Summer Solstice. After months of growing sunlight, the sun has reached its peak. In the mystical story of the Goddess and the God, the Oak King is confronted by his shadow self, the Holly King, and the God of the waxing year is slain. With each passing day, the hours of sunlight will grow less. Even though the crops that were planted will continue to grow, even though we will still experience warm weather and summertime fun, there is a definite change in the world around us. Ever so slowly, the year is beginning to fade.
This is a time of transition and change. Just as the Holly King defeats the Oak King, even as summer gives into the slow fade into fall, we also experience transitions in our lives. Change isn't always easy. And very often, change isn't fun. But it is necessary.
Even though the Oak King has been slain, we realize that this is a natural part of things. Litha is often a confusing Sabbat; the joy of summer blended with the stark realization of transition and change. This is a perfect Sabbat to change directions in our magickal life, to take up a new area of study, setting an old path aside for awhile. It isn't gone, just as the Oak King's death isn't a permanent things. Litha gives us the freedom to explore. And freedom and summertime are as good of reasons as any to celebrate.
Litha
Summer Solstice (approximately June 21st)
Pronounced "lith-uh" and also called Midsummer
Divine Myth: The Oak King is challenged by the Holly King and slain.
Keywords: Transition, Change, Celebration