Happy Litha! Today is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. The sun's power is at its peak and summer is in full swing (which means triple digits and a lot of air conditioning for yours truly).
If you're looking for more information on Litha and how to celebrate without spending a dime, check out last week's post!
Today, I'd like to give you a look at my natural Litha altar. If you haven't planned ahead, don't fret! Eat an orange in the sunshine. Make a pitcher of lemonade. Or grab some flowers from your yard, a candle from your closet, and pay your respects to the Summer Sun God. Simple as that! Isn't worshipping nature just spectacular?
For my altar, I choose lemons and oranges to represent the sun/ God (being that they are sun-colored and spherical). The tulips represent the Goddess with their cupped bulbs symbolizing...well, lady bits. The blooms can also represent the womb, each delicate petal protecting the fertile stamen of the flower just as the uterus protects and nourishes the fetus. It just so happened they were also deep orange and yellow, which fit the colors of Litha perfectly. Just don't forget to thank any flowers and greenery you pick for your altar. After all, they are making a sacrifice. ...I know— it felt a little odd to me at first too. But when you take a moment to think about it, they're lending their energy to your purpose. It's appropriate to show some gratitude. You don't need to incite a neighborhood debate regarding your grasp on reality by conversing with a bush. You can express your gratitude internally, taking a moment to appreciate their beauty before you severe them from their life source. You know, respect for nature and whatnot.
I chose to have my altar outside, but inside is just as easy! If you're looking to represent the five elements, the flowers and fruit are appropriate for earth. The candle is clearly fire. A small bowl of water is, well, water (I wet the soil before I set up my altar, so water was very present. =D) Air is easily represented by incense, or, you know, the air in the room. ;) And spirit is YOU! See how easy?! It's so common to feel overwhelmed when setting up an altar, but it really doesn't have to be that complicated. Magick is all about what feels right to you. Trust your instinct. If you like a serious altar, then party on with your austere self. But if you're like me and prefer a laid back approach to just about everything, all you need to do is step outside to honor the Divine. After all, the best place to worship nature is in nature!
Happy Litha, Everyone!
How do you honor Litha? What's your favorite cost-free way to celebrate the Summer Solstice?
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