Sun Goddesses

Litha--The Summer Solstice
b y Fiana Sidhe

The Summer Solstice is a time of Fire and Water. It is the longest day of the year and a time for celebrating growth, abundance, strength, and the year's climax. It is also a time to focus on mental clarity and physical strength. Love, healing and protection magic are also appropriate to do on Litha.

Bonfires are lit on Litha to honor the sun in its full glory. Traditions suggest leaping over the fire or dancing around it for purification and renewed energy. Another tradition suggests throwing a wreath in the fire, while making a wish. The Summer fires are usually lit with Oak to honor the Thunder Gods and the Hearth Goddess Hestia.

Items to place on your altar in honor of this Sabbat are roses, lilies, other summer flowers, and fresh fruit. The traditional colors for the Summer Solstice are red, yellow, orange, and white. Flower garlands are worn and used as decorations for this Sabbat. In some traditions, the Summer Solstice is seen mainly as a masculine Sabbat, but there are many Sun
Goddesses to honor on this day as well.

References:
Wisewomen's Guide, by Elisabeth Brooke
The Family Wicca Book, by Ashleen O'Gaea
Celtic Women's Spirituality, by Edain McCoy
Wicca, A Guide for the Solitary Practioner, by Scott Cunningham