Summer Solstice, ~Jun 21
Litha
History & Meaning
The longest day of the year — the sun at its peak strength, traditionally a time for peak-vitality workings, protection magic (St. John's Wort was gathered specifically on this day), and outdoor celebration.
Correspondences
Colors: gold, yellow, bright orange. Herbs: St. John's Wort, sunflower, chamomile. Foods: stone fruits, fresh herbs, honey. Crystals: citrine, sunstone, tiger's eye.
Ritual
A sunrise or sunset practice specifically (the day's extremes are the point) — light a gold or yellow candle and set an intention around personal strength or vitality while the sun is visible.
Recipe / Activity
A simple stone-fruit galette: peaches or plums in a rough-folded pastry crust — a low-stress way to use peak-summer produce.