Litha/Midsummer Solstice Altar 2023

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, blueberries, blackberries, watermelons, peaches, tomatoes, and even corn. My wild blackberry bushes are full of juicy, ripe berries and Tony and I plan on venturing to the park this week to pick as many as we can to make jams, cobblers, and more. 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. Grapevine- Around my shed, I have a wild grapevine taking over. Every other year I have to cut it way back and this year is one of those years. They make a perfect addition to this altar, representing abundance, fertility, and growth. Grapevines are also said to attract the Fae, which are known to make an appearance during midsummer celebrations. (Where did I get it: My Garden; Cost: Free)

3. Yellow Candles in Holders- I went with yellow candles this year to represent the Sun, strength, warmth, happiness, and creativity. Midsummer is a time to celebrate, a joyful occasion, and one that encourages creativity and frivolity. The flame is a sympathetic form of magic to encourage the Sun's strength while also representing His energies on this altar. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2019 & Amazon; Cost: $4)

4. Cicadas- Cicadas are associated with transformation, renewal, growth, and immortality. Their song is a staple here in Georgia during the summer, with some years being so loud it's hard to sleep. While this year is much quieter (last year was a 17-year cycle), there are still plenty making their presence known to the world. I collected these gorgeous specimens, one male and one female, last year. They represent not only the aforementioned correspondences, but also masculine and feminine energy and the union between the Sun and Earth that results in a fruitful harvest and new life. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

5. Carnelian, Citrine, Garnet, and Clear Quartz Tower- I added several crystals this year to represent the correspondences of the sabbat. Carnelian, citrine, and garnet in their reds, oranges, and yellows, are all associated with the Sun, strength, happiness, vitality, and growth. The clear quartz tower in the center adds additional strength to this altar dedicated to the Sun, while also representing the subtle energies of the feminine, balance, and focus. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$14)

6. Pink Flower Incense Holder- In the center is an incense holder to represent fire and air, as the incense requires fire to burn and produces smoke or scented air. Being pink, it represents love, which results in the flowering fruits so abundant at this time. There is no incense currently featured in this picture, but during my midsummer celebrations, it will be adorned with rose and cinnamon incense, which represent love, lust, fertility, friendship, abundance, and wealth. (Where did I get it: Five Below 2019; Cost: $3)

7. Calendula Flower Petals- Calendula is deeply associated with the Sun, it's orange and yellow blooms looking like a sunburst. As such, calendula represents the Sun, strength, vitality, health, happiness, and abundance. As with other elements on my altar, the calendula petals work sympathetically to strengthen and empower the Sun to ensure continued abundance and prosperity for the remainder of the season. (Where did I get it: Apothecary At Home; Cost: ~$0.10)

8. Deer Antler- The antler represents the masculine and is associated with vitality, strength, and fertility as male deer use their horns to win a mate, all of which are aspects associated with Midsummer or Litha. Furthermore, deer are said to be spirit walkers, able to cross between our realm and the Otherworld. Midsummer, like all sabbats, is a liminal time, allowing for easy astral travel. As a hedge witch, I often engage in hedge riding during the sabbats, making the antler a meaningful addition to my altar. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

TOTAL COST: ~$26

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! You will also notice that I brought back my labeled altars. I strongly feel this type of breakdown is helpful to beginner witches who are learning correspondences and to seasoned witches looking for inspiration.

I hope each and every one of you has 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.