— SACRED TIME —

Litha — Summer Solstice

June 21 · Wicca and Neopaganism · Contemporary esotericism

Fixed date

Esoteric and historical meaning

Solar peak: maximum manifestation, and at that same instant, the beginning of decline. Principle of fullness that already contains its own end.

Operative mechanics — ritual acts

·Dawn vigil facing east.
·Harvesting solar herbs (St. John's wort, verbena, mugwort) at noon.
·Burning a list of what has been brought to completion.

Traditional foods

·Red fruits
·Honey
·Fresh bread

Offerings

·Bunches of dried herbs
·Solarized water

Taboos to respect

·Do not complain about the heat or the work done
·Do not postpone harvesting until after sunset

Associated symbols

Eight-spoked sun · Oak · St. John's wort · Fire