- Turning point
- Sun at peak energy
Litha in old Germanic and Wiccan traditions
In Druidic and Celtic traditions, this is a holy fire festival. Oak is the sacred tree—Duir, the “door”—through which we pass at the height of light into the waning half of the year. Bonfires are lit on hilltops. Offerings are made to the Sun. Mistletoe is gathered beneath the solstitial sky.
Prayer based on Summer Solstice Service, Max Heindel
Light of my World, who brings forth the Bread and Wine of Life, we have come to the season of the Summer Solstice during which the physical manifestation of your gracious bounty will enable us to slow down, rejuvenate our spirits, and reconnect ourselves the to wonder of Your natural world. Just as the plants have put forth their leaves and flowers, we also have raised and opened our hearts to receive the full power of your light rays to illuminate our inner-self, our Christ within. Teach me the patience to now pause and honor Your Power that is now at its greatest strength and I await the growth of the seeds which you have placed in my soul. It is only when the Sun enters Cancer that You my Lord begin your ascent and in the following summer months to rebuild your Life Spirit vehicle so You may then rejuvenate our planet and all the glorious life you have created. I thank you for the vital energy that you canvased the Earth with each year so that we can continue to grow, heal, and evolve in our spiritual awakening. Now at the Summer Solstice I am ready to release my doubts and fears I harbor so that the potential that is within myself may blossom so that I may always be in the light of your divine presence. Amen