Litha Ritual 2022 – Celebrating the Masculine

Our Litha ritual is the celebration of the starting of summer time and paying homage to the Sun God.  Ironically additionally it is referred to as Midsummer and it falls every year on the Summer Solstice.  Our ancestors referred to as this big day, midsummer.  To higher perceive this, keep in mind that that in historic Europe, crops have been sown in late March or early April and harvesting would normally start in August.  To these agrarians, this was the center of their ‘summer’.  This year, the solstice happens on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 3:14 A.M. MST.  In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer time solstice happens when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost factors in the sky.  This is the strongest time of the total year for the Sun God, and the trigger for our celebration.

The ancestors inform us that the Sun God will finish his reign on this, the longest day of the year, however shall return once more at the Winter Solstice, when he reincarnates as a new child child.  The Sun God is often known as the Oak King.  At Yule he’s however an toddler, however his rebirth symbolizes the return of the mild.  After many months of winter, this rebirth was a logo of hope to humankind.  As the days develop longer and the nights much less, the Sun God grows and positive factors power.  At Ostara he seeks out and is enthusiastic about the Maiden Goddess, and eventually takes her as his bride on Beltane.  And lastly, as Litha approaches, he’s the strongest as he may be.  But, his reign can not final, for his twin brother the Holly King arrives on the scene and in an excellent battle defeats the Oak King.  Yet, his dying is simply non permanent.  His physique dies, however his spirit is transported to the enchanted realm of the Goddess Arianrhod the place it waits till the winter solstice to be reborn and to as soon as once more take the throne.

As you’ll be able to see, the probability of an toddler God defeating an grownup God appears to defy logic.  It’s extra possible that these two mighty brothers do combat every year for the throne, however the dates are shifted.  The nice battles almost definitely happens at the Spring and Fall Equinoxes, when each Gods are robust, however in a way equal; day and evening being balanced.  In this adjustment to the timeline, the Oak King is highly effective and reigns on Midsummer, however begins to wane, partaking in fight with the Holly King on Mabon, the Autumn Equinox and eventually being defeated on Samhain.  At Yule, the Holly King is at full energy and guidelines till Ostara, the Spring Equinox, the place he and his brother as soon as once more meet in fight.  At Beltane, the Holly King lastly succumbs to the Oak King.  The two kings every characterize one half of the year.  The Oak King guidelines the Light Half and the Holly King the Dark Half.  It’s vital to keep in mind that mild and dark don’t characterize good and evil.  They are anchored in agriculture and are utterly about the seasonality of Mother Earth.

Unlike most of our celebrations, when our concentrate on is the Goddess, our Litha ritual 2022, could have extra of a masculine tone.

The Litha Ritual 2022

This ritual is designed for a small to medium sized group. It is predicted to be carried out outdoor with a central bonfire or hearth pit. The elementals, Fae, ancestors, and all issues from the forests are welcomed in the circle.  It is really useful that this ritual be began whereas the solar continues to be in the sky, about half-hour earlier than sundown.

What gadgets you’ll want to gather for this ritual (as written)

Quarter Candles (red, green, yellow, blue)
Yellow Altar Cloth
Gold Sun Candles (taper kind with sufficient for every individual)
Goddess Candle (White)
God Candle (Yellow)
Midsummer flowers and herbs – heaped in droves on the altar
Any kind of photo voltaic or solar objects for adornment

Ritual chief ought to perceive that any portion of the ritual that’s bracketed with <> refers to directions for them and shouldn’t be spoken aloud. It is really useful that the chief learn by means of the total journey earlier than main it stay.

The 2022 Litha Ritual – Celebrating the Masculine

With an awesome mild comes an awesome hope and renewal for all who select to take part.  Our Litha ritual honors the suppliers of this nice mild, the Sun God and the Sun itself!

“Let it be called, let it be cast, this sacred circle of both present and past; a meeting place, a spiritual space, where we welcome all from the human race”

East

First, we glance in direction of the East, the path of the rising Sun and the Spirits of Air.  The East reminds us {that a} new starting can occur every day and that the occasions of yesterday are classes to ponder over right now.  The spirits of Air remind us that change can come from any and each path and that no human can predict when and the place their lives might expertise change.  As we embark on this Litha ritual, we will search illumination, renewal, and collect inspiration for higher issues to come back. <mild yellow candle>

South

Now flip to the South, the path of the Sun at noon and the nice spirits of Fire.  The South reminds us of warmth, brilliant mild, and all issues glowing.  We cease our day by day toils at noon and take time to relaxation ands rejuvenate; permitting the warmth of the solar to penetrate deep into our our bodies and heat us from inside.  The spirits of Fire remind of of ardour and creativity, and the nice classes of stability and transformation.  For as the forge modifications the form and consistency of metals, the solar can change and form us as people.  <mild red candle>

