Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Litha"

The sun is high above us shining down upon the land and sea, making things grow and bloom. Great and powerful sun, we honor you this day and thank you for your gifts. Ra, Helios, Sol Invictus, Aten, Svarog, you are known by many names. You are the light over the crops, the heat that warms the earth, the hope that springs eternal, the bringer of life. We welcome you, and we honor you this day, celebrating your light, as we begin our journey once more into the darkness. Wishing you a most joyous Summer Solstice!

Litha is the celebration Summer Solstice. The Solstice is the time when the sun is at the height of its power. It is the longest day of the year, midsummer. This is the time when the gardens are producing fruits and vegetables of summer. Wildlife is flourishing and the trees are covered in green leaves. On this day we celebrate the God at his highest point. He is strong and vibrant. Together with the Goddess who is in her Mother aspect, he rules the summer. However, it is also a time of transition. After Midsummer, the sun begins its yearly descent. The days will get shorter and shorter until the Winter Solstice when it begins its rise to power again. There are two basic myths that accompany the Summer Solstice. The first is the mythology that follows the wheel of the year and the agricultural cycle of the lands. In this myth we see the Sun King who was born at Winter Solstice, now grown to power. He rules the summer, but in the fall will give himself to the land in an endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Goddess, Queen of Summer, is in her Mother aspect, with child. The child, who is also the God, and will be reborn on Winter Solstice. The second common story of the Solstices is that of the Oak King and the Holly King. The Oak King, who came to power at Yule, now engages in battle with his brother, the Holly King. At Litha, the Holly King will emerge victorious and will continue to rule through the dark half of the year until he is again challenged and defeated by the Oak King, who will rule the light half of the year. Midsummer is also a time when it is said that fairies abound. They bring their playfulness and merriment, especially at Midsummer’s Eve. Shakespeare’s popular play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a story of the Queen of the Fairies Titania and her king Oberon, having a bit of fun at the expense of the mortals. How can we celebrate Litha? Decorate with and wear bright colors. Have lots of fresh flowers and candles or fire to honor the summer and the God of the Sun. Hot and Spicy foods honor the heat of the day and fresh fruits and vegetables celebrate the abundance that is available at this time. It is a day to celebrate life and make wishes for the future.

This Ritual shall be performed during the bright, sunny daytime hours. Alternately, it would also be acceptable to begin at precisely the astronomical time that the Summer Solstice actually begins. The exact time that the Sun enters Cancer, marking the precise moment of the beginning of Summer - for 1997 - is 4:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time (check your calendar or almanac for future years). This particular Litha Ritual contains a cleansing/purification of Self, a Pet Blessing, a Re-Dedication Ceremony, and a Consecration of your Magickal Jewelry. Prior to the ritual, prepare a small cloth pouch of herbs, such as lavender and chamomile. As you prepare it, pour into it your troubles, problems, pains, sorrows and illnesses. Place it on your altar for later use. In addition to your basic altar and circle set-up, place the cauldron in front of the altar. To the right of the cauldron, place a red candle, and to the left of the cauldron, place a green candle. Have a cup of fresh spring water ready to place into the cauldron later in the ceremony. Also - if you choose to include a Pet Blessing - have a picture of your pet and his or her Blessing Gift, placed upon the Pentacle. Sweep the area, starting in the North and moving deosil, with your magickal broom to cleanse the Circle area and "sweep away" any lingering negative energies. Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red, West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters. Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with a white or golden yellow altar cloth. For this ceremony, decorate the altar with seasonal flowers - especially sunflowers - although any flowers are fine (silk are also acceptable), along with whatever else feels right. In addition to your usual tools and props, upon the altar should be: Golden Yellow Altar Cloth Prepared Small Cloth Pouch of Herbs, such as Lavender and Chamomile Cauldron, with a cup of fresh Spring Water, ready to place into it later Red Sun God Candle (in holder on the right side of the Cauldron) Green Earth Goddess Candle (in holder on the left side of the Cauldron) Your Pet's Picture Your Pet's Blessing Gift Incense - Summer Blend - any combination of Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Lemon, Pine, Jasmine, Rose, Lotus, or Wysteria When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your Ritual Robe or other Ritual attire. Be sure to wear your Magickal jewelry, if you have any. