Litha Traditions and Rituals
Bonfires: Light bonfires to celebrate the sun’s peak and to symbolize protection and purification.
Sunrise Watching: Wake up early to watch the sunrise and welcome the longest day.
Nature Walks: Take a walk in nature to appreciate the fullness and beauty of the earth.
Feasting: Share a meal with fresh, seasonal foods to honor the abundance of summer.
Setting Up Your Litha Altar
Creating a Litha altar is a powerful way to honor the sun and the abundance of the season. Here’s how to set up your own:
Altar Cloth: Use a bright yellow or gold cloth to represent the sun’s energy.
Candles: Incorporate yellow, gold, and orange candles for light, warmth, and vitality.
Crystals: Use stones like sunstone, citrine, and clear quartz.
Symbols of the Season: Include fresh flowers, especially sunflowers, and representations of the sun.
Deity Symbols: Add symbols of sun gods and goddesses, like Ra or Amaterasu.
Spells and Magic for Litha
Vitality and Energy Spell
Strength and Courage Spell
Vitality and Energy Spell
This spell draws on the vibrant energy of Litha to boost vitality and energy in your life.
Ingredients:
- Orange candle
- Sunflower petals
- Carnelian crystal
- Sun tea (brewed tea left in sunlight)
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Space: Cleanse your space with a refreshing scent like lemon or mint.
- Light the Orange Candle: Orange symbolizes vitality and energy. Focus on your intention.
- Arrange Sunflower Petals: Place the sunflower petals around the candle.
- Hold the Carnelian: Hold the carnelian crystal in your hand and visualize vibrant energy entering your body.
- Drink Sun Tea: Sip the sun tea slowly, absorbing the sun’s energy.
- Recite the Spell:"Sun at peak, energy flow, Fill me with strength, make me glow. By Litha’s light, power bright, Vitality blooms, day and night."
- Close the Ritual: Thank the elements and extinguish the candle.
Joy and Happiness Spell
Strength and Courage Spell
Vitality and Energy Spell
This spell draws on Litha’s joyful energy to bring happiness and uplift your spirit.
Ingredients:
- Yellow candle
- Sunflower petals
- Citrine crystal
- Orange essential oil
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Space: Cleanse your space with sage or another cleansing method.
- Light the Yellow Candle: Yellow symbolizes joy and happiness. Focus on your intention.
- Arrange Sunflower Petals: Place the sunflower petals around the candle.
- Anoint the Candle: Rub a few drops of orange essential oil on the candle for added joy.
- Hold the Citrine: Hold the citrine crystal in your hand and visualize happiness filling your life.
- Recite the Spell:"Litha’s light, shining bright, Fill my heart with pure delight. Joy and laughter, day and night, Happiness comes with Litha’s light."
- Close the Ritual: Thank the elements and extinguish the candle.
Strength and Courage Spell
Strength and Courage Spell
Strength and Courage Spell
This spell calls upon Litha’s powerful energy to boost strength and courage in your life.
Ingredients:
- Red candle
- Bay leaves
- Tiger’s eye crystal
- Rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Space: Cleanse your space with rosemary incense or another cleansing method.
- Light the Red Candle: Red symbolizes strength and courage. Focus on your intention.
- Arrange Bay Leaves: Place the bay leaves around the candle.
- Hold the Tiger’s Eye: Hold the tiger’s eye crystal in your hand and visualize strength and courage entering your life.
- Recite the Spell:"Litha’s flame, burning bright, Fill me with strength and courage’s might. By bay and stone, power strong, Let me stand where I belong."
- Close the Ritual: Thank the elements and extinguish the candle.
Litha Recipes
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Fresh and colorful skewers that capture the essence of summer’s bounty.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- Zucchini
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Skewer the Vegetables: Thread the vegetables onto skewers.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Grill: Grill the skewers over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve: Serve hot off the grill.
Lemon Herb Chicken
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
A light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a Litha feast.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Strawberry Shortcake
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Strawberry Shortcake
A sweet and refreshing dessert that celebrates the summer season.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups strawberries (sliced)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (cold, cut into pieces)
- 3/4 cup milk
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and let sit.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Make the Shortcake: In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk to form a dough.
- Bake the Shortcake: Drop dough by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Assemble the Shortcake: Split the shortcakes and fill with strawberries and whipped cream.
- Serve: Serve fresh and enjoy the delightful flavors.