Hello Coven, Emma here! Today is the Summer Solstice, and I wanted to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the solstice. If you wish to learn more about the Witches Wheel of Year, check out AJs post which goes in depth.
The special thing about this year’s Solstice is that it happens around a Full Moon in Sagittarius, when the moon is at 100% visibility on the 21st June 2024 . Check out my post on how to make Moon Water and 20 Versatile Ways to use Moon Water if you wish to superpower your moon water rituals over this period – make sure to share your results on social media, as we love to see your spell work!
“Solstice Dawn” by tarotastic is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Understanding the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice, also known as Litha or Midsummer, is a momentous event in the wheel of the year (see link above), marking the longest day and the shortest night. Occurring between June 20th and 22nd, it is a time when the sun is at its zenith, directly over the Tropic of Cancer. This astronomical phenomenon has been celebrated for millennia, symbolising the peak of light, abundance, and the powerful energy of the sun.
The Solstice in UK History
In the UK, the Summer Solstice holds a significant place in history and culture. Ancient monuments like Stonehenge and Avebury align perfectly with the solstices, suggesting their importance to our ancestors. These stone circles were likely used for ceremonial and astronomical purposes, celebrating the sun’s life-giving energy. I’ve yet to see them myself but I am certainly planning a visit soon. Some witches and Pagans go and visit these monuments during the Solstice as part of their worship.
Historically, the Summer Solstice was a time for community gatherings, feasting, and merriment. Bonfires were lit to honour the sun and its power. These fires were believed to protect against evil spirits and ensure a bountiful harvest. The solstice was also a time for lovers, with midsummer’s eve considered auspicious for romance and marriage. Oh er!
“Stonehenge Heart” by Jose and Roxanne is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The Summer Solstice in Witchcraft Practices
For witches, the Summer Solstice is a powerful sabbat that celebrates the sun at its peak and the life force it embodies. It is a time to honour the Earth’s abundance, embrace the light within ourselves, and prepare for the waning year ahead. Litha rituals and celebrations often incorporate themes of light, growth, and the balance between fire and water.
I like to use it as a period to take stock of the start of the year, make adjustments or have celebrations for my areas of growth and use it as a time to plan my next steps and make adjustments.
How Witches Celebrate the Summer Solstice
Rituals and Ceremonies
- Sunrise Rituals: Begin your solstice celebration by greeting the sunrise. Find a quiet, natural spot to witness the dawn. As the sun rises, meditate on its light, warmth, and energy, feeling it infuse your spirit. No garden or park? No worries, you can do this by a window or anywhere you can get natural light. I do this daily in my bathroom as it’s always facing the sun as I get ready in the morning.
- Creating an Altar: Now not all witches need Altars but if you are that way inclined decorate your altar with symbols of the sun and summer. Use candles, sunflowers, seashells, and crystals like citrine and amber. Incorporate fresh herbs such as St. John’s Wort, chamomile, and lavender. Add representations of the elements – a bowl of water, a feather, a stone, and a candle. Have fun foraging and remember to be respectful!
- Bonfire Magic: Light a bonfire or a simple candle to honour the sun. Write down intentions or things you wish to release on small pieces of paper and burn them in the fire, symbolising transformation and purification. Make sure to practise fire safety etc.
- Herbal Offerings: Collect herbs and flowers associated with the solstice. Create small bundles or wreaths to offer to the earth or hang in your home for protection and prosperity.
- Water Rituals: Balance the fire of the solstice with water. Visit a natural body of water – a river, lake, or ocean – and immerse yourself, symbolising cleansing and renewal. If you cannot visit a natural source, a ritual bath with added herbs and essential oils can be equally powerful.
- Feasting and Community: Gather with friends or fellow witches for a solstice feast. Prepare dishes using fresh, seasonal produce. Share stories, songs, and dances around the bonfire, celebrating the community and the abundance of the season. Why not use some magickal stocks in your recipes?
“Spring Valley Nature Walk 4” by H. Michael Miley is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Ways to Celebrate the Solstice
- Nature Walks: Spend time in nature, appreciating the peak of summer. Collect natural items like stones, feathers, and flowers to use in your rituals or as offerings. I’ll sharing some of mine over on Tiktok if you wish to join me.
- Crafting Talismans: Create talismans or amulets from natural materials. Infuse them with your intentions for protection, prosperity, or love. I love making poppets out of field grass.
- Meditation and Reflection: Reflect on the year so far and set goals for the remaining months. Meditate on the balance between light and dark, growth and decline.
- Gardening: Engage with the earth by tending to your garden. Plant new seeds, nurture existing plants, and harvest herbs for your magical practices.
- Reading and Learning: Use this time to expand your knowledge of solstice traditions and witchcraft practices. Read books, attend workshops, or join online communities to share insights and experiences.
Are you celebrating Litha or the Summer Solstice? If so let us know below and via our social channels as we love to share with the wider witch community.
Have the BEST Solstice, until next time, darlings!
Ems xX
@Bunnypudding (Tiktok) / @Bunnyscopes (Instagram)
Profile picture source: “Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2010” by .curt. is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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