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the Ritual. Pick up your wand, and with arms upraised, face the South and say: "I celebrate the noon of Summer with this rite held in honor of the Blazing God of the Sun... All of nature vibrates with the fertile energies of the Goddess and the God. The Earth is bathed with the warmth, and light and life of the Sun. The Wheel of the Year turns again... since Yule the light has been growing ever stronger. At Ostara the light finally became greater than the dark, and the light has kept on growing until today, the middle of the time of light, Litha, Midsummer. From here, the light begins to fade again, until once more, the Wheel will turn to darkness and Yule will return. Today the Sun is high, the Light is bright, the Earth is warm. As the Lord of the Sun blazes above, the Fires of my celebration shall flame below." Return the wand to its place on the altar. Light the green candle to the left of the cauldron, saying: "O Green Forest Mother, Meadow Mother, Great One of the Stars and the Moon, Spinner of Fates, I give honor to you, and ask your Blessings here." Light the red candle to the right of the cauldron, saying: "O Great Red Sun God, Forest Father, God of Fertility and Plenty, be here with me now. I give honor to you, and ask your Blessings here." Lift the small pouch of herbs from the altar, hold it aloft, saying: "O fiery Sun, burn away the unuseful, the hurtful, the troublesome, the painful, the sickness, and ill luck. PURIFY ME!" Hold it over the main altar candle to light it afire. When it is burning, drop it into the cauldron, saying: "By the powers of the Great Goddess and the Great God, by the powers of the Great Spirit of All-That-Is, by the powers of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, and by the powers of the Sun, Moon and Stars... I BANISH THESE BANES FROM MY LIFE!" Visualize the negative energies burning away to nothing. When the pouch and the herbs have been consumed by the flames, place the container of water into the cauldron on top of the ashes. Say: "As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new, for this is the sacred cauldron of the Triple Goddess. O Great Mother Goddess, bless this water, so that its touch may bless and renew, even as the rays of the Midsummer Sun nourish and bless all life." Pass your hands and arms between the two candles, over the cauldron, making wishes for luck, health, prosperity, and many other good things for your life. At this time, you may wish to bless pets or other animals in your life by moving the candles out away from the cauldron, and leading each animal between the candle flames, while saying: "By these symbols of the Midsummer bonfires, I do bless this animal friend and companion, (state animal's name), in the ways of my ancestors, that he/she may be blessed with health and goodness throughout his/her years upon the Earth." If desired, place a previously consecrated and blessed amulet around the animal's neck. Kneel before the altar, place a pinch of salt on your tongue, and say: "I, (magickal name), rededicate myself to the Pagan Way, to the Goddess and the God, who together form the Great Spirit, the All-That-Is, whose combined power is strong and vital here. I give my word-bond to follow the ancient paths that lead to true wisdom and knowledge. I will serve the Great Goddess, and give reverence to the Great God. I am a Pagan, a Witch, a Wiccan... a stone of the ancient circle, standing firmly balanced upon the Earth, yet open to the winds of the heavens, and enduring through time. May the Blessed Goddess and God witness my words." Face the North and say: "Behold, O Powers of Earth, Spirits of the North, I, (magickal name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun." Face the East and say: "Behold, O Powers of Air, Spirits of the East, I, (magickal name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun." Face the South and say: "Behold, O Powers of Fire, Spirits of the South, I, (magickal name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun." Face the West and say: "Behold, O Powers of Water, Spirits of the West, I, (magickal name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun." Dip the forefinger of your power hand into the cauldron water, and trace a pentagram, and/or, a crescent moon on your forehead, saying: "Let my mind be open to the truth." Anoint your lips, saying: "Let my lips speak the Truth, except that they be silent among the unbelievers where there may be harm." Anoint your heart, saying: "Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess always." Anoint the centers of your palms, saying: "Let my hands be gifted to work in magickal ways." Anoint the soles of your feet, saying: "Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths." Place your magickal jewelry upon the pentacle, sprinkle it (lightly) with the salted water, then pass it through the flame of the candle and the smoke of the incense. Place it around your neck, saying: "This (these) magickal emblem(s) I shall wear for all things magickal. Bless this (these) pendant(s), O Great Goddess and Great God, that I may be blessed and protected in all ways whenever I shall wear it." Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings you may desire to end your Sun celebration. Good Midsummer spellworkings include: prosperity, fertility, good harvest... When you have finished and you are ready, follow the spellwork (if you performed any) by the Cakes & Ale Ceremony, and finally, Releasing the Circle. Please note this ritual is based on the Northern Hemisphere correspondences of elements and their colors, and directions and so on.

