Litha, otherwise known as the Summer Solstice, brings about the longest day of the year. From now until Yule the world will fade into darkness, as it took the form of light from last Yule until this time. It is a neverending circle, and we prepare for it. In the land of mythology and Gods and Goddesses this marks the death of the Sun King and the crowning of the Holly King, who will take over until Yule, with the same result (the fading of light).
The actual date of Litha varies from year-to-year, but usually falls on June 20 or 21.
Also celebrated is Midsummer Eve, the day when the Faerie Realm is most strongly connected to our own. You may have heard this before, perhaps you've seen the picture entitled "Midsummer Eve" (its a favorite among pagan webcrafters, so chances are you've seen it!). So, on Midsummer's Eve we honor the Faerie Realm (if you don't believe in the actual little beings, believe in their spirit, it is so much more fun that way!) and then, on the morning of the Solstice, we rejoice in the season of abundance even as we mourn the passing of the Oak (Sun) King.
The Colors of Litha include gold and green. They represent the sun and the forest, and also the Faerie Fire Magic. Other colors include sea green and red
Incenses, Herbs and Woods used include rose, violet, fir and cedar, as well as other full flavors. Tangerine and frankincense also work well. St. John's wort is one of the most popular herbs associated with Litha. Also connected with the holiday: basil, parsley, mint, thyme, fern, vervain and lavender. Woods of Litha include oak, fir, mistletoe and holly.
Midsummer's fires were, instead of using nine sacred woods, were kindled of oak and fir. Midsummer fires were used much like the balefires, to hex the cattle for health and safety, to drive away baneful influences and they also represented the power of the sun at its zenith.
The Summer Tree is one Litha custom which involves the cutting down of a fir tree and decorating it in ways similar to the Yule Tree. Decorations include ribbons, colored eggs, hoops, bows, garlands of flowers and bells. On the night of Litha, the summer tree was thrown into the fire and burned.
Honey (which is enjoyed at Litha) has a long history of sacred correlations and is connected to many goddesses. The bee is sacred not only to the Great Mother, but to Mielikki, Cybele, Hannahannas, Freya and a number of flower-goddesses.
Mead is a typical Litha brew and is a mixture of honey, yeast and water. Maser is mead with the addition of fruit. Metheglin is mead with the addition of spices/herbs. If mead has both spices and fruit added to it, the result is still called metheglin.
Protection Charms of Midsummer can be made by harvesting a small sprig of rowan tree or mistletoe and tying a red ribbon around the branch. Charge by visualizing protective energy and focusing it into the wood (both contain protective energy), then hang the charm in your doorway or over a window. Ask the Goddess to help protect your house or car.
Food! There are many great recipes that can be created for your Litha feast, here is a recipe for a Herbed Butter to put on your corn or biscuits.
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon tarragon
1 teaspoon spearmint
1 teaspoon basil
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 cup softened butter
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. When hot, add herbs and zest. Saute for five minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Using spatula, incorporate olive oil and herb mixture into butter, stirring to thoroughly blend.
Serve with corn or biscuits. Yum! I want to make this right now!
Have a beautiful Midsummer!
