Witchy Ways to Celebrate Litha (Summer Solstice)

As excitement builds for our Cherry Wallis Green Witch Collection to drop and we prepare for the upcoming spooky season, the LitJoy team has been diving into all things witchy. So come along with us as we delve into the history and folklore of Litha (Summer Solstice), and explore some wonderfully witchy ways to celebrate!

Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice or Midsummer, marks the peak of the sun's power and the longest day of the year. In the wheel of the year, Litha sits opposite Yule (Winter Solstice), symbolizing the balance between light and dark. Litha is a time of growth, rejoicing, abundance, and magic—and whether you follow witchy traditions or not, it's the perfect time to celebrate life and summertime!

The History and Folklore of Litha

Litha (Summer Solstice) has been celebrated for centuries as a time of fertility, abundance, and renewal. In ancient times, people believed that the sun, at its peak strength, could grant blessings of prosperity and health.

Litha folklore includes stories of the Oak King and Holly King in a constant fight for power. During Litha, the Oak King beats the Holly King, marking the peak of summer and the strength of the sun's energy.

So grab your favorite witchy or summer books, and read on for some fun ways to celebrate Litha (Summer Solstice)

1. Decorate with Symbols of Litha (Summer Solstice)

Incorporate items such as sun symbols, flowers, herbs, and candles in shades that are represented in nature, especially golds and yellows. Arrange them thoughtfully in your home or consider making your very own altar, even adding your favorite witchy books!

Symbols of Litha:

• Stones/Crystals: carnelian, citrine, moonstone, peridot, ruby, tiger’s eye, sunstone

• Flowers: daisy, elderflower, lavender, rose, sunflower

• Plants: fennel, oak, pine, sage, St. John’s Wort

• Foods: berries, citrus, fresh greens, honey, light wine

• Chakras: Root, Sacral, and Solar Plexus (red, orange, yellow)
  
  

2. Set Intentions for the Season Ahead

Litha is a potent time for setting intentions and planting the seeds of future manifestations. Everything in nature is blooming, growing, and expanding, and as we are a part of nature, we are called to do the same—to reflect and expand our own ideas and desires.

How to Set an Intention

• Take a moment to acknowledge the successes you’ve had so far in the Wheel of the Year.

• Reflect on your goals, dreams, and desires for the coming months.

• Write them down in a journal or on a piece of paper.

• As the sun reaches its peak, visualize your intentions manifesting with clarity and abundance.
  
  

3. Create Flower Crowns

One of the most beloved traditions during this time of year is crafting flower crowns . Gathering fresh flowers and weaving them into a crown celebrates nature's beauty and connects us with the flowering, growing, abundant energy of the season. The flowers are also a soft companion to the strong energy of the sun.

Choose flowers that align with the symbols of Litha (see above) or let your intuition guide you. Wear your flower crown on the solstice, during outdoor gatherings, or simply as a reminder of the abundant blessings of the season.

4. Read Your Favorite Witchy Books

As readers, the longest day of the year just means more reading hours! Some of our favorite witchy books include:

• Circe by Madeline Miller

• A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

• The Ex Hex by Rachel Hawkins

• The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields

• The Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

• Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

• Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart

^{Psssst...LitJoy sells officially licensed bookish gifts inspired by a few of these titles!!}

5. Channel Your Inner Kitchen Witch
   
   

• Make an Elderflower Cordial

Elderflower holds a special place in midsummer traditions, symbolizing wisdom, transformation, and abundance. Celebrate the season with an elderflower cocktail. Combine elderflower cordial (also known as syrup) with sparkling water, lemonade, or your favorite spirits for a refreshing and fragrant drink.

• Brew Sun Tea

Sun tea is made by placing tea bags or loose leaf tea in a jar of water and allowing it to steep in direct sunlight for several hours. The International School of Herbal Arts & Sciences shares several sun tea recipes perfect for the Summer Solstice (Litha).

• Make Sun Water

Depending on what kind of witchy aesthetic you embody, you may have heard of moon water—water charged by the moon’s energy to enhance magic and cleanse energies. But did you know you can also make sun water to harness and work with the energies of the sun?

All you have to do is fill a jar, preferably glass, with water and set it out as soon as the sun rises, then bring it in just before the sun sets.

6. Take a Litha (Summer Solstice) Yoga Class

At the height of summer when the heat is greatest, it's important to find ways to slow down to maintain balance. Yoga is a beautiful way to slow down and honor the energy of the sun while connecting with the rhythm of the earth. Look for a Midsummer or Summer Solstice-themed class or create your own practice.

When creating your own Litha yoga class, make sure to incorporate both active poses, like sun salutations, as a way of greeting the sun and expressing gratitude for its life-giving warmth and abundance, and also restful poses, like supported bridge pose or legs up the wall, to promote rejuvenation, grounding, and cooling. Let your flow cultivate a sense of inner radiance.

7. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset

Witnessing the sunrise and sunset on the summer solstice is a deeply moving experience that connects us to the cycles of nature. Rise early to greet the dawn, perhaps practicing your Summer Solstice flow, and offer prayers or intentions for the day ahead. In the evening, gather with friends or loved ones to watch the sunset, reflecting on the blessings of the season and the beauty of the world around us.

8. Gather Friends for a Bonfire and Dance Under the Stars

As you watch the sun setting with your friends, why not create one of the main symbols of Litha (Summer Solstice)—a bonfire—to gather around? No Litha celebration would be complete without the warmth and camaraderie of a bonfire. Dance, sing, or simply bask in the glow of the flames as you honor the sun's power and welcome the abundance of the season together.

9. Find Midsummer Celebrations in Your Area!

We know this is only a small selection of ways to celebrate Litha (Summer Solstice). There are likely midsummer celebrations in your area, so take a look wherever you find your local events. And remember, it’s Pride month, too! Be on the lookout in case there are Solstice Pride Celebrations in your area! For more ways to celebrate Pride all year round , check out our blog post.

Live near a ceremonial landmark (think Stonehenge or Craigh na Dun from Outlander)? Check out whether they’re offering Summer Solstice gatherings!

Gather your witchy coven, don your flower crowns, and celebrate Litha your own way!

Find Gifts for Witches at LitJoy!

Is all this talk of Litha and Summer Solstice leaving you feeling into your witchy ways? Be sure to take a look at all of the witchy magic already in the LitJoy shop!

And prepare for our Cherry Wallis Green Witch Collection coming soon. It is a nature lover’s cottagecore dream! The collection releases June 26th for our VIP membership group and on the 27th to the public. Become a member and snag your green witch cottagecore favorites before they sell out!