General description of the Litha sabbat
- Sabbat date: June 21 (summer solstice)
- Status: Minor sabbat
Litha is one of the eight sabbats celebrated by followers of Wicca and other modern pagan traditions. This sabbat marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the shortest night. Litha celebrates the power and energy of the sun at its peak, as well as the abundance, vitality, and growth of nature.
History of the Litha sabbat
Litha has its roots in ancient Celtic, Nordic, and Germanic traditions. This sabbat is also known as Midsummer. Ancient peoples celebrated the summer solstice with bonfires, dances, and rituals to honor the sun and ensure abundant harvests. The summer solstice was considered a magical time when the veil between worlds was thin.
Traditions and activities of the Litha sabbat
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Bonfires: lighting large bonfires to celebrate the power of the sun and purify the spirit.
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Sun bathing: spending time outdoors to connect with solar energy.
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Fire rituals: jumping over bonfires for purification and luck.
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Herb gathering: harvesting medicinal and magical herbs at their peak potency.
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Feasts: shared meals with seasonal foods, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
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Offerings: offerings of flowers, herbs, and fruits to deities and nature spirits.
Correspondence chart for the Litha sabbat
| Stones | Tiger's Eye, Jade, Amber, Citrine |
| Planets | Sun, Mercury |
| Day | Sunday |
| Deities | Belenos, Helios, Amaterasu, Sol |
| Colors | Gold, Yellow, Orange, Red |
| Creatures | Bees, Butterflies, Dragonflies |
| Signs | Cancer |
| Direction | South |
| Element | Fire |
| Plant | St. John's Wort, Rose, Lavender, Oak |
| Offerings | Flowers, fresh fruits, honey, herbs |
