10 Ways To Celebrate Litha

First, thanks to my friend’s little girl and my amazing little model Seren for posing so patiently for this pic!!

Litha is my very favorite holiday. It’s also one of the few that doesn’t have a major corresponding mainstream American holiday from which to draw celebration ideas.

Mabon fits well with Thanksgiving traditions, Samhain with Halloween, Yule with Christmas, Ostara with Easter, Imbolc with Ground Hog Day, ect. But Summer Solstice sort of stands on its own, so I thought I’d help you out with a few simple celebration ideas this coming Saturday.

1. Host a bonfire.

Get some friends together, string some lights around the deck, light tiki torches, bust out the sparklers and the champagne and sit around the bonfire enjoying the magic and beauty of this amazing midsummer night.

2. Have a picnic.

Cook up some traditional kitchen witch recipes to share with your loved ones and break bread in the temple of nature.

3. Make some flower crowns.

This is a great activity if you have kids. Go on a nature walk, gather some wildflowers, and create some beautiful flower crowns. Not only is this a traditional midsummer activity, it’s also is a fantastic summer photo opportunity.

4. Head for the water.

If you live near the ocean, do yourself a favor and dive in for a cleansing ritual. Be sure to gather sea shells for your summer altar and considering working with one of the oceanic deities for a powerful experience you won’t soon forget.

5. Get thee to a festival!!

It’s prime time for outdoor pagan festivals. Find one, and go, especially if you don’t have many pagan friends yet.

6. Camp out.

You know, under the stars, with nature and stuff. If you’re a solitary, this can be a great time to go vision questing or take a personal spiritual retreat in a natural setting.

7. Cast a dream spell.

The veil between worlds is thought to be thin at this time. It’s a great time to connect to your unconscious awareness and tap into your inner wisdom.

8. Go fruit picking.

Connecting to the food on your table is an amazing way to stay grounded and feel close to the earth. Depending on your region, many farms open themselves up to the public to come gather berries and fruit right from the trees. I like cherries and peaches this time of year. Get a bunch and either can them or make pies to give away.

9. Leave out cakes and honey for the midsummer spirits.

Folklore has long held that mischievous fairies come out on this night. Leave a plate of sweets somewhere on your property (away from your house so you don’t attract ants!) as symbolic gesture.

10. Find a hammock and a witchy read.

Add lemonade, a couple of comfortable pillows and some shade. Enjoy. 🙂