Beginner's Guide To The Summer Solstice

Summer has finally arrived in the Northern Hemisphere! ... The anticipation in the lead up to summer has been building up for many months. However, the start of the season has now officially arrived in the form of the Summer Solstice.

The longest day of the year is a cause for great celebration for many, whether you feel a spiritual connection to the power of the sun, or are simply relieved that summer has finally arrived.

Everything you need to know about the summer solstice

What is it?

The Summer Solstice - also known as the Estival Solstice, Midsummer or Litha - is the longest day of the year. It occurs when the earth’s geographical pole becomes most inclined towards the sun, and it officially marks the beginning of summer.

When the Summer Solstice takes place, the sun will reach its highest possible altitude. As a result, the day on which the summer solstice falls will have the longest period of daylight of the year.

In some cultures, such a paganism, the Summer Solstice is symbolic of fertility, abundance and the harvest.

When is it?

The Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere occurs in June, while it comes about in the southern hemisphere in December.

The Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will be taking place this year at exactly 11.07am on Thursday 21 June. The UK will be graced with 16 hours and 38 minutes of daylight, with the sun rising at 4.43am and setting in the evening at 9.31pm.

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Depending on your individual spiritual path, there are many different ways you can celebrate Litha, but the focus is nearly always on celebrating the power of The Sun. Because this Sabbat glorifies the Sun God and the Sun, fire plays a very prominent role in this festival.

A candle should be lit for the entire day, especially if it is cloudy or raining. The fire represents The Sun and is a constant daily reminder of the power of the Sun God. Rituals should be performed at around noon, when the sun is highest in the sky.

Now that the Summer Solstice is upon us - the Wheel Of Life has turned once again. Litha or Midsummer is one of the Lesser Wiccan Sabbats. The sun is at the height of it power before beginning its slide into darkness and we experience the longest day and shortest night of the year.