Sabbat Series: Litha

Litha, which is also known as Midsummer, occurs on the summer solstice each year which falls somewhere around June 20th to June 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, depending on the year. This sabbat is one of the “quarter days,” which refers to the four sabbats that celebrate the equinoxes and the solstices.

These Sabbats are also referred to as the “Lesser Sabbats” or the “Low Holidays.” Litha occurs on the day that the sun reaches its highest point, and from this moment forward, the days will grow shorter until Yule. Because of this, Litha is known as a battle between light and dark.

This battle is personified in the battle between the Oak King (Light) and the Holly King (Dark). At each solstice, these twin gods battle for control. On this solstice, the Holly King wins, and the days begin to grow shorter until Yule.

Litha is also a time that is symbolic of the impregnated Goddess as Mother Earth is ripe with fertility and the world is in full bloom. Simultaneously, the God’s at the height of his power, be it in the form of the Sun God or Green Man.

While Litha is a solar-oriented Sabbat, it also represents the balance of the elements Fire and Water. This is an acknowledgment of the fact that water promotes growth much like the watering of crops produces new life.

Flowers are also deeply symbolic of this Sabbat as they represent the nature of the Sabbat: growth, life, and abundance. Along with this, herbs are at the height of their power, and this is a good time to collect them for later use.

In fact, magic itself is considered to be at its most potent during this time.

How is Litha Celebrated?

The best way to celebrate Litha is to get outdoors: bask in the sunlight, visit the beach or a body of water, and connect with the elements of nature.

Rituals can be performed at high noon this day or sunrise to connect with the solar energy of this sabbat. This is also a perfect time to charge your crystals in the sun. Because of the solar emphasis of this sabbat and the corresponding element of fire, a bonfire is also a particularly good way to celebrate this holiday.

You could also celebrate Litha through crafts as this would be a great time to make a floral crown out of midsummer flowers or to make your own suncatcher in honor of the solar presence.

What To Put on Your Altar:

✹ Gods Eyes

✹ Sun Representations

✹ Symbols of Light & Dark

✹ Bright Candles

✹ Bright Altar Clothes

✹ Flowers