Litha (Summer Solstice)

Approximate Date: June 20–22 (Northern Hemisphere)

In the southern hemisphere the dates would be December 21 to 23.

Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice or Midsummer, marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. It is a celebration of the Sun at the height of its power, the abundance of the Earth, and the vibrant energy of life in full bloom. In many modern Wiccan traditions, Litha represents a balance point where light reaches its peak before gradually giving way to the darker half of the year.

While the Sun appears victorious, Litha also reminds us that every peak contains the seed of change. From this day forward, daylight slowly decreases, making the sabbat a celebration of gratitude, accomplishment, and the natural cycles of growth and release.

The Meaning of Litha

Litha celebrates:

The power and warmth of the Sun
Abundance and prosperity
Fertility and creativity
Joy, passion, and vitality
Personal strength and confidence
Gratitude for life’s blessings
The balance between light and darkness
Honouring nature at its fullest expression

This is a wonderful sabbat for celebrating everything you’ve accomplished during the first half of the year while setting intentions for the harvest season ahead.

Candle Colors

Candles are often used to represent the blazing Sun and the vibrant energy of midsummer.

Common Litha candle colours include:

Gold – the Sun, success, abundance
Yellow – happiness, confidence, intellect
Orange – creativity, passion, enthusiasm
White – balance and spiritual light
Green – nature, growth, prosperity
Red – life force, courage, vitality

Many witches place a large gold or yellow candle in the center of their altar to symbolize the Sun.

Crystals

Litha crystals tend to carry bright, uplifting, solar energy.

Popular choices include:

Citrine – abundance, confidence, joy
Sunstone – personal power and optimism
Carnelian – courage and creativity
Tiger’s Eye – strength and protection
Amber – warmth and healing
Clear Quartz – amplifies intentions
Pyrite – prosperity and success
Peridot – renewal and happiness

Traditional Colors

Litha is filled with bright, joyful colours.

Common colours include:

Gold
Yellow
Orange
White
Green
Sky Blue
Crimson

These reflect sunshine, flowers, forests, fields, and clear summer skies.

Foods & Meals

Litha feasts celebrate the first abundance of the growing season.

Popular foods include:

Fruits

Strawberries
Cherries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Blackberries
Peaches
Apricots

Vegetables

Fresh peas
Lettuce
Spinach
New potatoes
Carrots
Cucumbers
Tomatoes

Breads

Rustic country bread
Honey bread
Herb focaccia
Cornbread

Main Meals

Grilled vegetables
Herb-roasted chicken
Fresh garden salads
Barbecued foods
Vegetable quiche
Cedar-plank salmon

Desserts

Strawberry shortcake
Honey cake
Berry pies
Lemon tarts
Fruit crisps

Drinks

Herbal iced tea
Elderflower cordial
Mead (where appropriate)
Lemonade
Sun tea
Fruit-infused water

Herbs & Plants

Litha is closely associated with herbs gathered under the strength of the midsummer Sun.

Traditional herbs include:

St. John’s Wort
Lavender
Chamomile
Rosemary
Thyme
Sage
Mint
Lemon Balm
Yarrow
Mugwort
Calendula
Fennel
Dill
Basil

Sacred plants include:

Oak
Ash
Rowan
Hawthorn
Sunflowers
Roses
Ferns
Foxglove
Wildflowers
Clover

Many traditions believe herbs harvested on Midsummer’s Eve are especially potent for healing and magical work.

Goddesses Associated with Litha

Several goddesses are honoured during this solar festival, representing abundance, fertility, light, and the fullness of life.

Commonly honoured include:

Áine – Irish goddess of summer, the Sun, prosperity, and sovereignty
Brigid – honoured throughout the growing season for healing and inspiration
Danu – abundance and the life-giving Earth
Flora – flowers and spring abundance continuing into summer
Demeter – grain and agriculture
Freyja – fertility, beauty, and love
Sunna – the personification of the Sun
Sulis – healing waters and solar energy

Symbols of Litha

Common symbols include:

The blazing Sun
Bonfires
Wheels (the solar wheel)
Sunflowers
Oak leaves
Bees
Butterflies
Wildflowers
Fireflies
Solar crosses
Wreaths of flowers
Honey
Oak King

Traditional Activities

Ways to celebrate Litha include:

Watching the sunrise
Lighting a bonfire or candle
Gathering herbs
Creating flower crowns
Decorating with sunflowers
Walking barefoot in nature
Gardening
Sharing a feast outdoors
Swimming in lakes or rivers
Meditating in sunlight
Making herbal oils
Giving thanks for abundance
Dancing around a fire

Litha Altar Ideas

A Litha altar might include:

Gold and yellow altar cloth
Solar candle
Fresh flowers
Sunflowers
Oak leaves
Citrine and Sunstone
Honey
Seasonal fruits
Seashells
Small bowl of fresh herbs
Solar wheel or sun symbol

A Litha Blessing

As the Sun reaches its highest place in the sky, may its warmth fill my heart with joy, its light guide my path, and its abundance remind me of all I have to be grateful for. May I celebrate this season with laughter, kindness, and a spirit as bright as the midsummer Sun. Blessed Be.