Welcome to the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice this year is on June 21st, and will mark the first day of summer. The Solstice or Litha is the longest day of the year, and has the shortest night, so make sure you get some time outside to take advantage of the extra daylight hours.
The Sun King is at the height of his power on this day, and is a prominent figure in the Litha celebrations. But from this point forward, the days will slowly begin to loose light as we move closer to the Fall Equinox and the Winter Solstice.
Even if you’ve never participated in Summer Solstice celebrations or rituals before, its not hard to get started. Check out some of these easy and fun ideas and get inspired!
Easy & Fun Summer Solstice Rituals:
Host a Barbecue!
Litha is a fire festival so there’s no better way to celebrate than to light up the grill, eat some good food and gather together with your favorite people.
Create an altar
Honor this special time of year by creating a space that celebrates the season. Use symbols and colors associated with the Solstice to design your own sacred space. Have fun, be inspired and make it beautiful!
Make a Solar Wheel
In the good old days these were wagon wheels stuffed with hay that were set on fire and rolled down a hill. If it made it to the bottom without falling over then the coming harvest would be a good one. If it fell over…not so much. We can’t really do this in modern times, but you can still create one from vines or cardboard and burn it in an enclosed fire receptacle to release negative energy from your life.
Have a beach bonfire
Celebrate fire with fire! Litha Marks the beginning of summer and this is a perfect time to revel in longer days and the freedom that marks this time of year. Don’t live near the ocean? Make your own bonfire (somewhere safe of course) or use the fire pit in your backyard. Toasted marshmallows optional!
Crown yourself
A traditional activity for the Summer Solstice is to make a flower crown. You can use whatever you find growing naturally or head to the flower shop to pick out something special. Wear it all day and feel like a beautiful fairy queen.
Summer Solstice Correspondences & Symbols:
Colors: Reds, Yellows & Golds (anything fiery since this is a sun celebration)
Flowers: Sunflowers, Roses
Scents: Frankincense, Sandalwood, Lavender, Pine
Decorations & Symbols: Sun dials, seashells, bird feathers, summer fruits (ie: cherries, peaches, strawberries)
Mystical Activities: Nature Spirit Communications & Divination
Spell Work: Healing, Growth, Protection & Empowerment