Litha: A Sun-Kissed Season of Magic & Growth
Hey there, sunshine!
Have you been feeling the urge to slow down and soak up the vibes of the season lately? If so, you're definitely not alone! There’s something truly magical about the energy of early summer, bright, warm, and full of life. That’s what we call Litha, a wonderful time of year when we get to celebrate the sun.
And here’s the best part: I do not subscribe to the idea that Litha is just a single day. I look at it as a season! So, if the official solstice (which usually falls between June 20 and June 22) slipped by while you were busy enjoying iced coffee and soaking up the sun, don’t worry! Litha is a beautiful chapter in our year, not just a day on the calendar.
Let’s dive into what Litha is all about, how people have celebrated it through the ages, and how you can make this sunny season your very own special time!
What Is Litha?
Litha (pronounced LEE-tha or LIT-uh) is a wonderful celebration marking the summer solstice, the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s all about the sun shining at its peak, bringing us a burst of energy before we gently transition back toward the cozy shadows of fall.
The name Litha comes from Old English and means “gentle” or “navigable,” reflecting the calm seas and warm golden days that this season brings.
But Litha is more than just a moment in the sky; it’s a lively season full of growth, vitality, and gratitude. Nature is buzzing with life, herbs are at their best, bees are dancing around, and it’s the perfect time for us to celebrate all the wonderful things growing in our lives, both literally and metaphorically!
The Mythic Story Behind the Light
At the heart of Litha lore is the ancient tale of the Oak King and the Holly King. These two brothers, or aspects of the same god, depending on the version, take turns ruling the year. At Yule, the Oak King is born and gradually gains strength. By Litha, he reaches his peak, after which his power begins to wane as the Holly King rises to prominence. [Read More Here]
This narrative beautifully symbolizes balance; even in the fullness of light, we recognize that darkness has its place. Litha invites us to embrace this duality with open arms.
Some traditions honor the Sun God, such as Helios, Apollo, or Ra, at his most radiant. In contrast, others celebrate the Goddess, who is full and pregnant with the promise of the coming harvest, which serves as a living metaphor for creation, abundance, and potential.
Goddesses like Freya, Hathor, Ishtar, and Aphrodite are often honored during Litha for their connections to fertility, love, beauty, and the rhythms of nature.
Correspondences & Seasonal Symbols
Everything in nature pulses with meaning, and during Litha, the symbolism is abundant.
Colors: Gold, yellow, orange, white, red, green, sky blue
Elements: Fire (sun, transformation) and Air (breath, inspiration)
Astrological Sign: Cancer (the nurturing moon-child, reminding us to care for ourselves as we bloom)
Moon Phase: Litha often falls during or just after the Full Moon, emphasizing fullness and emotional clarity
Tarot Cards: The Sun, The Empress, Ace of Wands, Six of Cups
Crystals: Sunstone, citrine, carnelian, emerald, tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli
Herbs: St. John’s Wort, lavender, mugwort, basil, rosemary, mint, yarrow
Flowers: Sunflower, daisy, honeysuckle
Symbols: Sun wheels, floral wreaths, bonfires, oak leaves, solar sigils
These correspondences are your allies for ritual, altar-building, crafting, and just soaking in the vibe.
Popular Litha Traditions
There’s no “one right way” to celebrate Litha, so please release any pressure to do it perfectly. The magic is in being present. Here are some traditions to inspire your solar season rituals:
Bonfire Blessings
Historically, Litha bonfires were lit to honor the sun, offer protection, and bring fertility to the land. Some would leap over the flames as a symbolic act of courage and cleansing. (No need to jump over literal fire. Unless you are brave and at a safe, supervised gathering.)
Modern twist: Write something you’re ready to release on a slip of paper and toss it into a small fire-safe dish. Watch the smoke carry it away.
Midsummer Herb Harvest
Folklore tells us that herbs gathered during Litha are extra potent, especially around noon when the sun is highest. Lavender, mugwort, and St. John’s Wort are favorites. Hang them to dry, steep them in oil, or tie bundles for smoke cleansing.
Flower Crowns & Sun Wheels
Weave a flower crown to wear during your ritual or outdoor celebration. Craft a sun wheel using branches, herbs, and ribbons as a symbol of turning the Wheel of the Year. (Check out this post for a Golden Thread Weaving for Litha)
Sun Jar Spell
Create a “jar of sunlight” using a clear jar, yellow ribbon, sun-charged crystals, and affirmations. Keep it on your altar or windowsill as a reminder of your inner light.
Solar Mantras & Affirmations for Litha
Choose one to repeat during your ritual, write in your journal, or whisper at sunrise:
“I shine with the light of my becoming.”
“I honor the fire within and around me.”
“As the sun rises high, so does my spirit.”
“I am in bloom, in power, and in peace.”
“From this fullness, I give thanks and let go.”
Simple At-Home Litha Ritual
No extravagant items are required. All that is needed is intention, a little light, and your spirit of celebration.
You’ll need:
A gold or yellow candle
A small bowl of water
Fresh flowers or herbs
A piece of paper and a pen
A quiet space (indoors or outside)
Ritual Steps:
Light your candle and take three deep breaths.
Speak aloud:
“I light this flame to honor the sun at its peak and the light within and around me.”
Name three things you’re grateful for.
Write down one thing you’d like to release and one thing you’d like to grow.
Burn or tear the “release” paper safely.
Place the “grow” intention under the bowl of water or in your sun jar.
Close with:
“As above, so below. As within, so without. I walk in light and gratitude.”
A Season, Not a Deadline
Let’s break the myth that Litha has to happen on the solstice or not at all. The energy of Litha flows from mid-to-late June through early July. You can stretch your celebration across multiple days or a whole moon cycle. Think of it as a season of sunshine rather than a single ritual moment.
Did you miss the exact solstice? No biggie. You’re right on time.
A Litha Checklist
Here’s a little cheat sheet to help you make the most of this season:
Light a candle and speak your solar mantra
Create a flower crown or wreath
Make a sun jar or fire bowl spell
Harvest herbs or plant something
Dance, stretch, or sit in the sun with gratitude
Journal about what you’re growing (emotionally, creatively, spiritually)
Final Thoughts
Litha reminds us that we, too, are made of sunlight. That we can stand in our full power and still acknowledge the coming shift. Blooming is messy and magical, and it’s okay to glow in our own time, in our own way.
So, however you choose to celebrate, whether through ritual, rest, play, or a barefoot walk through a park, know that the light of this season shines within you.
Happy Litha, dear soul.
May the sun kiss your cheeks, may your spirit feel nourished, and may you remember you are radiant.