Profiles Index

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Litha History - Celebrating the Summer Solstice
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 power of the light of the sun over the darkness which would eventually arrive. Celebrate Litha, or Midsummer, with fire and water and find the light and power in your own life.