LITHA
Summber Solstice
JUNE 20th - 23rd
ORIGINS
The Midsummer Sabbat or Summer Solstice (also known as Alban, Hefin, and Midsummer) is celebrated by Witches and Pagans throughout the world. Midsummer is the longest day of the year when the Sun is at its zenith, and consequently the shortest night. In many traditions, Litha symbolizes the end of the reign of the waxing year's Oak-King, who is now replaced by the Holly-King of the waning year (who rules until Winter Solstice). It is the ideal time for divinations and healing rituals.
Until now the God and Goddess have ruled supreme, they have imposed their will upon the kingdom without challenge, but now a somber figure makes his appearance. This is the beginning of the ancient pagan theme of the battle between the brothers; the light and dark kings now begin their conflict. The Dark king attempts to overpower the Queen; the child she bears represents the realm. They fight, light against dark, but at this time the sun is still at the height of his powers, and the King drives the challenger back. In his struggle, he overthrows the userper, but is wounded, and his strength begins to decline. The light still rules supreme, but a shadow has fallen over the kingdom. The God and Goddess remain at the height of their power, yet a new force - darkness - is awakening in the world.
Bonfire's representing the Sun, were lit to rouse love, purification, health, and fertility. Some witches believe that this day is the best for working magick. Tradition has it that on this day the Little People could be seen more easily than at other times. It is believed that the veils between the worlds, (like at Samhain,) are thinnest and the spirits of the dead pass through freely. Tradition has it, that if you accidently step on a St. Johns Wort flower on Midsummer night, you would be transported to the realm of the Fae.
ALTAR For Litha
-- Fresh fruits adorn the alter
RITUAL
I found many sites containing ritual and felt i could not do ritual justice so have given you this link to take a look at just one that I found in my researching for your perusal.
MAGICAL HERBS
St John's Wort, vervain, rose, lily, lavender, ivy, fern
FOOD
Midsummer Ritual Mead
By Lana Parker
Recipe found at Mysticalgrove2 1/2gallons water
1 cup meadowsweet herb
1-cup woodruff sprigs
1-cup heather flowers
3 cloves
1 cup honey
1/4cup brown sugar
1 cup barley malt
1 oz brewer�s yeast
Pour the water into a large cauldron or kettle. Bring to a boil and add the meadowsweet herb, woodruff sprigs, heather flowers, and cloves. Boil for one hour and then add the honey, brown sugar, and barley malt. Stir thirteen times in a clockwise direction, and then remove from heat.
Strain through cheesecloth and allow the mead to cool to room temperature. Stir in the brewer�s yeast. Cover with a clean towel and let it stand for one day and one night. Strain again, bottle, and then store in a cool place until ready to serve.
Midsummer Ritual Mead is an ideal drink to serve at Summer Solstice Sabbats, as well as during all Cakes and Ale Ceremonies and Esbats.
ICEQUEEN