And now here is a verse and some poetry, along with a very nice invocation, and a bit more Summer lore, with proper credit given to each author... Enjoy and May Ye Blessed Be! Summer Solstice - by Rhiannon Cotter Summer Solstice, the longest day, represents a turning point from Spring to Summer during which the Sun God directs the ripening and blossoming of the grain and fruit. Here in the heat of the Summer, the crops are transformed as are our actions, thoughts and plans. All things are tempered by the heat of the Sun. Blossoming and ripening of our works are manifested, or they shrivel and die in the heat. All the while, sexual energy is growing. The Sun God impregnates the Earth Goddess in a sweet "petit mort"---as the cup is to the Goddess, so too is the athame to the God. Midsummer - by JT Midsummer --- Longest day Shortest night Longest light Shortest dark The world within Echoes the world without Lush foliage, leaves unfurled Soft springy grass dotted with Brightly colored flowers peeping through The earth is green and bright With warm sunny days Clear velvety blue skies Gentle cool breezes Nature in glory Our hopes blossom Creativity flowers With the season The seeds of the fruit Our desires will bear Can be seen On the stems Of our dreams Summer Invocation - by Trish Telesco Fireflies and summer sun in circles round we become as one. Singing songs at magick's hour we bring the winds and timeless powers. Turning inward, hand in hand we dance the hearth to heal the land. Standing silent, beneath the sky we catch the fire from out God's eye. Swaying breathless, beside the sea we call the Goddess so mote it be! (This can be used as a chant, part of a spiral dance, or to invoke quarters.) Summer - by Marian Lore Singer Standing midst the Circle I look at faces --- all searching for that special spark that sense of connection which spans all words and worlds. We come together to know the same magic that moved the great stones birthed the dragons and touched even the stars with its mighty song. Together, to sense the power rising within us like the glory of a summer sun until we too sing its timeless ballad. Together, until our souls dance hand in hand with the Lady of Light and Lord of the Fires Rejoicing. (The above "Summer" poem is quoted directly from Llewellyn's 1994 Magical Almanac, page 169, Llewellyn Worldwide Publications, 1993.) Summer Lucky Days - by Patricia Telesco July lucky days: 3, 12, 15, 18, 21, 31... July is the month of prosperity, resolution to difficult situations, and legal successes. As the Sun warms the air, let it warm your heart; if necessary, ask the universe for insight. Focus on these dates when planning authorized activities, magic for financial stability, or to bring peace and accord. August lucky days: 6, 11, 14, 18, 24, 30... Release worries and burdens to a Summer wind and let them move away! These are excellent days for contemplation, peacefulness, and meditation in natural settings. Reclaim your center and be at rest. September lucky days: 1, 8, 16, 17, 25, 27... A month of changeable weather and joyous adventures. These are the best days to consider travel, puttering around the home, a picnic with loved ones, or asking for a promotion. The Sun is slowly starting to wane, so our outdoor pleasures should be filled to overflowing. (The above "Summer Lucky Days" is quoted directly from Llewellyn's 1994 Magical Almanac, page 170, Llewellyn Worldwide Publications, 1993.)

