As we travel through the Wheel of the Year, we find ourselves enveloped in the radiant embrace of Litha, the Summer Solstice. This sacred moment, a vibrant dance of light and shadow, invites us to pause and reflect on our journey around the year, marking the halfway point.
In the profound silence of the longest day and the shortest night, we stand at the threshold of transformation, poised between the abundance of summer and the introspection of the coming dark.
Litha is a time of luminous celebration, where the Earth herself seems to sing with the vitality of life. The flowers are blooming and the harvest is growing. This year the full moon, a celestial mirror to the sun's splendour, illuminates our path with its ethereal glow, casting a soft, silver light on our innermost thoughts and dreams. This is the season where our spirits can soar, basking in the warmth of the sun while our roots dig deeper into the nourishing soil.
The Wheel of the Year: Turning Towards the Shadows
As we honour this peak of solar power, we also acknowledge the inevitable turning of the wheel. From this point forward, the days will slowly shorten, and the nights will grow longer, guiding us gently towards the introspective half of the year. The light, though still strong, begins its graceful descent, whispering of the cycles of life, death, and rebirth that govern our existence.
In this mystical dance between light and dark, we are reminded of the delicate balance that sustains us.
Litha offers us a moment of clarity, a time to gather the fruits of our labour and the wisdom of our experiences. It is a time to celebrate our achievements and to prepare for the inward journey ahead.
Herbal Allies: Nature's Gift for the Darkening Days
In the luminous embrace of Litha, nature offers us her most potent allies. The herbs that flourish under the solstice sun are imbued with the energy of the season, capturing the essence of vitality and growth. As we harvest these botanical treasures, we gather not just their physical form, but their spiritual essence, a gift to sustain us through the dark months ahead.
St. John's Wort: The Sun's Radiance in Bloom
A radiant herb, blooming at the height of summer, St. John's Wort is a beacon of light in the dark. It is said to carry the energy of the sun, offering protection and lifting the spirits during the long, introspective nights of winter.
I love making St. John's Wort Oil which I call the Liquid light for the winter season.
Harvest fresh St. John’s Wort flowers on a sunny day.
Fill a clean jar with the flowers, pressing them down gently.
Pour olive oil/almond oil over the flowers until they are completely submerged.
Seal the jar and place it in a sunny spot for 4-6 weeks, shaking it gently every few days.
Strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a dark glass bottle.
Store in a cool, dark place and use for soothing skin irritations, and nerve pain and uplifting the spirits.
Yarrow: The Warrior's Ally
Known for its resilience and strength, Yarrow is a warrior's ally. It fortifies the body and spirit, offering courage and clarity. As we gather Yarrow, we draw on its power to face the challenges that lie ahead with unwavering determination.
Here is my favourite recipe for a beautiful Yarrow Tincture
Harvest Yarrow leaves and flowers, ensuring they are clean and dry.
Chop the plant material and place it in a clean glass jar.
Cover with high-proof alcohol, such as vodka, making sure the herbs are completely submerged.
Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Strain the liquid into a dark glass bottle using a cheesecloth.
Use 10-15 drops in water or tea to promote healing and resilience.
Chamomile: The Gentle Healer
Gentle and soothing, Chamomile is the balm for our souls. Its calming energy helps us navigate the shifting seasons with grace and tranquillity, offering peace in times of turmoil.
This sweet Chamomile-Infused Honey will bring back memories of the summer days spent in the fields of chamomile
Harvest fresh Chamomile flowers or use dried ones.
Fill a clean jar halfway with the flowers.
Pour raw honey over the flowers until the jar is full.
Stir gently to remove air bubbles and ensure the flowers are coated with honey.
Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks.
Strain the honey into a clean jar and use to sweeten tea or enjoy by the spoonful for its calming effects.
Lavender: The Fragrant Bridge
With its fragrant blooms, Lavender is a bridge between the physical and the ethereal. It promotes relaxation and restful sleep, guiding us into the dream world where we can explore our deepest truths.
You can create a Lavender Dream Pillow
Harvest Lavender flowers and allow them to dry completely.
Fill a small cloth pouch with dried Lavender flowers.
Add a handful of other soothing herbs like Chamomile or Mugwort if desired.
Sew or tie the pouch closed.
Place the pillow under your regular pillow or keep it beside your bed to promote restful sleep and vivid dreams.
A Cosmic Dance of Reflection and Renewal
As we celebrate Litha, we engage in a cosmic dance of reflection and renewal. The full moon's light bathes us in its gentle glow, illuminating the path we have travelled and the journey yet to come. This is a time to honour the cycles of nature, to gather the wisdom of the sun, and to prepare for the inward voyage that awaits.
In this sacred moment, let us open our hearts to the profound connection we share with the Earth and the cosmos. Let us gather the gifts of nature, the herbal allies that will support and sustain us, and carry their essence into the darkening days. As we turn the Wheel of the Year, we embrace the mystery of existence, knowing that each cycle brings us closer to the heart of the universe and the truth of our own being.
May the light of Litha illuminate your path, and may the herbs of this sacred season offer you strength and solace. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, may you find peace in the balance, and wisdom in the journey.
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