The magic of summer

This most magical day of summer - summer solstice or Litha - is celebrated every year on June 20, 21 or 22, depending on when the Sun is in the 1st degree of Cancer. The word Litha means "Light" or "Moon", which is also the ruling planet of this holiday, the origin of which dates back at least 10 thousand years. During the summer solstice, the Sun is at its strongest and highest, the day is the longest and the night is the shortest of the year, so this holiday was often associated with fire. The time of balance between light and darkness is coming. Nature is in full swing, bursting with energy and the night wishes all kinds of magic.

References to bonfires on the tops of hills and mountains prevail in medieval Europe, when the chamber ceremony turned into a huge celebration. People dressed up in costumes and carried cauldrons with blazing fires on the ends of poles, which eventually grew into huge processions with music, dance, masks and vivid paintings. Many cultures lit bonfires on this day at dusk, symbolizing the Sun's victory over darkness, which were maintained throughout the night until dawn. In an effort to promote fertility, health, love and the cleansing process, people skipped them. In the British Isles it was even common to erect Midsummer trees decorated with colorful ribbons, flowers and feathers around which dances took place. One of the highlights is the sunrise, which only passes through the center of the Stonehenge megalith circle during the summer solstice. In our territory, the Slavs lit fires and offered sacrifices, which they burned out of respect for the Sun, and these elements were also carried over into the Christian period. The tradition of lighting fires on the hills was carried out shifted to St. John even during the 20th century, and some villages still follow this tradition.

At this time, witches try to go deep within themselves and change everything that is necessary to become better. During Litha, a year round is burned and the morning dew is collected at dawn to maintain health and happiness. It is associated with the elements of fire and also water, fire and ice, fire and water, these two elements are the basis of the transition from winter to summer. It's merge time. Household doors were decorated with birch wicker to protect the home hearth, and a mixture of ladder, ironwood and fern was collected and dried, which was crushed and thrown into the fire. The future was then predicted according to the flame. People in this period cared for seedlings to ensure a rich harvest, grown from seeds during the previous period.

To celebrate Litha, you can do the following activities:

Enjoy the evening by a lit fire or have a garden party or barbecue

Take a walk in nature

Collect and dry herbs

Put fresh flowers in the vase

Water house plants and tend to them

Cook seasonal food or bake bread

Prepare a water station for the bees

Decorate your home and altar

Create a crown of flowers, ideally of dandelions

Light a lot of candles

Celebrate the Sun by watching the sunrise or sunset

The magic of summer

During this year's summer solstice on my birthday, I had an idea how my experiences and daily rituals that help me overcome periods of darkness could help you too. I decided to collect all the tips, ideas and tasks that I do myself to create my everyday magic and I will pass these tips and tasks on to you so that you can make your life more magical too.

I write little texts for the soul, I take everyday pictures, I try to create ethereal and artistic images, but I also capture fleeting moments to see the beauty in small things, I collect and dry herbs for medicinal purposes and I believe in magic. I can teach you all this to make your life more beautiful and happier.

Because the world is full of magic ⛤ let me show it to you.

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