The Book of Shadows of a Broom Closet Dweller *EDITING*

Sabbat: Litha

21st June - Summer Solstice

Here we are, we have arrived at the longest day and the shortest night of the year. The Goddess is now full and pregnant with Child, and the Sun God is at the height of His virility. This is the peak of the Solar year and the Sun is at the height of its life-giving power. The Earth is awash with fertility and fulfilment and this is a time of joy and celebration, of expansiveness and the celebration of achievements.

Yet within this climax is the whisper and promise of a return to the Dark. As the Light reaches its peak so this is also the moment when the power of the Sun begins to wane. From now on the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer and we are drawn back into the Dark to complete the Wheel of the Year.

At this time the God, as Oak King, is rich in abundance, but he too surrenders his reign to his brother twin, the Holly King, and the descent begins. But before we welcome the return to the Dark side of the year, and acknowledge this great turning point of the Wheel, we celebrate!

Source: www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/litha

Although the name Litha is not well attested, it may come from Saxon tradition - the opposite of Yule. On this longest day of the year, light and life are abundant. At mid-summer, the Sun God has reached the moment of his greatest strength. Seated on his greenwood throne, he is also lord of the forests, and his face is seen in church architecture peering from countless foliate masks.

The Christian religion converted this day of Jack-in-the-Green to the Feast of St. John the Baptist, often portraying him in rustic attire, sometimes with horns and cloven feet (like the Greek Demi-God Pan)

Midsummer Night's Eve is also special for adherents of the Faerie faith. The alternative fixed calendar date of June 25 (Old Litha) is sometimes employed by Covens.  

Herbs and Flowers:
Mugwort, Vervain, Chamomile, Rose, Honeysuckle, Lily, Oak, Lavender, Ivy, Yarrow, Fern, Elder, Wild Thyme, Daisy, Carnation.

Incense:
Lemon, Myrrh, Pine, Rose, Wisteria.

Woods Burned:
Oak

Sacred Gemstone:
Emerald

Source: https://wicca.com/celtic/akasha/litha.htm

How to celebrate Litha

> Set up a temporary altar (or redecorate your permanent one); Use sun colours (gold, yellow, orange, white), use oak leaves, herbs, flowers and grasses that are so very available at this time.
> Cook with homegrown fruit and vegetables
> Reaffirm your vows to the Lord and Lady or your dedication to following the old traditions.
> Make a bonfire; at Litha the bonfire represents a reflection of the Sun at the peak of its strength.
> Visit an oak tree; The Oak King who has ruled the waxing of the year represents strength, courage and endurance. The Celtic name for Oak is 'Duir' which means 'doorway' - we are crossing the threshold, entering the doorway into the second, waning part of the year.
> Buy local honey
> Feed sugary water to bees