West

And now we flip to the West, the path of the setting solar and the nice spirits of Water.  The West signifies closure, however not an ending.  For when a day passes, it turns into a part of historical past and a part of every of us, however it isn’t our final day.  We be taught to develop and grow to be extra versatile and alter as vital.  The nice spirits of Water reinforce these beliefs, by demonstrating them in each curve of the river, each pool of eroded pebbles, and each seaside crammed with infinite grains of sand.  <mild blue candle>

North

Finally we come full circle and look to the North, the path of stability and all issues of the bodily world that we name the nice spirits of Earth.  Here we discover the historic ones, the monuments of the world, the origins of our ancestors and the information of time.  As we meditate in the nice forests or achieve knowledge in the huge deserts, we search to know the higher meanings of abundance, prosperity, sustenance, and inside knowledge.   <mild green candle>

Goddess

We give praises to the Goddess.  For it’s by means of her that we’re so blessed and capable of embrace life with zeal and gusto.  She who has many names, many visions, and touches many worlds is at all times with us as we stroll by means of the day by day toils of residing.  We give thanks for all that’s supplied to us and rely our blessings.  We ask for continued steerage and help all through the turning of the Great Wheel. Watch over us as we stroll the similar pathways as our ancestors walked and assist us to keep away from the snares and pitfalls of that which is unwelcome in our lives.   <mild Goddess candle>

God

Great God of the Sun, tonight we have a good time your nice energy and in addition give because of your nice items.  We have a good time Masculinity, not for domination or brutality, however for power of each physique and character.  We have a good time knowledge, endurance, braveness, and understanding.  We convey the teachings of our fathers and commit them to our sons in order that they might grow to be wiser in apply, extra capable of convey consolation, and capable of lead if referred to as upon. Great Oak King, we ask for the continued and future blessing of sunshine, heat, warmth, and luxury, for at the present time and all days forward. <mild God candle>

Introduction to our 2022 Litha ritual

Like many different vital celebrations, the Litha ritual is a pageant of fireplace.  Fire represents the Sun and all the advantages related to it.  Throughout historical past, our ancestors would carry out many alternative ritualistic actions utilizing hearth to have a good time and present their devotion to the Sun God.  We shall have interaction in a few of these historic traditions tonight.  Yet, as we have a good time, it’s with a tiny style of bittersweet. For as that is the longest day of the year, we should settle for that from this level ahead the nights will start to develop in size.  Soon the air will as soon as once more be chilled and the Holly King shall rule.  We should put together, however preparations can wait till tomorrow. Tonight we have a good time.

Music of Litha – Summer Solstice

Music has been part of human tradition for so long as people have existed.  Whether its pounding drums, chanting, or an electrical energy chord, the music is elevating our power.  We are charging and pulsating with energy as we have a good time.  We are setting off on a non secular journey collectively and to usher us alongside the path.  Enjoy this melodious jaunt by FAUN referred to as Federkleid.

Litha Traditions & History

Across the lands now referred to as Europe and the Mediterranean, our ancestors survived on the items of the land, the waterways, and the forests.  Agriculture was a key a part of the equation together with looking, gathering and specialised crafts equivalent to smithing.  For most professions, the climate dictated success or failure.  Heavy rains may wash away important farmland and destroy fishing areas. Winds may injury crops, houses, and livestock.  An prolonged winter may delay planting and trigger crop failures.  The solar nonetheless was nearly at all times seen as utterly constructive; even when it led to excessive drought in some years.  It was mysterious and unexplainable by most individuals. It supplied life, mild, warmth, and was the driving pressure for all progress. It was extra vital than another single object in the world.  This standing led to many solar-worshipping cults, many solar rituals, and in lots of religions, the Sun has particular Gods and Goddesses. In the anceint Celtic practices, Litha was the celebration of the longest day of the year.  On at the present time, the solar would cling in the sky for what appeared an eternity.  This day later turned referred to as the solstice, which loosely interprets as “sun stands still”.

Many of our ancestors additionally believed that Litha was a part of an even bigger, annual battle between the mild and the darkness.  They personified these halves of the year with two nice kings; the Holly King, that dominated in the winter, or the dark half of the year, and the Oak King, who dominated in the mild half.  Each year two nice battles would happen with the vanquished king stepping apart whereas the different took the throne for six months.  Many historic cultures would have a good time this nice battle and the altering of the seasons in their very own methods, however every of these rituals had a focal theme, which was hearth.

