Litha and The Green Man: Spells for the Summer Solstice

The Wheel turns, and the Sun reaches its highest point of the year. The longest day of the year goes by many names: the Summer Solstice, Midsommer, and Litha (Lee-tha). Litha takes place in June in the Northern Hemisphere and December in the Southern Hemisphere. The exact date of the solstice varies year to year. 

The Sun represents the God and all masculine energy. The Sun is in its full power and the Earth is full and abundant. The fruit is beginning to reach maturity and the fields are lush and alive. This is a time of celebration for the Sun and the bounty of the Earth. In a few short weeks, it will be time to harvest the bounty of the Earth.

Traditionally, Litha is celebrated with large gatherings, bonfires, and rites of love and marriage. But this year, with a global pandemic, things look a little different. Here are some ways to celebrate Litha and honor this sacred day safely.

Decorate your home

Make a wreath for your door using the bright flowers of summer. Find florals in shades of yellow, orange, and blue representing the different shades of summer. Bring nature into your home. Throw open your windows and let the Sun’s energy fill your house with love and light. Light a candle to represent the Sun’s light and keep this candle lit through-out the year.

Light a candle to represent the Sun’s light and keep this candle lit through-out the year | Getty Images

Reflect on gratitude

Litha is a time of witnessing the bounty that was planted in Spring. It is a day to shift focus onto what is going right in our own lives and what we are grateful for. Write a journal of ten things you are grateful for today. It does not matter how large or small these things are. Now is the time to witness everything we have worked hard for and everything that we have been given. Gratitude can be a powerful tool for raising your vibration.

Charge your crystals by the Sun

The Sun is at its highest and most powerful point during the solstice; this is the strongest time to charge your crystals with the Sun’s energy. Take advantage of the power of the Sun’s rays and place your crystals outside in a well-lit area during the Sun’s zenith. This time can vary by location, so check your Farmer’s Almanac to find the best time for your location. As you place your crystals in the sunlight, reflect on what you are grateful for and what bounty you have.

Cast protection spells

The protective masculine energy of the Sun makes this a perfect time for casting protection spells on your home and the people that you love. Here is a simple summer protection spell for the home.

What you will need:

- Cauldron (or a fireproof bowl)

- Salt

- Bay leaves

- Orange peel

- Mugwort

- Sage

The day before your spell, clean your house. The goal is to clear out all negative energy to make space for growth and protection. This spell is best performed at sun-rise. Clean your space before performing your spell with sage. 

The goal is to clear out all negative energy to make space for growth and protection. This spell is best performed at sun-rise | Getty Images

Gather your herbs (bay leaves, orange peel, and mugwort) and place them in a cauldron or fireproof bowl. Set flame to the herbs until they turn to ash. As the herbs burn, reflect on the following prayer: 

Smoke of the air and fire of the Earth

Bless this home and hearth

Ward off all evil and fear

Only what is good may enter here.

This part may be performed outside under the Sun’s rays to prevent breathing in the smoke. Once the herbs have been reduced to ash mix them with the salt. Sprinkle this mixture on your home’s threshold. It is important while performing this spell to be aware of your thoughts. Thoughts have power and you will want to focus your thoughts on protection. May you have a blessed Litha and an abundant harvest this year.

As the Sun warms land and sea with its light,

May all of this year’s wrongs be put right,

May the fruitfulness of the Earth be bright,

And love for all on this Midsommer night.

So mote it be!