Litha/Midsummer Solstice Altar 2022

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's 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. My wild blackberry bushes are full of juicy, ripe berries. My chicken, Jane, and I have been enjoying the heck out of them. I find so much joy in watching her stand at the edge of the yard, jumping to reach the juiciest of berries. 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 Citrine- The two crystals I picked correspond with the energy of the sabbat, representing the Sun, strength, courage, vitality, health, and happiness. (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. It also works sympathetically to strengthen the Sun and bring continued fertility of the land so our crops may 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)

5. Blackberries and Blackberry Briars- Blackberries are a symbol of fertility, health, abundance, prosperity, and protection, representing the feminine energies associated with the Summer Solstice. Seeing as this is the peak season for blackberries at my house, it felt fitting that I should place them on my altar to symbolize the season and as an offering to the spirits I work with. (Where did I get it:  Found; Cost: Free)

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!

I hope each and every one of you have a fantastic Summer Solstice. May it be filled with friends, family, and good food. 

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.