Litha 2026

Merry Meet and Welcome to you magickal souls!!!!

It's time to consider Litha, which may be better known as Midsummer's Day, Alban Hefin and the Summer Solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is typically celebrated on 21st June and on 21st December in the Southern Hemisphere.

This is when the Sun is at its strongest, causing the longest day of the year because of the Earth's axis and its tilt. This day is full of endless possibilites, abundant promise, and a time of fulfilment.

Traditionally, Midsummer was celebrated with fire to honour the fullness of the Sun and to boost its strength. Bonfires would be lit on hilltops, and even burning wheels would be rolled down mountains whil lovers would jump over flames too.

A Summer Solstice bonfire is said to be a joyful thing, when people gather together and watch the flames dance as the natural light slowly fades.

The Sun is typically associated with masculine energy which can be harnessed to bring out our inner power and strength. Any herbs that might be picked at midnight on Midsummer's Eve can be used in love and money spells, especially ones that attract these, as they are believed to be especially potent.

Litha is the time to seize the moment and embrace our magic because it won't last. This is just like the Sun's power won't last because there is a lengthening shadow approaching from now as the days gradually get shorter and the nights longer since we are slipping back towards darkness.

Litha is when the one of two battles occur between the Oak King and the Holly King. The Oak King is synonymous with warmth and heat, representing the lengthening days and increasing daylight hours, and is seen as the symbol for Summer. The Holly King is symbolic of Winter, the shorter days, and cooler temperatures. At each Solstice, these two fight for dominance over the other and the world, with the Oak King being victorious at the Winter Solstice and the Holly King at the Summer Solstice.

Some plants to consider working with at this time of year are:

Rue - traditionally added to incense to prevent sickness, or carried to ward against the evil eye; it may irritate skin, but can be sprinkled on the floor or hung by the door in a bundle to banish negativity

Vervain - known as the Witch's Herb, it is believed to be sacred and has many uses; wearing it as a crown is said to protect the wearer while casting a spell; a sprinkled infusion chases away unpleasant atmospheres; useful for love potions, prosperity and protection spells (should not be used by anyone who is pregnant

Bay - said to bring luck and prosperity due to its association with the Sun and fire; believed to encourage psychic visions, especially since Greek priestesses of Apollo would chew bay leaves and inhale the fumes of dried leaves to aid with divination; can be added to a sage bundle to add healing and purification energy to a cleansing and/or space

St John's Wort - used for divination and to ease hallucinations (as well as medicinally so it is readily available); said to have magickal properties connected to luck and love

Some crystals that could also be worked into spells or just carried:

Tiger's Eye - provides the protection of the Sun, instilling courage and nourishment for the soul; useful for meditation as it can aid with grounding, and warm and stable energy; when used on an altar or crystal grid, it can help to attract luck in a steady flow

Amber - shining with bright healing energy, it can be carried for protection, especially on potentially hazardous journeys

Golden Calcite - used for its uplifting energy and brightening the mind, dispelling gloom, and banishing stagnant energy

Sunstone - useful for matters of the heart, and aligning the body and spirit

(Remember that while I suggest to use these herbs and crystals around Litha, they can still be used at any time of the year.)

There are plenty of rituals and spells that could be done at this time but there are no specific rules about what they "must" be. What I do to celebrate and honour Litha may not be what you or other magickal practitioners do. It is important to remember that you can do whatever you are called to do.

In the past, I have done collective readings for these kinds of posts but because this is about my own personal journey, I want to get back to that. I used the Druid Plant Oracle deck by Philip & Stephanie Carr-Gomm and here's my Litha reading:

What should I focus on this summer?

Agrimony Reversed

This card is associated with sadness and lethargy when reversed and I have to admit that I have felt more and more down, tired and without hope recently. Life had lost its pleasure and I wanted to feel a sense of renewal.

While others might suggest doing some physical "spring-cleaning", it wasn't an option for me with my health issues. However, I did start doing some mental and emotional cleaning, removing and releasing burdens that aren't mine to carry and never were.

This is something that I know is not complete as I can work towards truly removing them and thereby making space for better things in my life.

Where am I shining my brightest?

Primrose Reversed

This card is usually associated with being obsessed with romantic, passionate love.

However, I am rather content and happy to live alone and not share my life and home with anyone in such an intimate way. It's not because I'm scared of that kind of commitment but because I am genuinely happy with my life as it is and I don't think romance would add anything to it.

I'm not under any illusions, or delusions, either. I really am content with where my life is right now.

So perhaps this is how I am shining brightest: because I know my own mind and am sticking with it, regardless of the opinions of others. I am under no illusions and no one is influencing me either.

What do I need to release to shine even brighter?

Yarrow

Yarrow is associated with being loyal to a romantic partner, or even to values and ideas, especially when they form the basis of trust. But this didn't feel quite right to me.

Another association is towards te Horned God and the male principle, connecting Yarrow to my relationship with masculinity. I don't have issues with all men, but it is no secret to anyone who knows me that my least favourite tarot card is the Emperor, which symbolises masculinity and leadership.

Perhaps I should release my fears about authority or connect with a male deity/energy.

What do I still need to nurture for a brighter future?

Clover

This plant is synonymous with luck, particularly the four-leaf kind. So perhaps I need to nurture my attitude towards luck. But Clover is also associated with good health and wealth. So maybe this is why Clover appears to me now.

I say this because my health issues are not cured as they never will be but my symptoms can be eased, allowing me to live a better quality of life. It won't happen overnight but a temporary plan is better than what I had before.

It could be that this card comes to say that I will experience luck when it comes to my physical health, which will feel like good fortune within the rest of my life.

It always amazes me that the cards can be accurate, even for me. I do try to read my won cards as if I were interpreting the messages for someone else entirely. These messages are very relevant to me and I will work on taking them forward into the future, especially the next 6-7 weeks until Lughnasadh.

I hope this gives you inspiration for your own Litha practices and readings. If you'd like to receive your own Litha reading from me, my diary and inbox are open.

Peace and love to all!!!!