The Wheel Of The Year Turns To Litha on June 21st
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the Summer Solstice of June 21st-also known as the Festival of Litha- is the longest day and the shortest night of the year. On this day the Sun is at it’s apex and it’s fullest power! From this day onward, the sunlight will wane. Each day after this Solstice marks the receding of the Sun- until the time of it’s rebirth after the Winter Solstice of December 21st, which marks the shortest day and the longest night. Marking, observing and paying homage to these changes between the seasons attunes us even more to this eternal cycle- and reminds us that we are part of it.
When we mark these points on the Wheel of The Year, we’re embracing death and re birth, the eternal cycle of life and our inclusion in this. We also commemorate the legendary ‘battle’ of the Oak and the Holly Kings. The two ‘Kings’ fight to rule over the seasons as the Wheel of the Year turns. The Oak King reigns until The Summer Solstice when, once again, the Holly King returns to reign over the darker days to come... until The Winter Solstice when the Oak King will vanquish the Holly King again.
We’ve marked the Summer Solstice with ritual since ancient times and continue to do so today. Traditionally, the most prominent part of Solstice rituals focus on the exact point of the sunrise on this day.
Here in The British Isles, we’ve always been very blessed to be able gather at our powerful sacred sites to mark and celebrate the Summer Solstice and the other festivals of the Wheel of the Year. There will be gatherings at Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire and on top of Glastonbury Tor in Somerset. The Sun will rise between the ancient pillars and on The Tor. The energy will be deeply felt in the land. Just as it always has….
Celebrating Litha
Even if it’s not possible to be at sacred sites or to gather in groups do try to greet the rising of The Sun outside if you can. Feel the earth beneath your feet to ground yourself and connect to The Earth just as you raise your arms to salute The Sun. Feel both the energy of The Sun and of The Earth connecting with you at the same time. Remember, you’re not just observing this. You’re part of this.
If you can’t leave your home, you may want to decorate it. You can light golden or yellow candles around your house to represent The Sun. Any candles you light before dawn can be extinguished and re lit later if you are able to go outside for the sunrise. I also like to burn ‘warmer’ essential oils to fragrance my home on this day. Orange, bergamot and benzoin help you to bring the sun energy into your house. You can also burn the more ‘protective’ rosemary or frankincense oils and ask the Universe to embed and extend this protection to you and your home.
A Litha Ritual
As this is is a festival of Sun and Fire, I like to work with the fire at Litha to ‘let go’ of what’s no longer needed or wanted in my life. I take small pieces of paper and write on them exactly what I’m asking the Universe to help me with. These can be things like life lessons I’ve completed or things that have now run their course in my life. All of these are to be consigned to the flames at dawn in order to let them go…..
Some of you may be at places where there are larger communal fires, some of you may be at home and have a fireplace, or you may only have a small bowl of flame or some golden candles. Whichever of these you have around you, please always be very careful and sensible with flames at all times.
As you burn your paper , focus on the power of the Sun and transformation of the seasons. Be aware that as the Oak King’s power fades into the darker days toward The Winter Solstice and the growing power of the Holly King- so the things you’ve written down and offered to the flames will also fade from your life...
Wishing you a magical and wonderful Summer Solstice