Summer Solstice, also known as Litha
, occurs as the sun moves out of the sign of Gemini into the Sign of Cancer around June 21st. This is the longest day and shortest night of the solar year, and is directly opposite to Yule or Winter Solstice in the pagan eight-spoked wheel of the year.
Whatever crops are now showing above ground must be tended and supported, as we now have a sense of what we have the potential of reaping in the harvest to come. Hydration becomes an issue, as the watery sign of Cancer reminds us to protect and maintain what we are growing so it does not perish through neglect or spiritual drought.
Whether we are growing a business, a family, a garden, or any other enterprise, the principals are the same. What has been begun must be given the attention needed for it to thrive and come to fruition.
The sun is at its zenith and we now honour the Solar Deities such as Sol, Sulis, and Ra. Their power to increase our abundance and help us grow is formidable, and acknowledging them now will ensure a bountiful harvest to come.
Solstice fires may be lit to represent the sun and if one has the permission to do so, it is a wonderful and sacred act to ignite an outdoor fire at sunset and keep it alive till sunrise, to celebrate the potency of solar fire, both externally and internally.
This is a time to celebrate our sovereignty and our personal power, vitality, and growth. We are moved to acknowledge the strength, and the support that exists in community to bring light and love into the world.
This is often a very socially active time of the year, when outdoor activities and festivals prevail. A time for weddings, graduation ceremonies, and summer fairs which bring us together in community celebration.
Gregarious energy, revelry, games and friendly rivalries are played out, and the opportunities for joyful, and eccentric interactions stimulate and enliven.
The Sun itself becomes a symbol of the spinning wheel of the year, and as we turn the wheel at Solstice we are energized by its momentum, and carried forward into a time of sustained growth and action.
This is a time to travel and reconnect with neighbors and friends, a time to explore and expand our horizons. Like the story of the Sun which is pulled across the sky by a horse drawn chariot, we are moving forward with intention and integrity, and now is the time to check in with ourselves to make sure we are on the path that will lead us to our heart’s desire.
A Simple Summer Solstice Ceremony
Have or imagine a crown, coronet, tiara, or other head dress of your choosing, and keep this image or item on hand. This is a symbol of your divine sovereignty. You can perform this as a kind of meditation, or print it out and use it as the basis for a group ceremony, adding your personal thoughts and any ‘bells and whistles’ you are inspired to include.
Speak the following aloud or read to yourself…
This is the turning of the year.
The Sun is at its zenith
and the season of growth is at its peak
We honor the culmination
of all that has come before,
and acknowledge the growth within,
that we may move forward
with the sure knowledge
of abundant harvest to come.
This is a time to celebrate the Self;
and a time of joy and playful abandon,
so let us make merry while the sun is full
and dance the dance of love and laughter,
while we turn the wheel once more.
You may wish to dance or turn in a circle (or close your eyes and imagine a circle dance) to honor the turning of the wheel of the year.
Focus on the direction South as you read or speak…
At this southernmost point
on the wheel of the year
we accept the sovereignty of our power,
in order to experience the full potency
of our divine selves:
We honour that which is the source
of all creation so that we may live in faith,
empowerment, and magi.
And we maintain the integrity
of our bodies, minds and spirits,
that we may always remember
and honour who we are.
This is our chance to acknowledge
our sovereign self, that part of us
which is indestructible, and inviolable,
that to which we shall always return.
Close your eyes now and focus on the crown of your head, and imagine the sun’s bright light streaming down as you open up to its divine message of power. Feel your crown chakra drink in the light, and let it flow through your being, bringing with it the clear and full awareness of your unique and divine sovereignty. Stay with this awareness as you place (or imagine placing) your crown on your head.
Repeat these words…
We are the Sun
and we are the moon
we are crowned with glory
We are the light
and we are the shadow
we are crowned with glory
We are the embrace
and we are the release
we are crowned with glory
we are the night
and we are the day
we are crowned with glory
we are the goddess
and we are the god
we are crowned with glory
we are body, mind and spirit
we are crowned with glory
we are fully present in our being
we are crowned with glory
we are sovereign unto ourselves
we are crowned with glory
and in all things we are trust, honour and grace
we are crowned with glory
Our crowning glory is our sovereignty,
our spirit, our divine self,
It is who we are in faith,
in word, and in deed combined.
As you are crowned, I ask that you make a magical statement of acknowledgment of your power to bring the world into being, and state how and what you intend to express and create from your divine sovereign self. You may use the following as a basis for this magical statement and add to it whatever specific declarations inspire you. You may like to look into a mirror as you speak this powerful declaration.
The final paragraph concludes the ceremony and I invite you to notice how you feel after having this experience, no mater how you have chosen to undertake it.
I declare myself to be sovereign and divine in my being.
Through the fire of the sun,
all that is newly born, and newly promised,
will grow in strength this middle of the year.
Earth is earth, and fire is fire.
And we are crowned and bound
to live our lives in in love, and faith, and magic.
Blessed be.
Photo Credits
“It’s summer” mara~earth~light @ flickr.com. Creative commons. Some Rights Reserved.
“Litha” themodernpagan.net
Really cool ritual! I’m going to use it this Summer Solstice! Blessed be!