While there is something wonderful about celebrating with a ritual during the solstice itself, bringing those energies into your home for the entire Summer can have lasting effects.

Depending on your Wiccan sect or calendar, Litha either passed on June 21st or you may have a had a wonderfully full weekend of celebrations.  Litha represents the peak of our solar year (at least by the Julian calendar), at the longest day and shortest night. Its an excellent time to celebrate any achievements you made during the first 6 months of the year, and prepare for those around the corner.   Color associations are at its height with anything and everything in bloom and abundance. But at the same time, we are keenly aware that the Summer Solstice is a turning point and nature will begin to wane.

As always, we Wiccans do love a good bonfire.  During Litha, a fire reflects the sun as a symbol of strength, while also honoring that we are at the midpoint of the year. But, not everyone has the room or legal ability to have one – bonfires and apartments do not make good friends. The age-old backup is to light a candle, or two, or ten. Go safely, but wild!

If you aren’t much of a gardener, Farmer’s Markets are wonderful places to find fresh.  Getting to know gardeners and vendors are great ways to find suppliers for herbs, fruits and veggies during any season. One of the easiest ways to bring the solstice into your home is to add some color. Flora and fauna abound during the season. Gather, dry and store herbs for the coming year, either for some kitchen witchery or to add to ritual sachets, dream pillows, or incense.  Don’t forget honey for your table either. Bees are out and about with their busy little lives. Support ethically sourced honey, which will bring positive energy to your mind and your table.

Kitchen it up – create drinks, pastries and other dishes with your farmer’s market haul to bring some of that summer abundance to your life.  Let the natural energies work for you while you are relaxing in your home or cooking meals for your family.

Get your crafting on.  Make your own soap. Create a suncatcher or windchime for your home.  Gold, green, red, orange, yellow or blue all have color associations with Litha. The more primary colors the better!  You can use ribbon, herbs, beads, glass, old keys gathering dust… Pinterest and Youtube have amazing tutorials ranging from beginner to expert. Or help the birds and squirrels stock up their stores and build a DIY feeder. They also make simple summer projects to do with kids.

Do remember to think about the next six months. Energy is strongest during the solstice, which makes it a perfect time to really hone in on where you are and where you want to be.  Spend some time reflecting on the things that you love, that you miss, or that you want to change.  Use the abundance that surrounds you to crank of the power behind your rituals and affirmations.

Getting outside is a must.  Wrap up a color-packed picnic for anyone and everyone.  Gather your friends for an outdoor BBQ or a trip to the beach. Celebrate their achievements as much as yours. Take pictures, breathe in and rejuvenate in the sun’s natural energy.  If you normally do your rituals at a specific time of the day or night (or always in your home), try changing it up. You may be surprised at the difference in energies that are available to you.

Most importantly, ENJOY the season and its energies as they come.

Blessed Be.