Midsummer Altar 2018

I hope everyone had a wonderful Summer Solstice (Winter Solstice if you are in the Southern Hemisphere). We threw a small party with lots of seasonal foods and a bonfire, which I will post about later. For my altar this year I combined sun imagery with candles and crystals to honor the longest day of the year. So let's break down my Midsummer/Litha altar for 2018.

1. Sun Wheel- Represents the Sun, which is most prominent on the Summer Solstice, masculine energy, light, and fertility. It is on Litha that the Sun is strongest, providing the Earth and all her life with an abundant energy source to grow and thrive. (Where did I get it: I made it; Cost: Under $5)

2. Lanterns & Candles- These represent the Sun, masculine energy, passion, and light. Midsummer is the last of the fire festivals, making candles a must on any Litha altar. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $4)

3. Antler- Represents the masculine and fertility, as well as the connection between our realm and the Otherworld. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: $0)

4. Sun Plate- This, of course, represents the Sun, masculine energy, and fertility. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $1)

5. Crystals- On this altar, there is malachite for growth and fertility, carnelian for strength and to represent the sun, bloodstone for fertility, strength, and abundance, citrine for abundance, and clear quartz to amplify the magic of the altar. (Where did I get it: Purchased from metaphysical stores or received in subscription boxes; Cost: Unknown)

6. Ivy- The silk ivy represents wealth, abundance, and fertility, as well as the Sun (Horned God) who is strongest on the Solstice. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $1)

7. Skull- The animal skull is there to represent the masculine, and it provides a place for spirits to reside as well as enhanced spirit communication. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost $0)

TOTAL COST: ~$15-20

You may have noticed I set this altar post is different from those in the past. I decided to break them down in a simpler fashion than before to make the post more manageable. Furthermore, I added where I acquired the items found on my altar and how much each item costs. Most of the items I use are found or purchased for under $1. The crystals are the only items that I have acquired from various sources and cannot give an exact value for. I hope this set up is more helpful to those looking for low-cost ideas or the reasons behind certain items being placed on different sabbat altars. If you like this setup, please let me know in the comments, and I will continue to provide such breakdowns.

How did you set up your altar this year for the solstice?