Embracing Litha: Celebrating the Summer Solstice Estimated reading time: 3 minutesAs the sun’s warmth blankets the earth in its golden embrace, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the wheel of the year: Litha, the summer solstice. This sacred day marks the longest day and shortest night of the year, when the sun reaches its zenith and nature is in full bloom. Understanding Litha and the Summer SolsticeLitha, or Midsummer, is a festival deeply rooted in various cultures and traditions worldwide. It typically falls around June 20th-21st in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. This astronomical event celebrates light, warmth, and the abundance of the summer season. When the earth is alive now with vibrant colours, fragrant blossoms, and a bounty of fruits and vegetables.The significance of Litha extends beyond mere astronomical observations. It is a time of spiritual reflection and connection with the natural world. As the sun reaches its peak, we are reminded of its life-giving energy and influence on our lives. The sun represents clarity, strength, and illumination, and its energy can be harnessed for personal growth and transformation.Rituals to Embrace LithaSun Salutations: Start your Litha morning with a series of sun salutations, a yoga practice honouring the sun’s energy. Visualise yourself absorbing the sun’s warmth and vitality as you flow through each pose, filling you with positivity and strength.Create a Litha Altar: Decorate a small altar with symbols of summer, such as fresh flowers, citrus fruits, and colourful crystals like citrine and sunstone. Light a yellow or orange candle to represent the sun’s fire and meditate upon the qualities you wish to cultivate during this season.Herbal Magic: Harvest and work with herbs associated with Litha, such as lavender and chamomile; these herbs can be used in teas, sachets, or baths to invoke relaxation, healing, and protection during the summer months.Midsummer Night’s Fire: Traditionally, bonfires were lit on the summer solstice to honour the sun’s strength and purify negative energy. If you have the space, consider burning a bonfire or a smaller fire pit in your backyard. Write down any negativity or fears on pieces of paper, toss them into the fire, and visualise them being transformed into positive energy.Nature Walk: Take a leisurely walk in nature, whether it’s a nearby park or a full-on hike. Connect with the vibrant greenery, birds’ songs, and the sun’s warmth on your skin. Absorb the beauty and serenity of the natural world around you.Picnic Feast: Celebrate the abundance of summer by preparing a picnic feast with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Share this meal with loved ones, expressing gratitude for the nourishing food and the connections in your life.Litha, the summer solstice, is a time of profound significance in the cycle of the year. It invites us to embrace the sun’s energy, cultivate positivity, and connect with the beauty of the natural world. By incorporating rituals like sun salutations, creating a Litha altar, and communing with nature, we can infuse our lives with the transformative power of this special day. Let Litha be a reminder that we are part of a larger cosmic dance and that our lives are intimately intertwined with the rhythms of the earth and the heavens above. For more information on celebrations throughout the year, look at our blog, where you will find more information on litha, ostara, lammas and samhain. And please remember to tag us @surrender_to_happiness on Instagram with all your litha celebration photographs. We love to see you enjoying these wonderful festivities.DisclaimerSpread the love