20/12/2025
In the Southern Hemisphere, LITHA
Also known as Midsummer, St. John’s Day and Alban Hefin falls between December 21-22.
The precise astronomical moment occurring on December 21st at about 11:33PM ACST (Australian Central Standard Time)
LITHA celebrates the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year and the peak of the suns power. We celebrate peak sunlight, summer vitality, and nature’s abundance.
This sabbat is rooted in ancient European traditions, including Celtic and Norse solstice celebrations. It honors the sun’s life-giving energy and the abundance of the Earth.
Mother Nature is at her strongest along with the Sun so it’s time to celebrate with joy and plenty!
This time is a significant turning point in the year - as the longest day arrives and light is at the peak of its power, so from that moment darkness begins to grow.
Reminding us that change is certain and the basis of life and everything carries within it the seed of its opposite.
Bonfires were a key part of LITHA celebrations, symbolizing the sun’s strength and driving away negative forces. One would traditionally leap through the bonfire to celebrate and cleanse.
Offerings of herbs and flowers were made to the sun god, and rituals focused on gratitude for growth and vitality.
Labyrinths are a key theme during LITHA - walking them helps us to look inside ourselves and find our own ways of regeneration, as we walk from light to dark to light again.
The colours of Litha are red, gold and green; celebrating the heat of the summer and the bounty of seasonal fruits. Luckily, these match up with traditional Christmas colours so enjoy decorating your space to honour both celebrations.
Love magic is at its strongest during Litha, making it ideal to cast spells of friendship and strengthening familial bonds.
LITHA is a time of joy, abundance, and connection to the natural world.