Litha Festival

Seasonal Symbolism:

The Goddess is now full and pregnant with Child, and the Sun God is at the height of His virility. This is the peak of the Solar year and the Sun is at the height of its life-giving power. The Earth is awash with fertility and fulfillment and this is a time of joy and celebration, of expansiveness and the celebration of achievements.

Yet within this climax is the whisper and promise of a return to the Dark. As the Light reaches its peak so this is also the moment when the power of the Sun begins to wane. From now on the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer and we are drawn back into the Dark to complete the Wheel of the Year.

At this time the God, as Oak King, is rich in abundance, but he too surrenders his reign to his brother twin, the Holly King, and the descent begins. But before we welcome the return to the Dark side of the year, and acknowledge this great turning point of the Wheel, we celebrate!

Traditions:

The Bonfire

Traditionally people stayed up all night on Midsummer's Eve to welcome and watch the sunrise. Bonfires were lit on tops of hills, by holy wells, at places held sacred, to honour the fullness of the Sun. At Litha the bonfire really represents a reflection of the Sun at the peak of its strength. The chosen wood would often be Oak and aromatic herbs were scattered into the fire. People danced around the fires and leap through them. Blazing herbs from the sacred bonfire were used to bless the animals. Blazing torches were carried sunwise around homes and fields. Coals from the Midsummer fire were scattered on fields to ensure a good harvest.

Continue reading here: https://www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/litha/

Event Details:

Please join us as we celebrate the fullness of life, growth, and love!

Location:

We will be celebrating Beltane at Marie's house and would be so grateful if you would bless us with your presence. Please bring a Summer dish to share.

What to bring:

Please bring a dish to share and if you feel particularly creative, make it a traditional celtic or Litha/Summer specific dish.

*Please respect the time and energy it takes to host these events. Do not register for this event unless you are committed to attending. Thank you for your consideration.*

What to expect:

- We will share food and laughter together.

- We will have a short time to reflect on the history of this festival and representative Goddess, as well as the meaning of Litha.

- We will participate in a meaningful Litha ritual, which may include writing, lighting candles, oracle cards, and prayers.

- We will enjoy a fire together, as we embrace the cool evening with a cup of tea and conversation.

*This is a substance free event*

*This is an event*

If interested, please join our Idaho Atheopagans chapter

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