I’ve been doing the random post about the different stops on the wheel of the year. With Litha just days away I thought I would tell you a little bit about this Sabbat. Every culture recognizes this day by a different name. Most know this day as the Summer Solstice. The longest day and shortest night of the year. For Wiccans and Pagans, it is a coming together for a celebration of the God being at his mightiest and Goddess being full with child. Life has returned all around us and from here the days will grow slowly shorter. The balance of light and dark is always honored.
The exact day of the Solstice varies but it generally falls between June 21 to the 25th, this year it is the 21st. Back in the day celebrations began with the lighting of bonfires of oak and herbs were lit on hills, and in sacred places the evening before the Litha to honor the Sun. They would continue to burn throughout the night and day of the celebration. People would drink mead, sing and dance around the fire. Leaping through the flames for good luck was a thing. It was believed that if you were covered by ash or “Blackened” by the fire, it was a very good omen.
As the night and day went on herbs would be taken from the fire and used to bless the livestock. Torches were lit by the fire and taken to bless homes and fields to ensure happy families and successful crops. As the fire burned down coals would be taken and sprinkled on field to encourage a bountiful crop.
At the end of the Solstice celebration ashes from the fire might be taken and used to make protective amulets. This was done by kneading the ash into clay, then forming the clay into talismans to be worn or placed in the home.
As a Sabbat this is a day for ritual work and coven business but, for most people it is a day to spend outdoor enjoying the sun and the bounty that nature provides.
Blessed Be ❤ Shay
Element Mind Body Spirit 