The summer solstice is an important pagan holiday that occurs on June 21st, 2023. This annual event marks the longest day of the year and the official start of summer in the northern hemisphere. Pagan celebrations of the summer solstice revolve around the sun and its role in the cycles of nature. During the summer solstice, pagans gather to honor and celebrate the power of the sun. They believe that the sun is at its strongest point on this day, and its energy is most potent. Pagan rituals often involve lighting bonfires, dancing around them, and performing ceremonies to harness the sun's energy for personal growth and abundance.
Stonehenge, one of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments and a World Heritage Site, was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B.C. Some of the stones, the so-called bluestones, are known to have come from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, nearly 150 miles (240 kilometers) away, but the origins of others remain a mystery.
Stonehenge, one of the world s most famous prehistoric monuments and a World Heritage Site, was built on the flat lands of Salisbury Plain in stages starting 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2,500 B. The Solstice also occurs at differing local times, so depending on where you live, it may fall the day before or after the date listed on any given calendar.
Pagan rituals often involve lighting bonfires, dancing around them, and performing ceremonies to harness the sun's energy for personal growth and abundance. One common tradition during the summer solstice is the practice of divination and fortune-telling. Pagans may use various methods such as tarot cards, crystal balls, or even simple candle flame gazing to gain insights into their future and receive guidance from the spiritual realm.
The Wiccan Calendar: Litha (Summer Solstice)
When is Litha: June 20-22
Litha pronunciation: LEE-tha
Themes: abundance, growth, masculine energy, love, magic
Also known as: Midsummer, Midsummer’s Eve, Gathering Day, St. John’s Day, St. John’s Eve, Summer Solstice, Alban Hefin, Feill-Sheathain
“Litha” is the name given to the Wiccan Sabbat celebrated at the Summer Solstice. This is the longest day and shortest night of the year, marking the pinnacle of the Sun’s power to fuel the growing season. From here on out, the Sun will set a little earlier each night until Yule, and so we recognize and give thanks for its warmth.
Though it’s typically celebrated on June 21st, the exact moment of the Summer Solstice varies from year to year. This is due to a slight misalignment between the Gregorian calendar and the actual rate of the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. The Solstice also occurs at differing local times, so depending on where you live, it may fall the day before or after the date listed on any given calendar. For this reason, a date range of June 20-22 is often cited in sources on the Wheel of the Year.
As the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, the God is now in his full power, and the Goddess of the Earth is bringing forth the greatest abundance of the year. The crops are reaching their full maturity and the forests are bursting with lush growth. In just a few short weeks, the harvest season will begin, but for now we pause to celebrate the manifestation of what was planted in the early weeks of Spring. The warm sunlight is a welcome contrast to the cold and dark of Winter, and we bask in its comforts. There is a focus on the Element of Fire in honor of the Sun God, but recognition is also given to the Horned God of the forest and its wild animal life.
Ancient pagans celebrated the Solstice with torchlight processions and giant bonfires to ritually strengthen the Sun. Another tradition found among European cultures was centered on the need for balance between the Elements of Fire and Water—large wheels were set on fire and rolled downhill into creeks, rivers or lakes, perhaps as a charm against summertime drought. This is also the traditional time for gathering wild herbs for medicine and magic, as most are fully grown by Midsummer and the power of this particular day will add to their benefits. For this reason, Litha is known as Gathering Day in Wales.
To celebrate this Sabbat, you can decorate your altar with summer flowers, herbs and fruits, and summer colors like yellow, green and blue. This is a traditional time for rites of re-dedication to the God and Goddess, as well as divination related to love and romance. Keep at least one candle lit throughout the day to honor the Sun, and if possible hold your Litha rituals at noon, when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky. Have an outdoor picnic feast to bask in the warmth of the day, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables—ideally from a farmer’s market or harvested from your own garden. This is a good time for magic related to masculine energies and any situation that needs to be “fired up” in your life.
Litha was long known as Midsummer, an older name for the Solstice that emphasizes the actual course of the warmer months in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer was considered to begin around May 1st, when Beltane (or May Day) is celebrated, with June 21st marking the midpoint of the season. The name “Litha” is traced back to an old Anglo-Saxon word for the month of June, and came into use as a Wiccan name for this Sabbat in the second half of the 20th century. However, many Pagans continue to use the more traditional “Midsummer.”
For the thousands making the pilgrimage to Stonehenge, approximately 80 miles (128 kilometers) southwest of London, it is more than looking forward to Elton John at Glastonbury or a few ciders in the sun.
This is seen as a way to tap into the heightened energy of the summer solstice and connect with the divine. Another important aspect of the summer solstice is the celebration of fertility and abundance. Many pagans believe that this is a time of great harvest both in the natural world and in their personal lives. As such, rituals and ceremonies are often centered around promoting prosperity, growth, and abundance in all areas of life. Offerings may be made to the earth or other deities associated with fertility and abundance. Overall, the summer solstice is a joyous occasion for pagans as they come together to celebrate the power of the sun and the abundance of nature. It is a time of reflection, manifestation, and connection with both the earth and the spiritual realm. By honoring the summer solstice, pagans seek to align themselves with the natural rhythms of the earth and experience personal growth and fulfillment..
Reviews for "Reconnecting with Mother Earth: Celebrating Summer Solstice as a Pagan in 2023"
1. Sara - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Summer Solstice 2023 pagan holiday. The event promised a unique and immersive pagan experience, but it fell flat in so many ways. First of all, the organization was a complete mess. The event started late, and there was a lack of clear instructions and guidance throughout. The performances were subpar, and it seemed like the organizers didn't put much effort into curating a diverse and engaging lineup. Overall, it was a sloppy and underwhelming experience that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.
2. Mark - 2 stars
As someone who enjoys pagan festivals, I had high hopes for the Summer Solstice 2023 event. Unfortunately, it left a lot to be desired. The main issue was the overcrowding. The event was oversold, and it was impossible to fully enjoy or participate in the activities due to the sheer number of people. The lack of proper facilities also made the experience uncomfortable, with long lines for food and restrooms. The overall atmosphere was chaotic and disorganized, which took away from the spiritual and peaceful ambiance that I was hoping for. I wouldn't attend this event again unless significant improvements were made.
3. Jennifer - 1 star
The Summer Solstice 2023 pagan holiday was a complete disappointment. The event was heavily advertised as a celebration of pagan traditions, but it felt more like a tourist trap. The prices for food and drinks were exorbitant, and there was a constant focus on selling merchandise and souvenirs rather than creating a genuine pagan experience. The organizers seemed more interested in making money than providing attendees with an authentic and meaningful celebration. I would not recommend this event to anyone looking for a true pagan holiday experience.