With the long daylight hours at this time of the cycle, Litha is a wonderful time for celebrating life, abundance, growth, and all that is blossoming around us.

We honour the fertility of life blooming fuelled by the warmth of the potent summer sun. Seeds sewn are ripe and abundance abounds as nature makes its final push in preparation for the coming harvests.

At Midsummer, we can celebrate the abundant creative energy, both the Earth’s and our own. Also the joy and passion of the festive season, the solar masculine energy and power of the Sun, and the fullness of the light.

Though this is a time of fullness and potency, it’s also the start of a new cycle. After this day, each subsequent day will become shorter, bringing us into the dark half of the year. So, in this way, Litha is both a celebration of beginnings and endings.

Some simple ways you to celebrate Litha can include:

As Litha is a celebration of fire, heat, and sun why not host a bonfire! You could include music, yummy food, and some dancing around the flames.
Create a sumptuous feast with summer produce to share with your loved ones and friends.
Light a candle to represent the sun and meditate on all you are grateful for.
Make flower wreaths using seasonal flowers and a circle frame to represent the sun for your front door or anywhere in your home.
Watching the sun set and rise is a powerful way to connect with energies at this time.
Take a gentle walk in nature with a basket. Collect twigs, leaves, rocks and flowers to create a beautiful summer mandala. Use this as an offering to celebrate the bounty of life and power of Sun at this time. Learn about our Mandala Ritual.
Harvest the abundant produce flourishing at this time.
Cultures throughout time have travelled to sacred places at Litha to celebrate and honour the death of the sun and cleanse themselves in special bodies of water. If possible, visit a local body of water or even take a ritual bath or shower.