Fruit Salad with Love Spell - Adapted from Recipe by Morgana of Hawaii Make a salad of the below-listed ingredients, concentrating on the love you wish to share. Chant the Spell Incantation as you chop and slice. Fruit Salad Ingredients: 1 cup Mango 1/2 cup Pine Nuts (optional) 1 cup Pineapple, to be cut into bite-size chunks 1 cup Apple, to be cut into bite-size chunks 1 cup Peaches, to be cut into bite-size chunks 2 or 3 Bananas, to be sliced (depending on personal preference) 1 small jar Red Cherries 1/2 cup Coconut (if desired) Spell Incantation: "Fruit of mango, fruit of pine, Let the one I love be mine. Fruit of apple, fruit of peach, Bring him (her) close within my reach. Fruit of banana, fruit of cherry, Let his (her) love for me not vary. As I work my magick spell, Warmly in his (her) heart I dwell. I now invoke the Law of Three: This is my will, so mote it be!" Mingle the fruits and place your hands on either side of the bowl, while visualizing you and your loved one building a life together. Then serve the salad. (The above recipe for "Fruit Salad with Love Spell" is adapted from Morgana of Hawaii's recipe in Scott Cunningham's book "The Magic in Food: Legends, Lore & Spells", page 243, Llewellyn Publications, 1990.) Cauldron Cookies - Recipe by Gerina Dunwich 3/4 cup softened butter 2 cups brown sugar 2 eggs 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind 2 cups flour 1 cup finely chopped pecans Cream the butter in a large cast-iron cauldron (or mixing bowl). Gradually add the brown sugar, beating well. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and rind, and then beat by hand or with an electric mixer until the mixture is well blended. The next step is to stir in the flour and pecans. Cover the cauldron with a lid, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, shape the dough into one-inch balls and place them about three inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake in a 375-degree preheated oven for approximately eight minutes. Remove from the oven and place on wire racks until completely cool. This recipe yields about 36 cookies which can be served at any of the eight Sabbats, as well as at Esbats and all other Witchy get-togethers. (The above recipe for "Cauldron Cookies" is quoted directly from Gerina Dunwich's book "The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes", page 167, A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995) Midsummer Ritual Mead - Recipe by Gerina Dunwich 2-1/2 gallons water (preferably fresh rainwater blessed by a Wiccan priestess or priest) 1 cup meadowsweet herb 1 cup woodruff sprigs 1 cup heather flowers 3 cloves 1 cup honey 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 cup barley malt 1 oz. brewer's yeast Pour the water into a large cauldron or kettle. Bring to a boil and add the meadowsweet herb, woodruff sprigs, heather flowers, and cloves. Boil for one hour and the add the honey, brown sugar, and barley malt. Stir thirteen times in a clockwise direction and then remove from heat. Strain through a cheesecloth and allow the mead to cool to room temperature. Stir in the brewer's yeast. Cover with a clean towel and let it stand for one day and one night. Strain again, bottle, and then store in a cool place until ready to serve. Midsummer Ritual Mead is an ideal drink to serve at Summer Solstice Sabbats, as well as during all Cakes and Ale Ceremonies and Esbats. (The above recipe for "Midsummer Ritual Mead" is quoted directly from Gerina Dunwich's book "The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes", page 172, A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995) Midsummer Oil - Put in soap or anoint candles 5 drops lavender 4 drops rosemary 4 drops rose Add a piece of dried vervain, a small citrine, clear quartz crystal, and a sprinkle of gold glitter. So magical and beautiful! Summer Solstice Ritual Potpourri - Recipe by Gerina Dunwich 45 drops lemon or lavender oil 1 cup oak moss 2 cups dried lavender 2 cups dried wisteria 2 cups dried verbena Mix the lemon or lavender oil with the oak moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container. (The above recipe for "Summer Solstice Ritual Potpourri" is quoted directly from Gerina Dunwich's book "The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes", page 162, A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995) Midsummer Incense - Recipes by Scott Cunningham Midsummer Incense #1: 2 parts Sandalwood 1 part Mugwort 1 part Chamomile 1 part Gardenia petals a few drops Rose oil a few drops Lavender oil a few drops Yarrow oil Burn at Wiccan rituals at the Summer Solstice (circa June 21st) or at that time to attune with the seasons and the Sun. Midsummer Incense #2: 3 parts Frankincense 2 parts Benzoin 1 part Dragon's Blood 1 part Thyme 1 part Rosemary 1 pinch Vervain a few drops Red Wine Another like the above. (The above recipe for "Midsummer Incense" is quoted directly from Scott Cunningham's book "The Complete Book of Incenses, Oils & Brews", page 80, Llewellyn Publications, 1989/1992.) Vegetarian Litha Lasagna Ingredients 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained 1/2 cup apple juice 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 8 oz. package sliced mushrooms 2 large zucchini, shredded 2 green peppers, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups chopped fresh spinach 1 teaspoon basil 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1 15 oz. container ricotta cheese 1 cup cottage cheese 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce 1 cup mozzarella cheese Directions 1) Preheat oven to 425° F 2) Grease 13x9 inch baking pan. 3) In a large skillet, bring apple juice to a boil over medium heat. 4) Add onion; cook 3 minutes stirring frequently. 