Litha (the Summer Solstice) - the Power of the Light is Yours!

This Thursday, June 21st, is (in the Northern Hemisphere) the Summer Solstice : the day when the Earth’s northern axis reaches its maximum degree of tilt towards the sun, and the longest day of the year. 

Above: Stonehenge replica at Maryhill, WA. Monuments like Stonehenge were carefully aligned with the solstices.

Traditionally the power of the sun is celebrated on this day with games, feasting, and bonfires. 

The sun represents the spark of consciousness and is symbolically located in the center of the human head, as the pure intelligence which diversifies into the senses and the material world they perceive. 

As our own conscious perceptions define the universe, so consciousness is the source of all existence. The sun is celebrated as a father-god and creator, and it’s no coincidence the Solstice is always close to Father’s Day (and, in America, the patriotic firemaking holiday of Independence Day)!

Above: Sunset over the Hudson River, NY. After the Summer Solstice the days begin to shorten.

This day is an important one for ceremony and magic arts, marking the turn of the wheel of the year from increasing light to increasing darkness; at noon on the solstice the year begins to wane. In the darker half of the year intuition and mystery gain in power over the intellect and the physical. Though the sun will continue to blaze in summer brightness for some months, the Solstice marks a profound change that is good to honor.

The Solstice and May Day both celebrate the power of the light and have many traditions in common: love and couplings, flowers and feasting, and increased activity by the fairy folk, but the Solstice is considered the richer time for spells related to material prosperity, success in enterprise, and other “daylight” activities.

Above: Fairies are particularly active as their natural environments respond to the long days.

So build a bonfire or kindle a candle, put some music on, and be sure to leave a treat for the fairies in one wild corner of your garden - the powers of light are strong and your personal power will reflect it. Write out your wishes, thank your seen and unseen guides and guardians, and ask for the answers and initiations your heart desires.

A blessed Solstice to you!

My magic amulets can be explored here at the Violet Fox Jewelry Etsy shop!