15 Litha Rituals to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice or Midsummer, is the longest day of the year. And the official first day of Summer. For pagans and those working with nature, it’s a time of heat, light, abundance, and the energetic fire that fuels transformation, and these Litha rituals can help you make the most out of that energy.

After this, the Wheel of the Year continues to turn and days begin to shorten again until we reach the shortest day of the year at the Winter Solstice or Yule.

But for now, it’s Summer. And, it is the season of radiance and revelry. Of bonfires and honeyed mead. Of flower crowns and sun-charged spells. Whether you’re practicing solo or working with your coven here are some vibrant and powerful Litha rituals to honor the light.

Also, if you don’t necessarily celebrate Litha, many of these activities can be enjoyed as part of a general Summer Solstice celebration as well.

Litha Rituals and Summer Solstice Traditions

1. Refresh Your Altar

The holidays on the Wheel of the Year are great times to update your altar and with it, keep its energy fresh and moving. Add sunflowers, citrus peels, gold candles, and herbs like sage and basil. Use bright fabrics and symbols of the sun, the stag, or masculinity in general.

2. Do a Sunrise Meditation

Wake up with the sun and greet the rising light with breathwork, visualization, or a simple moment of stillness. It’s one of the most direct ways to connect with solar energy and start the day clear, charged, and full of purpose.

3. Spend Time in Nature

Litha is a nature-based celebration, so get outside. If you can, go for a hike, lounge under a tree, or throw an impromptu picnic with berries, cheese, and a thermos of herbal tea. Just don’t forget your SPF.

4. Work with the Masculine

Litha is often seen as a celebration of the divine masculine in balance with the feminine. Take a moment to honor the solar gods like Ra, and Apollo or the Wiccan Oak King and Green Man. Or work with the Divine Masculine energy within yourself and your relationship to courage, action, protection, and outward expression.

5. Host a Solstice Feast or BBQ

Nothing says midsummer like food grilled over open flame. Invite your favorite humans (witchy or not), set the table with fresh flowers and seasonal fruits, and let the abundance flow. Sharing a meal is one of the oldest sacred rituals. Here are some of our favorite Summer Solstice recipes.

6. Make a Sun Tea with Sun Herbs

Herbs like chamomile, calendula, lemon balm, and mint are all sun-aligned and perfect for a ritual brew. (They’re also great ones to grow in your witchy garden.) Pour some into a cup and let it steep outside under the Sun. Then, sip your tea while meditating, journaling, or just enjoying the warm weather.

7. Take Part in a Handfasting Ceremony

Litha is a potent time for unions—both romantic and symbolic. Whether you’re tying the knot with a partner or making a vow to yourself or your path, a handfasting can mark this midpoint of the year with heartfelt magic.

8. Host a Bonfire

Gather around a backyard fire pit or community bonfire and set intentions, do spells, or just toast marshmallows and enjoy the moment.

9. Wear a Flower Crown

Yes, we associate flower crowns with Beltane, but Litha marks the season of full bloom. Using wildflowers, herbs, and ribbons in bright colors, create a pretty flower crown fit for the queen you are.

10. Visit a Summer Solstice Monument

If you can get to one of the ancient summer solstice sites such as Stonehenge, the Grange Stones, or the Temple of Karnak, take the opportunity to do so. If not, find your own sacred solstice place and watch the sun rise or set.

11. Honor the Green Man

While Beltane primarily celebrates the May Queen, Litha is a great time to honor the Green Man. For Wiccans, he’s a symbol of fertility, foliage, and the life force of nature. Leave offerings of fruit, pour a libation, or simply spend time in a forested place listening.

12. Make a Wand

Wands are one of the tools in witchcraft that represent the element of fire. (They also represent fire in the tarot.) Making or finding a wand at the solstice, is a powerful magical statement. Use wood from oak, ash, or elder and decorate it with red, gold, or yellow ribbons, sun charms, or herbs. Consecrate it in the sun and use it to direct energy in your rituals throughout the year.

13. Do Some Candle Magic

Work with the element of fire by doing candle magic with yellow, orange, red, or gold candles. These colors align with solar energy, abundance, and confidence. Carve your intentions into the wax or write a petition and place it below the candle. Then light the flame and set them into motion.

14. Charge Your Sun Crystals

Crystals like citrine, sunstone, and carnelian correspond with the Sun’s energy. Leave them out at sunrise to soak up that fire, but bring them in before high noon to avoid overcharging or cracking.

BONUS: Make a Summer Playlist

Music is its own kind of magic. Curate a Spotify playlist that captures the mood of Litha: joyful, expansive, in optimistic. Include songs that spark that feeling in you. Play it while you’re crafting your altar, getting ready for your day, or as your background party music. It’s a subtle but potent way to weave seasonal energy into your day.

Want to dive deeper into Litha’s history, myth, and meaning? Read our full Litha guide here.