Celebrating the Summer Solstice/Litha

Celebrating Summer Solstice/Litha!

On the Summer Solstice/Litha, the earth is ripening with life, fertility and abundance.  This time of year, when the sun is at its zenith, many cultures and traditions still honor the sun and the Green Man, both in their full glory.  The date can vary slightly, and generally falling on June 20th to 22nd.  From this day forward, daylight will diminish by a few seconds each day, until day and night are equal again on the Autumnal Equinox in September.

 In Celtic lore, as well as many other cultures throughout recorded history, the Green Man is a symbol of rebirth, representing the expansive cycles of growth.  The power of the sun at Litha is at its most potent, as one can see all around with the bounty of growing life.  This is a time of year of brightness and warmth, when crops are growing in their fields with the heat of the sun.  In addition to festivities honoring the plentiful sun, the 'yang', male energy that is so verdantly abundant, Summer Solstice/Litha is a time when the Holly King retakes his throne.  It is reminiscent of the battle between light and dark.  The traditional lore follows that the Oak King, who rules the half of the year from the Winter Solstice to the Summer Solstice, relinquishes his power on the Summer Solstice/Litha to the Holly King, who then rules from the Summer Solstice through to the following Winter Solstice.

Litha is a wonder-filled time to celebrate outdoors, especially if you have children.  Go swimming or turn on the sprinkler and run through it.  Have a bonfire or barbeque at the end of the day.  Make it a special night with music, storytelling, holiday sparklers or dancing at dusk with the magical fire-flies.  Consider letting them stay up late to say 'goodnight' to the sun.  Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the gifts that each season brings.  Blessed Be!

[Above graphic is of the Wise Green Man speaking in hawthorn leaves.  Found in Parish Church in Sutton Benger, UK  (c.1300)]

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Summer Solstice Tea

Nearly all the wonderful herbs and flowers of summer can be made into a lovely sipping tea.  Additionally, this beautiful tea can also be used as potpourri!   Here are some of my favorite herbs and flowers from my garden.   They are sweet, healthful, and soothing.  This tea is great hot or iced, day or night.  It can be made as a sun tea, and your little ones will like its natural sweetness.   As you relax to enjoy a cup, sip in the spirit of summertime!

Reminder of my usual caution:  do NOT use any flowers or leaves that have been sprayed with pesticides or insecticides or are found within 12' of a road.  Do you really want brake asbestos in your tea?)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Korean mint  leaves and flowers (Agastache rugosa)
Lavender (Lavender spp.)
Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Rose petals  (Rosa spp)
Spearmint leaf (Mentha spicata or other Metha spp.)

Combine herbs and mix well. To make tea, use 2 teaspoons herb blend per pint of water. Steep for 15 to 20 minutes and strain.    Store any unused portion in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

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Note: Any remedies or information listed on this newsletter are from historical references and used for teaching/educational purposes only. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, cure or substitute consultation with a licensed health-care professional. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.