Litha/Midsummer (June 19-23)

We honor the animals, the plants and living things, 

The sun and the water and for the life that it brings. 

May you find well-being and may you find peace, 

In days after solstice, as the light does decrease. 

May the blessings of the solstice be yours I pray, 

And the light warm your heart and soul every day.

Pronounced: lee-tha / lee-thuh  June 19th -June 23rd heralds in the summer solstice, the great turning point that not only is the longest day of the year, but it’s also when the sky begins to slowly darken in the direction of eventual winter. It is regarded as a festival of divine inspiration, and to many witches, it symbolizes a battle between light and darkness, with the darkness being the eventual victor.

Whereas Beltane is about passion and courtship, Litha is a time of self-realization and commitment at a time when the days are about to grow darker, shorter, and colder. Handfasting and marriage rituals are commonly performed at Litha.

Like Beltane, Litha is a fire festival, so candles and bonfires of all sorts are welcome. Abundance is everywhere. It is a wonderful day for a gorgeous feast with everyone you know and a dance under the stars, making heartfelt commitments to the ancestors.

In the Tarot, this festival may translate from the Chariot card or the Two of Cups.

Gifts at Strega

Jewelry, Wood Boxes and Glass Jars  

Herbs, Candles, Crystals, & Sages

So many witchy things at Strega

Salt to Salt: Protection for Spring

Salt is the purest of a witch’s ingredients. Sea salt, black salt, pink salt— each possesses a slightly different ability, but all promise to protect their user however it is used. If you want to protect yourself using the energy of the Spring Equinox, consider making a salt bowl! Salt bowls combine various herbs and energies that can be placed anywhere in your living space to protect your energy. What you’ll need for this spell is:

• A white or black candle

• Sea salt

• Black salt

• Oregano or dill for luck and protection

• Lavender for protection

• Sage or chamomile for prosperity 

• Coffee grounds to beckon this good energy

• A bowl or chalice

• Something to stir the herbs with

Gather all your needed materials. First, pour your salts into the bowl to ensure the bowl doesn’t overflow but is also deep enough to hold the other herbs. Sprinkle in your herbs one at a time, speaking their name and purpose as you do. Stir the herbs into the salt three times clockwise to activate their abilities. Now, sprinkle in your coffee and stir three times clockwise again.

With your herbs incorporated, now you can place your candle in the center. There should be enough salt that the candle can stand without falling. Light the candle whenever you wish to activate the bowl— light it at the end of the day while you wind down! When you wish to, snuff the candle to save the rest of it for another day. You can relight this spell whenever you wish!