Grimorie/ Book of shadows

Litha

Litha    (This year: June 20th, 2024)

-----

HISTORY

Litha is a pagan holiday; one of their eight sabbats during the year. Litha (also known as Midsummer) occurs on the summer solstice, and celebrates the beginning of summer. For modern day pagans, Litha is a day of inner power and brightness. Some people find a quiet spot and meditate about the light and dark forces in their world. 

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, and in some traditions, Litha is when a battle between light and dark takes place. In this battle, the Oak King and the Holly King battle for control. During each solstice, they battle for power, and the balance shifts. The Oak King, who represents daylight, rules from the winter solstice (yule) to Litha. During this time, the days steadily get longer. However, during Litha, the Holly King wins this battle, and the days get steadily darker until Yule.

Throughout history, Litha has been accompanied by various customs and rituals. Gathering medicinal herbs and plants believed to be more potent during this time is a common practice. These herbs are used in rituals and potions for health and protection. Another tradition is the construction of sunwheels, which are wheels adorned with flowers and set on fire. Rolling the wheel down a hill signifies the descent of the sun and the turning of the wheel of life.

_________________________________________

ASSOCIATIONS

Colors: orange, yellow, red, gold, white, blue, green

Crystals: Sunstone, peridot, citrine, moss agite, jade, amber, tigers eye, clear quartz

Herbs/incense/oils/plants: Lavender, orange, lily, sunflower, sage, cedar, rose, chamomile, rue, calendula, marigold, Frankincense , myrrh

Food: fresh vegetables, summer fruit, mead wine, juice

Themes: The sun, fire, feasts, dancing, sun tea, honey, lemon/oranges, flowers

Animals: horses, cattle, bees, butterflies, robins, wrens, sea creatures

_________________________________________

IDEAS TO CELEBRATE

-Make flower crowns

-Have a bon fire

-Light candles

-Do a simmer pot

-Do spells that correspond with litha

-Do rituals that correspond with litha

-Have a picnic

-Go on a walk

-Sun bathe

-Watch sunset/ sunrise

-Make/redo alter

-Make a litha bowl/ jar

-Do a bath ritual

-Use tarot cards

-Plant a garden/ plants

-Take care of garden/ plants

-Make sun water

-Make bread

-Make flower wreath

_________________________________________

ALTER IDEAS

-Candles

-Herbs

-Incense

-Fresh flowers

-Sun water

-Summer fruits or veggies (strawberries. oranges, lemons, etc)