Litha, or Midsummer, is one of eight sabbats celebrated by pagans all over the world during the Summer Solstice. This not only marks the beginning of summer for everyone, but is the longest day of light of the year. This is also a welcome to the Cancer zodiac season (WOO!)
"Litha is when a battle between light and dark takes place. In this battle, the Oak King and the Holly King battle for control. During each solstice, they battle for power, and the balance shifts. The Oak King, who represents daylight, rules from the winter solstice (Yule) to Litha. During this time, the days steadily get longer. However, during Litha, the Holly King wins this battle, and the days get steadily darker until Yule." - Dhruti Bhagat - "The Origins and Practices of Litha" : bpl.org
Depending on your individual spiritual path, there are many different ways you can celebrate Litha, but the focus is nearly always on celebrating the power of the sun.
Some great ways to celebrate Litha are:
Getting Out in Nature (I know for myself, as an East Coast Canadian, it takes a while to get out and really enjoy the weather after the frigid winter!)
Plant some summer fruits & veggies!
Have a bonfire
Clean house
Do a Sun Salutation at Sunrise
Whatever you choose to do, there are tons of family friendly activities to celebrate this beautiful welcome to warmth!
What are some of your favourite summer activities?