The Midsummer Solstice or Litha is a time of celebrating the Sun in all His glory. Being the longest day of the year, this is the time full of strength and power of the Sun, which will begin to wane from this night forward. The Summer Solstice has long been celebrated by our ancestors with bonfires, feasts, festivals, and more. It is a time of reds, oranges, and yellows, as well as a time of fertility, bountiful harvests, marriages, and births. At this point, many of the first crops are coming in strong. Here in Georgia, we get the first of the summer squash, blackberries, watermelons, tomatoes, and even corn. With these themes in mind, I put together this year's altar, honoring the Sun and the life He brings to the fields, especially my little garden in my backyard.
1. Sun Wheel- I put this sun wheel on my Midsummer Solstice altar every year. It's one of my favorite crafts I've done over the years and it was so simple and easy to make. It represents the Sun, which is most prominent on the Summer Solstice, masculine energy, light, and fertility. Being that the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, it is only fitting to represent the Sun in all his strength. Sun Wheels were commonly created by our ancestors as a form of sympathetic magic by helping the Sun remain strong through the rest of the growing season, which was needed to ensure a bountiful crop to make it through the darkest and coldest months of the year.
(Where did I get it: I made it; Cost: Under $5)
2. Candles in Holders- I went with white candles this year, representing purity and light, a nod to both the feminine energies of the season and the Sun, the ultimate bringer of light. The flame is a sympathetic form of magic to encourage the Sun's strength while also representing His energies on this altar. I chose the golden or yellow candle holders to further represent the Sun, his strength, light, etc.
(Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2019; Cost: $3)
3. Carnelian and Bloodstone- The two crystals I picked correspond with the energy of the sabbat. I went with two of the same I used on Beltane because they are perfect for Litha as well. Carnelian represents the Sun, strength, and vitality while the bloodstone represents health and vitality. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$3)
4. Sun Plaque- Being the longest day of the year and a celebration of the Sun, it only makes sense to include my sun plaque. I think the representation here is pretty obvious, that this plaque is on my altar to honor the Sun on the solstice, encourage His vitality, and bring continued fertility of the land so our crops many finish growing.
(Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $1)
5. Ivy- The silk ivy represents wealth, abundance, and fertility, as well as the Sun or Horned God who peaks at the Summer Solstice. After today, He will begin to slowly wane in power until He ultimately dies at Samhain. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1)
TOTAL COST: ~$13
Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!
Did you do anything special for Litha this year? I just got back from a week-long vacation in Florida where I certainly enjoyed as much of the Sun's glorious rays without burning of course! It rained a lot as well, but we managed to have a great time at Disney and Clearwater Beach anyway. After spending the past year and some months at home, it was really great to get out and feel some semblance of normalcy for a change. I hope you each enjoyed a wonderful Midsummer Solstice and that your summer continues to be bountiful!
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So pretty! I especially love your sun wheel; it's so striking!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous sunwheel + Summer Solstice altar. The crops that are coming in around your neck of the woods sound so scrumptious! We live in one of Canada's largest fruit growing and viticulture regions, which means that plenty of fresh produce abounds here as summer gets underway, too. Some of the primarily crops include cherries, peaches, apricots, and nectarines. Later, as summer inches towards autumn, others such as apples, pears, plums, and grapes join their ranks. It's such a vibrant, happiness sparking time of the year - not to mention a rather delicious one.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for sharing your wonderful Litha altar, dear Willow. May the warmth, blessings, and beauty of this sacred sabbat be yours straight onto fall.
Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life
The more you have talked about the part of Canada where you live, the more I see that our areas are not so very different. Sure, your seasons are different as you actually get snow, but we are growing and seeing all the same wonderful treats, with the exception of cherries. Cherries don't grow as well in Georgia as they do up North, but peaches certainly do well! We are the Peach State after all!
DeleteAs much as I love all the produce and having time off of work, I do crave Fall as I know you do. Haha!