Litha (pronounced “LITH-ah”), is also known as Midsummer, Summer Solstice . . . and is called Alban Heruin or Alban Hefin by Druids.
Litha is a celebration of the longest day of the year . . . a celebration of the abundance and beauty of the Earth. The Goddess is heavy with pregnancy as the Earth is growing ready for harvest. Young animals and birds are learning to live on their own, and everything seems to be full and alive. On this day the Sun God is at his strongest. From this day on, the Sun God begins to grow old, and the days will wane, growing shorter and shorter until Yule, when the God is reborn.
Litha is observed on the day of the Summer Solstice. This year that falls on June 21st, but the date can vary from the 20th to the 23rd. (Note that Wiccans in the Southern Hemisphere will be celebrating Yule on June 21st.They will celebrate Litha on December 21st.)
Traditions, including the colors, herbs, incense and flowers associated with the celebration of Litha, vary according to the different practitioners. Altar decorations typically include summertime flowers - especially sunflowers - love amulets, seashells, aromatic potpourri and Summer fruits.
The lighting of a bonfire has for countless generations been a tradition at Summer Solstice. Because the oak tree is linked with strength, stability and the sun, oak is the wood of choice. A fire kept alight until midnight brings good luck to the house and its occupants.
Introspectively, Litha is seen as a time for us each to look at the "seeds" we've planted in ourselves. Are our goals in full bloom?
According to the Wiccan/Pagan Poll conducted by the Covenant of the Goddess beginning in late July, 1999, there were 768,400 Neo-pagans in the U.S. in the year 2000. The largest subset within that group were Wiccans.
We close this issue of Interfaith eLerts with this “Statement for Peace” from the website of the Covenant of the Goddess (sometimes abbreviated CoG) - one of the oldest and largest cross-traditional groups among Wiccans:
Statement for Peace
As it is consistent with the values and beliefs of our religion, the Covenant affirms our belief in the spiritual and social wisdom of peace in the world. We aspire to stand in fellowship with the peoples of all religions, cultures and ethnicities in our shared desire for peace. We do this for the sake of our shared love of the Earth and all living things that dwell upon it.
At this time of the Summer Solstice, we suggest that we each acknowledge that we are joining hands with our Wiccan brothers and sisters in affirming our shared desire for peace.
May the Lord and Lady bless you all with lots of love, prosperity, health, and well-being!
Shalom Salaam Peace
Kay & Dave Corby, Founders Common Tables “Common Tables is an answer to my personal beliefs and prayers!” Gayl H., Florida
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