The Summer Solstice, known to some as Litha, Midsummer, or Alban Heruin, is the longest day of the year. It’s the time when the sun is most powerful, and new life has begun to grow within the earth. After today, the nights will once more begin to grow longer, and the sun will move further away in the sky.

Because of its association with the sun, Litha is also a time in many magical belief systems to celebrate with fire. And really, the bigger the fire, the better! A simple bonfire ritual is a great way to mark the sunny, fiery theme of the season, because fire is so intrinsically tied to the sun itself. Please be sure to observe proper fire safety habits, and to avoid breaking and local regulations regarding outdoor flames.

Preparing for Ritual

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, consecrate a space, or call the quarters, now is the time to do so. This ritual is a great one to perform outside, so if you have the opportunity to do this without scaring the neighbors, take advantage of it.

Begin this ritual by preparing the wood for a fire, without lighting it yet. While the ideal situation would have you setting a huge bonfire alight, realistically not everyone can do that. If you're limited, use a table top brazier or fire-safe pot, and light your fire there instead.

A Simple Summer Fire Ritual

Say either to yourself or out loud:

Today, to celebrate Midsummer, I honor the Earth itself. I am surrounded by tall trees. There is a clear sky above me and cool dirt beneath me, and I am connected to all three. I light this fire as the Ancients did so long ago.

At this point, start your fire. Say:

The Wheel of the Year has turned once more

The light has grown for six long months

Until today.

Today is Litha, called Alban Heruin by my ancestors.

A time for celebration.

Tomorrow the light will begin to fade

As the Wheel of the Year

Turns on and ever on.

Turn to the East, and say:

From the east comes the wind,

Cool and clear.

It brings new seeds to the garden

Bees to the pollen

And birds to the trees.

Turn to face the South, and say:

The sun rises high in the summer sky

And lights our way even into the night

Today the sun casts three rays

The light of fire upon the land, the sea, and the heavens

Turn to face West, saying:

From the west, the mist rolls in

Bringing rain and fog

The life-giving water without which

We would cease to be.

Finally, turn to the North, and say:

Beneath my feet is the Earth,

Soil dark and fertile

The womb in which life begins

And will later die, then return anew.

Build up the fire even more, so that you have a good strong blaze going.

If you wish to make an offering to the gods, now is the time to do it. For this sample, we're including the use of a triple goddess in the invocation, but this is where you should substitute the names of the deities of your personal tradition.

Say:

Alban Heruin is a time of rededication

To the gods. The triple goddess watches over me.

She is known by many names.

She is the Morrighan, Brighid, and Cerridwen.

She is the washer at the ford,

She is the guardian of the hearth,

She is the one who stirs the cauldron of inspiration.

I give honor to You, O mighty ones,

By all your names, known and unknown.

Bless me with Your wisdom

And give life and abundance to me

As the sun gives life and abundance to the Earth.

I make this offering to you

To show my allegiance

To show my honor

To show my dedication

To You.

Cast your offering into fire. Conclude the ritual by saying:

Today, at Litha, I celebrate the life

And love of the gods

And of the Earth and Sun.

Take a few moments to reflect upon what you have offered, and what the gifts of the gods mean to you. When you are ready, if you have cast a circle, dismantle it or dismiss the quarters at this time. Allow your fire to go out on its own.