Author: A Solitary Pagan

In Latin the word ‘solstice’ literally translates to ‘the sun stands still’. In the Northern hemisphere we will enjoy over 16 hours of daylight – and thousands will gather at sacred sites around the world to witness the sun rising on this auspicious day. In the UK this will happen in just a few hours, at around 4.40am. It may be evening still in many parts of the world. Stone circles such as Stone...

The June solstice is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. Solstice’ (Latin: ‘solstitium’) means ‘sun-stopping’, because the point where the sun appears to rise and set, stops and reverses direction after this day. The date varies between June 20 and June 22, depending on the year, and the local time zone. Zenith Furthest Away from the E...

Host a Bonfire Litha is all about the fiery aspect of the sun, so why not celebrate the fertility of the gods with a blazing, roaring fire in your back yard? It’s the longest day of the year, so stay up late and host a bonfire for your friends and family. Get sparklers too, and light them after dark. Make an offering to the gods of your tradition. Be sure to follow basic Bonfire Safety Rules, so n...

The ancient Celtic festival acts as a timely reminder and celebration of who, where and what we really are. Summer Solstice celebrations date back to over 5,000 years ago in ancient Ireland, For northern hemisphere dwellers, Summer Solstice – the longest day and the shortest night of our year – is usually celebrated on June 21st. This year, the exact time of the cross-quarter moment between Bealta...

A dressing created on Solstice Eve, in the softening light of the summer sun, reflected in our Well lantern(s) and candles. Healing herbs and flowers ~ calendula, jasmine, hypericum, lemon balm, yarrow; and golden roses to offer comfort in times of grief and loss. All small beacons honouring the sun’s light, warmth and power. The sun, at its strongest on this side of the world now, provides the wa...

The Summer Solstice is a powerful gift of solar energy given to the world. The seasons do change as the planet orbits the sun and Gaia is bathed in light, seeded with the wind and quenched with the rain. Water aids growth and is the root of your inner magic, for the nature of water is the seed of all things. The earth is lush and fertile as the seasonal cycle reaches its peak, with the sun travell...

Midsummer Incense #1 2 parts Sandalwood 1 part Mugwort 1 part Chamomile 1 part Gardenia Petals a few drops Rose Oil a few drops Lavender Oil a few drops Yarrow Oil Burn at Wiccan rituals at the Summer Solstice (circa June 21st) or at that time to attune with the seasons and the Sun. Midsummer Incense #2 Recipe by Scott Cunningham 3 parts Frankincense 2 parts Benzoin 1 part Dragon’s Blood 1 part Th...

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. It’s the time of year when the crops are growing heartily and the earth has warmed up. We can spend long sunny afternoons enjoying the outdoors, and getting back to nature under the long daylight hours. Here are a few rituals you ma...

The summer solstice is the first day of astronomical summer and the longest day of the year for people in the Northern Hemisphere. In ancient times, solstices and equinoxes were important in helping people to maintain calendars and grow crops. The solstice itself has remained a special moment of the annual cycle of the year since Neolithic times and over the centuries has been marked by festivals ...

The protective rituals on the night of the summer solstice included also the preparation of wreaths. Unmarried girls were carefully selecting the herbs and flowers for their wreath. Its shape and color was meant to symbolize the warming power of the Sun, among many other meanings. In Mazovia the most common elements for the wreath was the all-yellow crown daisy (złocień), dandelion (mniszek lekars...

At the Summer Solstice the Sun has reached its climax. It is the longest day of the year. At its most glorious peak the Sun God sacrifices his power and bestows his solar seed upon the Earth womb. On this glorious day we celebrate his fertilizing power, even though from now on it will be waning. The Summer Solstice is the midpoint of the year. But just as Yang contains the seed of Yin, the peak of...

The Summer Solstice, also known as Litha, occurs on Tuesday, 21st of June, marking the astronomical first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun is at the height of its power – the longest day! This is a dual celebration. On one hand, it’s a celebration of the outward cycle of the sun and all that has manifested and on the other, it is a celebration of the return of the dark as from now...