Summer Solstice Celtic Festival of Litha

The summer solstice is one of the most important celebrations in Celtic culture. This is the time when we can call upon all four watchtowers at once. These are the sacred forces that the gods have placed at our service.

The night of June 23rd is the night of fire, which purifies and banishes darkness and all that hinders or threatens us; but it is also the festival of water, in all its forms.

Legend has it that when summer begins, water nymphs create the flower of water in springs and rivers; gnomes dance around tree trunks, and fairies draw near to the mortal world to gather dreams—especially dreams of love.

1 ~ RETURNING TO THE TEMPLE

Summer solstice rituals are typically celebrated outdoors—in forests, along riverbanks or lakeshores, and on beaches in coastal areas.

2 ~ THE HERBS OF THE SOLSTICE

Outdoors, place a clay or glass vessel with water, plants, and flowers. From that moment on, blessed by the goddesses, it becomes a magical liquid to protect us from envy, the evil eye, and dark magic.

The plants you can choose from include: basil, rosemary, verbena, marjoram, sage, thyme, and lavender. The main flowers are: roses, daisies, orchids, carnations, geraniums, hydrangeas, and jasmine.

Choose at least two of each.

The magical water can be used in many ways: mixed with bathwater, with shower water, or simply by washing your hands and face with it.

A simple phrase is enough: May this blessed water be a barrier that no enemy, visible or invisible, can cross.

3 ~ THE TIME TO GIVE THANKS

This is the most fitting time of year to give thanks for all the beauty in our lives—our achievements, our successes, and the people who accompany us and help us grow, reach our goals, and rejoice when we achieve them.

So you don't forget anything or anyone, make a list of the moments when you felt happiest, carry it with you, and review it throughout the celebration.

Negative thoughts may easily creep in—don't let them. Sometimes painful, tragic things happen, but there's no point in dwelling on them.

Seek out a pleasant feeling within yourself, reclaim one of those happy moments—the one that matters most to you—and hold onto that image and feeling throughout the night.

4 ~ THE FAIRIES OF THE SUMMER SOLSTICE

At dusk on the first day of the solstice, for the fairies to hear your requests, place a small dish with honey and cinnamon facing EAST, in the window where the sun rises—the watchtower where the spirits of air reside, and fairies are among them.

Speak these words as you do so: Fairies, spirits who dwell in the element of air, I call upon you. This is my offering. I ask that love always be present in my life.

Butterflies, I was told, are fairies in disguise so they won't be discovered.

5 ~ FLOWER CROWN

In Celtic tradition, flowers, leaves, and fruits are the most symbolic adornments—the ones that best represent the spirits of nature at the summer solstice.

This is a tradition that applies equally to men and women.

If you feel Celtic, turn to flowers to express it. In the summer solstice celebration, it's time to draw near and participate in union with Mother Earth.

Walking through a place where these small miracles called flowers are offered to you, with a crown created with imagination and style by your own hand encircling your brow, or a tiny flower pinned in your hair, will create a truly magical harmony between nature and you.

6 ~ THE SOLSTICE NIGHT DINNER

The summer solstice is a perfect time to gather and celebrate the gifts of the earth and sea. Roses, orchids, rosemary... The plants and flowers of the summer solstice.

7 ~ THE FLOWER OF WATER

In the early morning of the summer solstice, the reflection of the first ray of sunrise on the surface of a spring is called the flower of water and is connected to prosperity, abundance, and fertility.

Upon this simple gesture depends whether the flower of water reaches your skin and its strength and energy spread throughout your body.

8 ~ OFFERING OF PLANTS

Offer your plants to the solstice goddess so she may give them her blessing. Before sunrise, water the trees with spring water so they will bear abundant fruit throughout the year.

THE KEYS TO THE SUMMER SOLSTICE

The sun goddess, Dana, is the protagonist of the summer solstice. The candle with which we invoke her can be yellow or orange, and in some ceremonies, golden. Her metal is gold, and if possible, carry an amulet made of that metal.

The fragrances that should prevail in all ceremonies during these days are lavender or heliotrope. You should attend the celebrations with a touch of one of these essences on your body.

The flowers of this season are quite varied, as they include all those that bloom during this time. The most fitting request for this time of year is to restore strength and energy.

To achieve success and protection. Spending time in your favorite natural setting always brings you connection with the earth and recharges you, but it can be particularly powerful at this time.

You can sit in direct sunlight (even if just for a couple of minutes) and imagine the sun's warmth enveloping you like a healing and nourishing blanket that will provide everything you need for whatever you wish to release, and for the sun's energy to help you heal.

Mayau Wicca🌸