Litha, Summer Festival of the Sun

Today marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. Also known as Midsummer or the Summer Solstice, from now until the autumn equinox the days will be getting shorter. Litha is a celebration of the great solar diety's , the ocean and the growing crops. This is the time of year where we swim in her oceans and bathe in her warm sunlight. Where her flowers are in bloom, and her animals are pregnant with life.

At Midsummer, we call on Aphrodite Goddess of love, or Domnu Goddess of the sea. Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love, brings you the passion and warmth of the sun. Many Goddesses of love are prayed to at this time of year, to help bring fertility to crops, people and animals. Call on her for passion in your own life, or ask for her passion to be given to your plants for growth.

Domnu, Goddess of the sea, represents the great flowing of our emotions, and teaches us to open up to our emotions, so they flow freely. Her name means "Abyss of the Sea", and she is a Celtic Goddess. She teaches us to be true to ourselves and to not be afraid to express what we feel. She is also known as The Lady of the Lake and Lady of the Holy springs and wells. Her animals are the whales, dolphins and salmons of the sea.

On your altar at Litha, you'll want to have different representations of the sun. Think of colors like yellow, orange and red. For example, you could have an orange candle, with yellow and red stones like citrine and red jasper. You could also go to the ocean and gather some salt water for your altar to represent the flowing ocean. Sea shells are also good for this sabbat as well.

Try at some point during Midsummer, to go outside and feel the warmth of the sun, if you can try to have your ritual outside. Enjoy your Summer Solstice celebration!

Blessings )O(


For more info on Litha check out About.com


Photo courtesy of GoddessaDay.com