Litha (Midsummer)

The Gardnerian summer solstice rite celebrates the Sun at its height. Medieval and early modern Europe marked midsummer chiefly on St John's Eve (23 June) with bonfires, rolling burning wheels and the gathering of herbs, and much of that folklore passed into Wiccan observance. The name Litha, from Bede's account of the Anglo-Saxon months around midsummer, was adopted for the sabbat in the 1970s. In many covens the rite includes a fire in the cauldron, the blessing of herbs, and meditation on the turning of the year, since from this point the days begin to shorten. Some modern groups also keep vigil until the solstice sunrise, a practice influenced by gatherings at Stonehenge.

Purpose

The summer solstice celebrates the Sun at the height of its power, and in Wiccan myth the God at the peak of his strength before the year turns toward decline.

Timing

Season / time

The sabbat of Litha

At the summer solstice, around 20–21 June in the northern hemisphere. Wiccan festivals are commonly reckoned from sunset on the eve.

Materials

• candles
• salt and water
• incense
• cakes and wine (or ale)
• midsummer herbs

Tools

• athame (black-handled knife)
• white-handled knife
• wand
• pentacle
• censer
• cauldron

Fire safety with candles, censer and any bonfire or cauldron fire.