Litha or the Summer Solstice is one of eight sabbats of the Wheel of the Year. The Oak King’s last growing day of sunlight, the longest day of the year. The Holly King has won the forever battle now, so little by little he shall steal away the light. This Solstice celebrates the beginning of summer and nature’s growing bounty, and connects us to the Otherworld… and the Fae. I truly look forward to these holidays. I decorate my altar and home, make ritual foods, work magickally with the folklore, spirits, incense, herbs, crystals, and oils of the particular holiday. I can honestly say I have had some phenomenal experiences. Seen things, traveled to places, and expanded my skills and abilities as a witch, so I am grateful.
When I first started out in witchcraft as a teen, I couldn’t work outside on the property without being seen. So I had my celebrations and rituals up in my attic bedroom, away from my parents and neighbors peering eyes. I would go out of my window onto the porch roof when I wanted to work outdoors, or to simply bask in the moonlight’s glow.
When my son was just a baby I was managing two salons and working full-time. To say the least the majority of my time was not my own. I’d come home around ten or eleven at night and feed my little guy his nightly feeding before I could do any celebrating or rituals. Back then my celebrating was very limited, but I did what I could do.
Once I moved up into these woods and my son was older, my celebrations became far more detailed and elaborate. Now I had acres of woods to work my rituals in, and all the privacy I required. Some of my magickal workings lasted till dawn… and I would emerge from the wood by day’s light.
But what I have learned and want to share from these different experiences is this… It does not matter where you work your spells, how limited you are with privacy, nor how much time you have to spend. The spell in my attic bedroom, the quiet ritual by candlelight with a brew of herbal tea in my kitchen late at night, or within the woods till dawn. Some of the smallest workings had the biggest experiences. Intention is everything my friends, so celebrate however it works best for you.
Merry Summer Solstice All!
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In