1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Paganism / Wicca

Litha, the Summer Solstice

Litha, or Midsummer, is one of the four solar festivals observed by many Wiccan and Pagan traditions. Learn about ancient solar celebrations, and ways you can enjoy Midsummer with rituals, feasts, and crafts.
When is Litha 2010?
Litha celebrates the summer solstice. What is the date for Litha in 2010?
The Native American Sun Dance
In many Native American tribes, the Sun Dance was a holy and ceremonial way to honor the summer solstice and the Great Spirit.
Litha Legends and Lore
Litha, the summer solstice, is a time of magic and mystery! Find out why this midsummer sabbat is so important in so many different cultures.
What Was the Vestalia?
Vesta was a Roman goddess sacred to women, and each year in June, she was honored with a celebration called the Vestalia. Learn why Vesta was important, and how her festival was celebrated.
Sun Worship
While today's Pagans and Wiccans might see midsummer as a day to work on their tans and have a big bonfire, for our ancestors, it was a day of great spiritual significance. Many ancient cultures honored the sun as a deity.
When is Litha 2009?
Litha celebrates the summer solstice. What is the date for Litha in 2009?
All About Litha
Litha, or Midsummer, is a celebration of the summer solstice. Here's where you'll find links to all kinds of information for this summer sabbat -- crafts, rituals, history and more!
Litha History
Summer solstice celebrations have been held throughout history. While some cultures dedicated this time of year to the Divine, others saw it as a chance to welcome the balance between the light of the sun and the darkness which would eventually arrive. Celebrate Litha, or Midsummer, with fire and water and find the balance in your own life.
Deities of Litha
Meet some of the solar deities from around the globe who are connected to the sun-focused themes of Midsummer.
Setting Up Your Litha Altar - What to Include for the Summer Solstice
Litha is the time of the summer solstice, and is a celebration of the sun. Use solar symbols and other seasonal goodies to decorate your altar for Midsummer!
Litha Altar Photo Gallery
Litha is a celebration of the midsummer solstice, and we love it when readers share their altar decorations with us! Check out this image gallery to see how other Pagans and Wiccans set up their altar for Litha.
Hold a Midsummer Night's Fire Ritual
Although this particular Midsummer ritual isn't ancient, it is inspired by the traditions and legends of the Celts of the British Isles. Take advantage of the long hours of daylight to celebrate Litha, or Alban Heruin, and honor the solstice outdoors under the skies. If you're interested in Celtic lore, or wish to honor the Triple Goddess, this might be the perfect ritual for you.
Celebrate Fathers
With the summer solstice being a time to honor the fertility of the God, and coming on the heels of Father's Day, why not take a little time to do a dad-friendly ritual? Honor the fathers, stepfathers, brothers, grandpas, sons, and all the other men in your life at Litha with this simple ceremony.
Nature Meditation on Amergin
This rite is one designed to be performed alone, although with a little planning it could be done in a coven setting as well. Using the lyrics of the ancient Irish poem, The Song of Amergin, this meditative ritual is perfect for getting in touch with the natural world around you. What better time to do that than on a warm midsummer afternoon?
Juno and Vesta - Roman Goddesses for the Summer Solstice
The ancient Romans honored their goddesses Juno and Vesta. Juno was the goddess of marriage and handfastings, and had the month of June named in her honor. Vesta was the keeper of the hearth, and of sacred virginity. Both can be celebrated in June at the summer solstice.
Aerra Litha - The Saxon Pagans and Midsummer
The Germanic tribes celebrated Midsummer as well, and thanks to an eighth-century author, we know a bit about what they did and why.
Explore Paganism / Wicca
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Prayers for All Occasions

Use these prayers to inspire and inform your own conversations with God. More >

  1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Paganism / Wicca
  4. Sabbats and Holidays
  5. Litha, the Summer Solstice

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.