16 Witchy Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice, also known as Midsummer or Litha to some, falls on the longest day of the year, opposite to Yule. It’s a time of year that has been celebrated all around the world by many cultures. This day marks the peak of the sun’s power, as ancient societies heavily relied on the sun for their livelihood.
Celtic mythology associates Summer Solstice with a battle between light and dark, the Oak King and the Holly King. Each solstice, they battle for power and the balance of nature shifts. During Litha, the Holly King wins the battle, ruling until Yule, while the days get shorter. The Celts were known to have hilltop bonfires and dance in celebration. They also spent time recognizing the goddess Aine, the goddess of love, summer, and fertility.
The Romans spent this time of year worshiping Juno (the wife of Jupiter) and Vesta. Juno is recognized as the goddess of women, childbirth, and fertility, while Vesta is the goddess of hearth, home, and family.
Those of Norse tradition celebrated with bonfires, feasts, and rituals dedicated to Freyr, the god of fertility. Other early Europeans set alight large wheels that they would roll down hills into bodies of water. It is suspected that these wheels represented the sun.
Regardless of specific beliefs, this time of year has been celebrated by many cultures across the globe, as with other holidays and festivals celebrating the turning of the wheel of the year.
So, what are some ways we can celebrate this ancient holiday today?
Soak up some sunshine. 🌞
Have a bonfire, or light a candle. 🕯️
Get organized, clean & clear clutter. 🗃️🧼
Meditate in nature. 🧘
Dance! 🕺🏻
Practice yoga. 🤸♀️
Harvest and dry herbs. 🌿
Bake with fresh herbs & fruits. 🫐
Make fresh jam or jelly. 🍓
Tend to your garden/plants. 🪴
Create an altar. 🌼
Go for a swim. 🏊♀️
Have a picnic or cookout with friends & family. 🧺
Create a nature mandala. 🌸
Reflect on and celebrate your accomplishments. 📝
Celebrate Earth’s abundance and the Sun’s life-giving energy. 🌎
I hope everyone has the most magical Solstice. What are you doing to celebrate? Let me know in the comments!