5) Add mushrooms, zucchini, green pepper and salt; cook 5 minutes stirring occasionally. 6) Add spinach, basil, and oregano; cook 2 minutes. 7) Remove from heat and drain well. 8) In medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese; mix well. 9) Place 3 noodles in bottom of baking dish, top with 1/3 ricotta mixture and 1/3 vegetable mixture. 10) Repeat 2 more times. Top with remaining 3 noodles, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. 11) Cover with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges. 12) Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 8 adult servings. Litha Sun Cookies Ingredients 3/4 cup softened butter 2 cups brown sugar 2 eggs 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoon grated lemon rind 2 cups sifted flour 1 cup finely chopped pecans Directions 1) Cream butter in a large non-metallic mixing bowl. Gradually add the brown sugar, mixing well. 2) Add eggs, lemon juice, and rind. Mix well. 3) Cover bowl with a white or yellow towel or cloth napkin, and refrigerate overnight. 4) Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place approximately 3 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375F (190C, Gas Mark 5) for about 20 minutes. 5) Cool on racks. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Dance, Lady, Dance Dance, Lady, dance--on the Oak King's tomb, Where he lies half a year in thy quiet womb. Dance, Lady, dance--at the Holly King's birth, Who has slain his twin for the love of Earth. Dance, Lady, dance--to the Sun God's power And his touch of gold on field and flower. Dance, Lady, dance--in the Silver Wheel, Where the Oak King rests, his wounds to heal. Dance, Lady, dance--for the Holly King's reign, Till his brother the Oak shall rise again. Dance, Lady, dance--in the moonlit sky To the Threefold Name men know thee by. Dance, Lady, dance--on the turning Earth For the Birth that is Death, and the Death that is Birth. Dance, Lady, dance--to the Sun on high, For his burning splendour, too, must die. Dance, Lady, dance--to the year's long tide, For through all change must thou abide. --From Janet and Stewart Farrar's A Witches' Bible

Litha The Sun shines strong upon the ground, Nature’s abundance grows all around, Gently nourished by summer rain, Apples, Oats, Wheat and Grain, Promises of bounty, time reveals, And On and On turns the Wheel! The Horned One walks the bright Greenwood, Rare glimpses seen make all feel good! His Power once again at its Height, Together with the shortness of night, Summertime joy is all we feel! And On and On turns the Wheel! Hot and humid it begins to oppress, All life moves less and less, Thunders’ rumble taints the air, The weather turns a lot less fair! Lightning flash and Thunders Peel, And On and On turns the Wheel! Summer storms pass swiftly by, And once again time doth fly, Soon will come Harvest Time, Wheat become bread, Grape become Wine! A bounty taken to provide a meal, And On and On turns the Wheel! Still to come a last farewell, Death embraced as He fell, Blood freely given falls to the floor, Sacrifice ensures life once more! This Land again now will Heal, And On and On turns the Wheel!

Purpose Rededication to the Lord and Lady, beginning of the harvest, honoring the Sun God, honoring the pregnant Goddess Dynamics/Meaning Crowning of the Sun God, death of the Oak King, assumption of the Holly King, end the ordeal of the Green Man Tools, Symbols & Decorations The sun, oak, birch & fir branches, sun flowers, lilies, red/maize/yellow or gold flower, love amulets, seashells, summer fruits & flowers, feather/flower door wreath, sun wheel, fire, circles of stone, sun dials and swords/blades, bird feathers, Witches' ladder. Colors Blue, green, gold, yellow and red. Customs Bonfires, processions, all night vigil, singing, feasting, celebrating with others, cutting divining rods, dowsing rods & wands, herb gathering, handfastings, weddings, Druidic gathering of mistletoe in oak groves, needfires, leaping between two fires, mistletoe (without berries, use as a protection amulet), women walking naked through gardens to ensure continued fertility, enjoying the seasonal fruits & vegetables, honor the Mother's fullness, richness and abundance, put garlands of St. John’s Wort placed over doors/ windows & a sprig in the car for protection. Goddesses Mother Earth, Mother Nature, Venus, Aphrodite, Yemaya, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar, all Goddesses of love, passion, beauty and the Sea, and Pregnant, lusty Goddesses, Green Forest Mother; Great One of the Stars, Goddess of the Wells Gods Father Sun/Sky, Oak King, Holly King, Arthur, Gods at peak power and strength. Animals/Mythical Beings Wren, robin, horses, cattle, satyrs, faeries, firebird, dragon, thunderbird Gemstones Lapis lazuli, diamond, tiger’s eye, all green gemstones, especially emerald and jade Herbs Anise, mugwort, chamomile, rose, wild rose, oak blossoms, lily, cinquefoil, lavender, fennel, elder, mistletoe, hemp, thyme, larkspur, nettle, wisteria, vervain ( verbena), St. John’s wort, heartsease, rue, fern, wormwood, pine, heather, yarrow, oak & holly trees Incense/Oil Heliotrope, saffron, orange, frankincense & myrrh, wisteria, cinnamon, mint, rose, lemon, lavender, sandalwood, pine Rituals/Magicks Nature spirit/fey communion, planet healing, divination, love & protection magicks. The battle between Oak King, God of the waxing year & Holly King, God of the waning year (can be a ritual play), or act out scenes from the Bard’s (an incarnation of Merlin) "A Midsummer Night’s Dream", rededication of faith, rites of inspiration. Foods Honey, fresh vegetables, lemons, oranges, summer fruits, summer squash, pumpernickel bread, ale, carrot drinks, mead.

