A Guide to Litha – the Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice also known as Litha, falls between June 20th and 23rd each year and marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

As day light hours reach their peak, we can feel the impact on the land around us – flowers are blooming, herbs are at their most fragrant and animals are busy raising their broods. Life navigates around this peak – rising and blooming in tune with the Sun.

Solstice literally means ‘the Sun stands still’ and it can be a good point in the year to pause and reflect on how our own lives are feeling right now. In today’s post I shall be sharing my favourite question to work with at this time of year, along with some simple ways to connect with the season.

Associated element of Summer – Fire

The Summer season is associated with the element of fire. Fire energises and aids transformation. It can literally and metaphorically burn away things that we no longer need. Emotionally this may include any limitations or barriers, old thought or behaviour patterns and experiences in our lives that we feel ready to transform.

Just like all of the elements, fire has more and less helpful qualities. In balance, fire energy can stimulate the motivation required to bring new projects to life. Fire can clear our path and cultivate clarity. It helps kindle ideas, enthusiasm, creativity and positive action. In excess, fire energy can bring an intensity to our emotions that may feel chaotic or overwhelming.

Around this time it can be helpful to consider the following question:

what you would like to ignite, breakthrough or transform in this season?

Spend 5 or 10 minutes writing an answer to this question in a journal, seeing what arises.

More ways to work with the heightened energy at this time of the year here:

Lessons from the Longest Day

Outer observations

The Summer is associated with abundance. The natural world is in full bloom. The increased light up to this point has provided favourable conditions for life to be nourished. Flowers are abundant, colours are rich, new life is flourishing and fruits begin to ripen.

This can be a good time to reflect on what is abundant in your life right now. Some years this is going to be easier to answer than others. You many wish to note down anything you are grateful for and what you have learned this year. It is also helpful to consider, where we may be needing more nourishment, during this full, heightened time.

Explore more Summer Solstice magic here:

My favourite practices for grounding at Midsummer

Plants of the Summer Solstice

Litha is coming

Solstice blessings!