Practical Magic: A Beginner's Guide to Crystals, Horoscopes, Psychics, and Spells - Nikki Van De Car 2017

Litha
Pagan Holidays
Magic for the weekend Wiccan

Pronounced LIE-tha. Also known as Midsummer Night’s Eve. Celebrated on the summer solstice, so on or near June 21.

This is yet another night of celebration, but it is more somber than Beltane. As on Samhain, the veil between this world and the next is quite thin on Litha, and so precautions must be taken. It is a night to celebrate the sun and light, so traditionally bonfires were lit and garlands of herbs tossed onto the flames to honor the Sun God and Queen Mab. This is, of course, an important night for the fairies, as well.

As this night is the shortest of all, it a good one to hold a vigil, watching and waiting for the sun to rise. If you hold steady, you will gain power and control over magic… but you risk madness or being whisked away by the fairies.

COLORS: yellow, green, and gold

STONES: emerald and gold

HERBS: mugwort, vervain, chamomile, yarrow, lavender, and thyme

WAYS TO CELEBRATE:

Light a bonfire and leap over it—the highest leap will determine the height of your crop this year.

Create a wreath of flowers to toss into the fire.

Harvest St. John’s wort and decorate your home with it, along with rue, trefoil, roses, and vervain.

Sleep with any of the above under your pillow to encourage good dreams.

Hold an overnight vigil—or just get up early to watch the sun rise.