Litha Summer Solstice

Litha is the Summer Solstice, which in the Northern Hemisphere falls on or about June 21. Linguists disagree about the origin of the Sabbat’s name, but summer festivals were common across pre-Christian Europe. People lit bonfires to keep the sun’s light alive for as long as possible. Solstice revels were supposed to bless the crops in the fields and drive away unwanted or negative spirits. Litha is the day when the Sun God is at the peak of his power. It is an auspicious day, ruled by the Sun and the element of Fire. After Litha, the nights will begin to grow longer and the Sun will move further away each day. With the fall harvest imminent, Litha is an opportunity for anticipating the (actual or symbolic) crop. Medieval people believed that Midsummer Night was blessed, and that whatever a person dreamed on this night would come true. How Satanic Witches celebrate: Outdoor rituals are common at Litha, as Brotherhood Witches take advantage of the long hours of daylight. It is a joyful Sabbat. Bonfires and summer games brighten the space between earth and sky. We decorate our altars with solar symbols, and honor the Horned God Satan as the Man in Black in his aspect as Father. All Brotherhood Covens honor the Man in Black the entire Satanic Wheel of the Year and during all of the yearly Esbat Rituals. Litha is an appropriate time for all Magick ruled by the Sun. This includes spells of cleansing, protection, charisma, and truth.