We are nearly at the summer solstice – the longest day of the year. Hurrah! The Summer Solstice is a wonderful time to celebrate nature and abundance and perhaps take time for some Pagan or witchy rituals.
The Summer Solstice is sometimes called Litha in the Pagan Wheel of the Year. It’s also called Midsummer in many places in Europe.
Celebrating the Summer Solstice
The main point of Summer Solstice celebrations is to honour the sun at its peak power and celebrate the longest day of the year. It’s a time to bask in the sun and give thanks for its life-giving warmth as well as to enjoy and be grateful for nature’s abundance.
It is also a time to recognise that the wheel of the year is turning once again. The days will begin to get shorter once more and we need to accept this transition as a natural part of the seasonal cycle.
Summer Solstice celebrations focus on celebrating the sun’s power, enjoying the abundance of nature’s bounty, finding balance and preparing for the next turn of the wheel. Here is a suggestion for some simple rituals to help you celebrate this special time of the year.
Greet the Dawn
Greet the sunrise with gratitude by stepping outside at dawn, raising your arms to the sky, and speaking three things you’re grateful for to the sun. Light a yellow or gold candle to carry the sun’s energy indoors for the day.
Abundance Blessing
Create a simple outdoor meal using fresh, seasonal foods like summer veg and berries, and/or herbs from your garden or windowsill. Before eating, place your hands on your heart and thank the earth for its bounty.
Balance Meditation
At midday when the sun is highest, spend 10 minutes in quiet reflection about what you need to release as the year turns toward autumn, and what you want to nurture through the coming seasons. Write these on two pieces of paper. If you wish, you can burn one in a candle flame and keep the other on your altar.
Sunset Intention Setting
As the sun sets on the longest day, light a small fire or a candle and set intentions for the darker half of the year ahead. Speak your hopes aloud to the flames, then sit quietly watching acknowledging the wheel turning.
If you have time for a longer ritual I’ve included a few ideas below. Don’t worry if you can’t complete these on the actual solstice, a few days either side will be absolutely fine.
Midsummer Fire Scrying Ritual
The best time to do this ritual is just after sunset on Summer Solstice night.
You will need either a fire pit, a small metal bowl or a large candle in a storm lantern. You will also need matches, water for safety and kindling and fuel if you are using a fire. You may like a blanket to sit on or wrap around yourself if the evening is chilly.
Set up your fire/candle outdoors where you can sit comfortably. As twilight deepens, light your fire or candle and sit quietly watching the dancing flames. Let your eyes soften and gaze into the flames. Ask, “What do I need to know as the wheel turns?” Watch for images, symbols, or feelings that arise. When you have finished, safely extinguish the flame and journal what you experienced.
Sacred Grove Nature Pilgrimage
Choose a natural location with trees, water, or significant landscape features. Begin by walking mindfully to your chosen spot, gathering small natural offerings along the way (fallen flowers, interesting stones, beautiful leaves). At your destination, create a small nature altar with your gathered items. Spend time in silent communion with the land – meditate under trees, dip your hands in water, or simply lie on the earth feeling the sun’s warmth. Before leaving, offer thanks and leave something biodegradable as a gift to the spirits of place. This pilgrimage honours nature’s power while building a deeper connection to the living world around you.
I hope this post has inspired you to celebrate this special time of the year. Please consider sharing this post with someone who would appreciate it. You might also like to sign up for my newsletter for more in depth guides to witchcraft as a spiritual lifestyle.
Blessed be
Eva x