Also known as Summer Solstice, Litha, Alban Hefin, Sun Blessing, Gathering Day, Feill-Sheathain, Whit Sunday, Whitsuntide, Vestalia, Thing-tide, St. John's Day In addition to the four great festivals of the Pagan Celtic year, there are four lesser holidays as well: the two solstices, and the two equinoxes. In folklore, these are referred to as the four 'quarter-days' of the year, and modern Witches call them the four 'Lesser Sabbats', or the four 'Low Holidays'. The Summer Solstice is one of them. Litha is usually celebrated on June 21st, but varies somewhat from the 20th to the 23rd, dependent upon the Earth's rotation around the Sun. According to the old folklore calendar, Summer begins on Beltane (May 1st) and ends on Lughnassadh (August 1st), with the Summer Solstice midway between the two, marking MID-Summer. This makes more logical sense than suggesting that Summer begins on the day when the Sun's power begins to wane and the days grow shorter. The most common other names for this holiday are the Summer Solstice or Midsummer, and it celebrates the arrival of Summer, when the hours of daylight are longest. The Sun is now at the highest point before beginning its slide into darkness. Humanity has been celebrating Litha and the triumph of light since ancient times. On the Wheel of the Year Litha lies directly across from Yule, the shortest day of the calendar year, that cold and dark winter turning when days begin to lengthen and humanity looks wistfully toward warmth, sunlight and growing things. Although Litha and Yule are low holidays or lesser sabats in the ancient parlance, they are celebrated with more revel and merriment than any other day on the wheel except perhaps Samhain (my own favorite). The joyous rituals of Litha celebrate the verdant Earth in high summer, abundance, fertility, and all the riches of Nature in full bloom. This is a madcap time of strong magic and empowerment, traditionally the time for handfasting or weddings and for communication with the spirits of Nature. At Litha, the veils between the worlds are thin; the portals between "the fields we know" and the worlds beyond stand open. This is an excellent time for rites of divination. Those who celebrated Litha did so wearing garlands or crowns of flowers, and of course, their millinery always included the yellow blossoms of St. John's Wort. The Litha rites of the ancients were boisterous communal festivities with morris dancing, singing, storytelling, pageantry and feasting taking place by the village bonfire and torch lit processions through the villages after dark. People believed that the Litha fires possessed great power, and that prosperity and protection for oneself and one's clan could be earned merely by jumping over the Litha bonfire. It was also common for courting couples joined hands and jump over the embers of the Litha fire three times to ensure a long and happy marriage, financial prosperity and many children. Even the charred embers from the Litha bonfire possessed protective powers - they were charms against injury and bad weather in harvest time, and embers were commonly placed around fields of grain and orchards to protect the crops and ensure an abundant reaping. Other Litha customs included carrying an ember of the Litha fire home and placing it on one's hearth and decking one's home with birch, fennel, St. John's Wort, orpin, and white lilies for blessing and protection. The Litha Sabbat is a time to celebrate both work and leisure, it is a time for children and childlike play. It is a time to celebrate the ending of the waxing year and the beginning of the waning year, in preparation for the harvest to come. Midsummer is a time to absorb the Sun's warming rays and it is another fertility Sabbat, not only for humans, but also for crops and animals. Wiccans consider the Goddess to be heavy with pregnancy from the mating at Beltane - honor is given to Her. The Sun God is celebrated as the Sun is at its peak in the sky and we celebrate His approaching fatherhood - honor is also given to Him. The faeries abound at this time and it is customary to leave offerings - such as food or herbs - for them in the evening. Although Litha may seem at first glance to be a masculine observance and one which focuses on Lugh, the day is also dedicated to the Goddess, and Her flowers are the white blossoms of the elder.