As the wheel of the year turns, Litha approaches on December 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. For practitioners of folk witchcraft in Australia, this vibrant season offers a time of potent energy and connection to nature's rhythms.
While celebrations often involve grand rituals and gatherings, embracing the spirit of Litha can also be achieved through serene and low-energy practices. Here are ten gentle ways for folk witches to honour this sacred time without expending excessive energy.
1. Sun Meditation: Bask in Solar Radiance
There's an undeniable power in the sun's warm embrace. Find a comfortable spot outdoors or by a sunlit window. Close your eyes, feel the sun's rays on your skin, and visualise its energy , revitalising your spirit. Let its warmth envelop you, filling you with renewed vigor and vitality. BUT remember, we live in Australia so make sure you slap on the sunscreen and stay sun safe.
2. Craft a Sun Wheel: Symbol of Solar Energy
Tap into the essence of Litha by crafting a sun wheel. Gather natural materials like twigs, flowers, or colourful ribbons. Weave them together in a circular pattern, infusing it with your intentions for the season. Hang this symbol in your space as a representation of the sun's power and the wheel of life turning toward abundance.
3. Herbal Infusions: Sip Nature's Elixir
Embrace the season's bounty by brewing herbal teas or infusions. Select herbs like chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm known for their calming and energising properties. Allow their essences to soothe your senses, invoking the spirit of Litha with every sip.
4. Garden Blessing: Nurture Earth's Gifts
If you have a garden, spend quiet moments tending to it. Connect with the earth, thanking it for its abundance and growth. Offer blessings to the plants, nurturing their flourishing energy. Feel the reciprocal exchange of love and gratitude with nature.
5. Make Sun Water: Infuse with Solar Energy
Harness the sun's energy by creating sun-infused water. Fill a jar with pure water and place it in direct sunlight for the day. This charged water can be used in cleansing rituals or to infuse spells with the vibrant energy of the sun.
6. Decorate With Flowers: Nature's Beauty Indoors
Invite the vibrancy of Litha indoors by adorning your space with flowers. Gather wildflowers from nearby fields or visit a local market to acquire blossoms. Arrange them in vases around your home, allowing their beauty to amplify the energy of the season.
7. Midsummer Night's Dream Journaling: Manifestation through Words
As the day wanes into night, embrace the introspective energy of the season. Spend time journaling about your dreams, aspirations, and goals. Reflect on what you wish to manifest during this abundant time, setting your intentions for the coming days.
8. Sunset Ritual: Gratitude to the Dusk
As the sun sets on this special day, partake in a simple ritual to bid farewell to the sun's golden rays. Light candles in honor of the fading light, expressing gratitude for the warmth and energy that the sun bestowed upon the Earth.
9. Divination with Solar Crystals: Seeking Clarity
Engage in divination using crystals associated with the sun, such as citrine or sunstone. Hold these crystals during meditation to seek insights and clarity for the upcoming season. Allow their energies to guide you on your path forward.
10. Stargazing: Connect with Celestial Energies
After the day's rituals, spend quiet moments observing the stars. Whether from your window or beneath the open sky, connect with the celestial energies that grace the night. Feel the vastness of the universe and your place within it.
Remember, the essence of these celebrations lies not in extravagance but in the heartfelt connection to nature's cycles and the energies surrounding us. Embrace this time with peace, intention, and a deep reverence for the vibrant energies of Litha.