About Litha: A Guide to the Symbolism of the Wiccan Sabbat

a guide to the symbolism of the Wiccan Sabbat

by Arwynn MacFeylynnd

Date: June 20-23 (usually, the date of the calendar summer solstice).

Alternative names: Summer Solstice, Midsummer, Midsummer’s Eve, Alban Heruin, Alban Hefin, Gathering Day, Vestalia, La Festa dell’Estate (Summer Fest), the Day of the Green Man.

Primary meanings:  This Sabbat celebrates the abundance and beauty of the Earth. From this day on, the days will wane, growing shorter and shorter until Yule. It is a time to absorb the Sun’s warming rays, and to celebrate the ending of the waxing year and beginning of the waning year in preparation for the harvest to come. Midsummer is another fertility Sabbat, not only for humans, but also for crops and animals. This is a time to celebrate work and leisure, to appreciate children and childlike play and to look internally at the seeds you’ve planted that should be at full bloom. Some people believe that at twilight on this day, the portals between worlds open and the faery folk pass into our world; welcome them on this day to receive their blessings.

Symbols: Fire, the Sun, blades, mistletoe, oak trees, balefires, Sun wheels, summertime flowers (especially sunflowers), summer fruits, seashells and faeries. If you made Sun wheels at Imbolc, display them now prominently, hanging from the ceiling or on trees in your yard. You may want to decorate them with yellow and gold ribbons and summer herbs.

Colors: White, red, maize yellow or golden yellow, green, blue and tan.

Gemstones: All green gemstones, especially emerald and jade, and also tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli and diamond.

Herbs: Chamomile, cinquefoil, copal, elder, fennel, fern, frankincense, galangal, heliotrope, hemp, larkspur, laurel, lavender, lemon, mistletoe, mugwort, oak, pine, roses, saffron, St. John’s wort, sandalwood, thyme, verbena, wisteria and ylang-ylang. Herbs gathered on this day are said to be extremely powerful.

Gods and goddesses: All father gods and mother goddesses, pregnant goddesses and Sun deities. Particular emphasis might be placed on the goddesses Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar and Venus and other goddesses who preside over love, passion and beauty. Other Litha deities include the goddesses Athena, Artemis, Dana, Kali, Isis and Juno and the gods Apollo, Ares, Dagda, Gwydion, Helios, Llew, Oak/Holly King, Lugh, Ra, Sol, Zeus, Prometheus and Thor.

Customs and myths: One way to express the cycle of the Earth’s fertility that has persisted from early pagan to modern times is the myth of the Oak King and the Holly King, gods respectively of the Waxing and Waning Year. The Oak King rules from Midwinter to Midsummer, the period of fertility, expansion and growth, and the Holly King reigns from Midsummer to Midwinter, the period of harvest, withdrawal and wisdom. They are light and dark twins, each being the other’s alternate self, thus being one. Each represents a necessary phase in the natural rhythm; therefore, both are good. At the two changeover points, they symbolically meet in combat. The incoming twin — the Oak King at Midwinter, the Holly King at Midsummer — “slays” the outgoing one. But the defeated twin is not considered dead — he has merely withdrawn during the six months of his brother’s rule.

On Midsummer Night, it is said that field and forest elves, sprites and faeries abound in great numbers, making this a great time to commune with them. Litha is considered a time of great magickal power, one of the best times to perform magicks of all kinds. Especially effective magick and spells now include those for love, healing and prosperity. Wreaths can be made for your door with yellow feathers for prosperity and red feathers for sexuality, intertwined and tied together with ivy. This is also a very good time to perform blessings and protection spells for pets or other animals.

Nurturing and love are key actions related to Midsummer. Litha is a good time to perform a ceremony of self-dedication or rededication to your spiritual path as a part of your Sabbat celebration. Ritual actions for Litha include placing a flower-ringed cauldron upon your altar, gathering and drying herbs, plunging the sword (or athamé) into the cauldron and leaping the balefire (bonfire) for purification and renewed energy. Considered taboo on this holiday are giving away fire, sleeping away from home and neglecting animals.

Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, June 21

Today feels like the calm before a storm and we can see the intensity building on the horizon. It’s difficult to know if we’re turning our stories into melodramas because the hypersensitive Cancer Moon stirs up deep feelings. Thankfully, our actions speak louder than words now as talkative Mercury forms a supportive sextile with just-do-it Mars. The Moon’s shift into expressive Leo at 11:47 pm EDT sets the stage for a more dramatic day tomorrow.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Problems could arise from your natural desire to initiate action too quickly. You want to make something magical happen now, but may be uncertain about how to best move forward. If your inner voice suggests that you shouldn’t start anything yet, you are better off waiting. Don’t overcompensate by pushing your agenda even harder. Go with the flow and let your progress unfold on its own schedule.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You have a lot to say now, but after thoughtful consideration you may decide that it’s smarter to listen than to rant. Even if you have a busy day ahead of you, spending some time quietly amongst family and friends feels nourishing to your soul. Instead of only pursuing your ambitions today, find contentment in the peaceful safety of your own home. No matter how much you have to do, make time to nurture those you love.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You want to surround yourself with people who are just as busy as you are today, but it’s also smart to schedule some time to be alone. You could benefit from unplugging for a while and tuning into your inner wisdom. However, you cannot take time off until you complete your chores at work, so concentrate on getting things done early in the day. Replenishing your soul is just as important as meeting your obligations.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Rather than spending your entire day chasing after details at work, find a place to stretch out, catch a little sun, read a book and enjoy a bit of relaxation. Even if you have an important project to finish, the Sun and the Moon in nurturing Cancer encourage you to escape for a while to revitalize your soul. Don’t worry about meeting everyone else’s expectations; your current performance will be more than sufficient as long as you return to your work with a positive attitude.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Your desires are growing stronger, and although they’re still deep beneath the surface, the idea of sharing them with someone you trust is exciting. Often you roaring Lions are straight up with your emotions and tell it as it is, but you may be overtaken by a more secretive mood today. Thankfully, there’s no need to deny your feelings because your inner experience can be quite enriching now without saying anything about it at all.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Getting together with your friends or meeting with your co-workers sounds like a good idea, but something may hold you back today. You are inclined to go through the motions of collaborating with a group, yet you don’t want to lose your individuality in the process. If you feel protective of your feelings, don’t spread yourself too thin. There’s still a lot to gain by participating in social activities if you keep things low key for now.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You might prefer crawling back into the privacy of your own world, luxuriating in the idea that you don’t need to go anywhere or see anyone. But reality may not let you off the hook so easily now. If you’re called upon to take responsibility for others you need to rise to the occasion. Thankfully, you can create a magical, yet invisible, protective shell that will keep you safe. The power of your imagination enables you to dream while still helping those in need.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Powerful feelings motivate you to step off the map and into uncharted lands today. Whether or not you are completely ready for your next adventure, there’s still a haunting familiarity to the landscape. You can’t tell if you have actually been here before or if it was only in a dream. Don’t let your attention wander too far because subtle clues are already revealing your future if you’re alert enough to notice.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You may be somewhat anxious today if someone pulls you into an emotional drama that is just one step outside of your comfort zone. Unfortunately, you might not be able to suppress the flood of emotions that reaches the surface. Forget about trying to escape and simply sink into your feelings without resistance. Rest assured that your moods will continue to change and you’ll be back to your buoyant self before you know it.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You strive for stability by building strong foundations and then steadily climbing toward your ambitious goals. But now, as the emotional waters swirl around your feet, you don’t feel as sure-footed as you like. However, it’s perfectly safe to float and let your feet leave the ground today. Swim through the mixed feelings of the day without trying to hold on to any one of them along the way.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You could be especially vulnerable as today’s tender Cancer Moon reminds you to retreat from your high-flying thoughts and dive into a deep pool of feelings. Try as you might to separate out the strands of emotions, your desires are woven into the everyday fabric of your life. You may feel as if this emotional tapestry is a heavy burden, yet it magically lightens if you have the courage to wear your heart proudly on your sleeve.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Although you may be re-evaluating your diverse feelings with respect to love, you won’t necessarily need to make significant relationship decisions now. Instead of worrying about problems you don’t even have, explore your passions and your fears by considering where you could shake up your social life. However, don’t make any sudden moves today. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Calendar of the Sun for June 21

21 Lithemonath

Day of the Crab: Beginning of Cancer

Colors: Silver and grey
Element: Water
Altar: Set a cloth of grey and silver, and a silver crescent moon, shells, a vessel of salt water, a cup of milk, cakes shaped like the moon on a silver tray, and the figure of a crab.
Offerings: Food, which should then be donated to the poor and hungry.
Daily Meal: Shellfish. Milk and dairy products, from any animal, especially foaming milkshakes. Moon-shaped cookies. Soft white food such as rice, tapioca, or mashed potato. Oatmeal. All food should be cooked, none raw save the milk.

Invocation to Cancer

Child of the changing Moon,
Dweller between earth and sea,
Dancer of the ebb and flow,
Mother whose breasts flow with life,
Loving fountain of karuna,
Whose gift is Feeling,
Bless us with the ability
To know our own hearts,
And to gather our loved ones
About our hearth
In love and safety.
By the power of kin and tribe,
You challenge us
To build each other a safe home,
And help each other to work through
The scars and heartaches of our childhoods.
May we all go forth in sanctuary.

Chant:
Luna Luna Selene Mater

(Let three who have been chosen to work for the ritual come forward. The first bears the cup of milk, and says, “Taste nurturing, and remember you were born from a woman’s womb.” Each drinks. The second bears the tray of cakes, and says, “Taste nurturing, and be full and fed.” Each eats a cake. The third bears the cup of salt water, and says, “Taste nurturing, and remember that to love is to someday let go, and drink tears.” Each drinks. The remainder is given as libation to Cancer and the Moon.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for June 21 – New Moon (Waxing)

New Moon

(waxing/0-45 degrees)

The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

Litha to Lughnasadh

Witchy Comments & Graphics

Litha to Lughnasadh

Litha, a lesser Sabbat, is also called MidSummer, for it marks the Summer Solstice, when the hours of daylight exceed those of darkness. As the Sun King, the Horned God is at the pinnacle of His strength, which He devotes to the land to enable the fruits of the earth conceived by the Goddess to grow and ripen. The world may be basking in sunshine, yet there may be a sad sense that these golden day will not last forever.

 

~Magickal Graphics~

Daily Feng Shui Tip for June 20 – ‘National Daylight Appreciation Day’

It figures that ‘National Daylight Appreciation Day’ would fall on the same day as the Summer Solstice, the one day of the year when the sun is at its zenith. This is also considered a magical night when maintaining your own blaze can bring plenty of blessings to your household. Many years ago, huge communal solstice fires were lit to celebrate the lingering light of the day. On this night you can light up your own life by literally burning the midnight oil or an orange or yellow candle. Burn until the clock strikes twelve in order to get the most of the magic. This is also considered a fine night for mining mystical messages in your dreams. One way to do that is to pick nine flowers and place them under your pillow. Ancient lore also says that you can sleep with mistletoe under your head if you want your sweet dreams come true. You will still be able to receive important messages on this night even without flowers or herbs, so keep a pad and pen handy and then sleep perchance to dream on this midsummer night!