Celebrating the Sun Gods & Goddesses

<If you’ve deliberate issues nicely, then the solar ought to be nearly able to dip beneath the horizon. Distribute Sun candles to every participant in preparation for this a part of the ritual>

We flip our eyes to the West as soon as once more and experience the reward of the Sun. As it dips beneath the horizon, we provide a quiet prayer of thanks.  The day will proceed for a while till the mild lastly provides method to the cool darkness and the longest day of the year shall come to an finish.  We take this time to supply prayers, honors, and to proceed celebrating the nice power which feeds the lands. The mild of the solar could also be hidden, however by no means extinguished.

<Ritual chief takes a gold taper candle and lights it from the Sun God candle on the alter>

This flame represents the mild of the solar.  It is everlasting and by no means-ending.  Without the solar, we couldn’t exist and due to this fact we honor the solar at the highest diploma.  We provide excessive praises to the Sun Gods and Goddesses.  The mild is given to us freely and no individual might take possession or management of it.  The mild can be utilized, it may be shared, and it may be loved by all.  Light is the supply of consolation, hope and renewal.  We shall create a circle of sunshine inside our circle to indicate inclusiveness and unity.

<Ritual chief takes their lit candle and turns to the individual subsequent to them, utilizing it to mild their candle and that individual goes to the subsequent and so forth till all are lit.>

As you cross the mild, say “with this light comes eternal hope and with that hope, we shall grow and never stray from our path”

<Once all have lit candles, ask the group to carry them above their heads, tilting them towards the middle of the circle>

Hail to Áine, and Alaunus, and Belenos, and Étaín.  Hail to Macha, and Usil, and Sól, and Dažbog. Hail to Hors, and Apollo, and Lugh, and Huitzilopochtli. Hail to Inti, and Ra, and Helios, and Sunna.  Hail to Saule, and Hestia, and Magec, and Lisa.  Hail to Šerida, and Freyr, and Ao, and Tawa.  Hail to Ah Kin, and Guaraci, and Napioa, and Malakbel.

To the Gods and Goddesses who convey us mild, we sing praises to the highest diploma and provide thanks from the core of our soul !

As the solar radiates in all instructions and the mild is unfold to each house throughout each land.  Now, simply as the Sun radiates it’s ray, slowly flip and level your candle mild outward.

From this level till eternity, you’re charged with sharing the mild of the Sun.  Seek out those that stay in darkness and produce about constructive change to their lives with the mild of the Sun. Be the beacon in a storm.  Be the torch in a dark forest. Be the one which warms the hearts, encourages progress, and nurtures all residing issues.

Huzzah !

<Have every individual put their lit candle on the alter if doable, or safely extinguish it and place the candle the place it gained’t trigger a hearth>

Celebrating the Masculine

Every human has each Divine masculine and Divine female energies.  Most of our rituals are targeted on the Goddess and the Divine female energies as the Goddess is the nice life-giver.  She who brings forth life and fertility and nurturing and peace.  And but, the Divine female can not survive with out the Divine Masculine.  For it’s by means of the God that we be taught that which brings stability.  It is he who brings power, safety, bodily wellness, braveness, belief, and kinship. Together they’re the the energies that bind us collectively.  We see love, and household, educating, sharing and progress as these two power sources merge into one.

<Young boys ought to come ahead and be seated round the hearth, older younger males behind them, and grownup males and elders behind them – the girls and ladies ought to encompass the group to maintain the masculine power targeted>

We have a good time Strength – the power to labor till the activity is full, the power to carry when issues appear hopeless, the power to raise up those that could also be wavering, and the power to maintain a degree head and even temperament.

We have a good time Protection – we stand able to defend that which has that means in our lives; not as a result of their is weak spot, however as a result of we select to place ourselves ready of safety.

We have a good time Physical Wellness – maintaining a robust physique retains us ready to handle any disaster or to endure wounds and illness with no in poor health results, maintaining a clear physique, one with out the air pollution of chemical compounds, an excessive amount of robust drink, or gluttonous exercise, maintaining a clear thoughts, one freed from adverse affect, gossip, rumors, or underneath the management of one other.

We have a good time Courage – the braveness to talk the fact, the braveness to defend the weak, the braveness to face true to our convictions and the binding qualities of our phrase, the braveness to face any enemy, whether or not in battle, the infirmary, or inside oneself, the braveness to be variety and useful, and the braveness to be true to ourselves.

We have a good time Trust – the one attribute that we can not afford to permit to be broken.  Our phrase is sacred, our phrase is our bond, our guarantees are without end and our loyalties with out finish.  The betrayer is the worst of all males, for he has violated the belief of his brothers and sisters and shall discover no peace inside his coronary heart for all of eternity.

And lastly, we have a good time Kinship – kinship is the sacred bond that the masculine power of every of us has with the masculine power of others.  We are all related.  When one succeeds, all of us succeed.  No battle is gained except it’s gained by all and there’s no higher glory than to have a good time the success of one other.  We are right here to tug one another up, to not step over one other to reward ourselves.

We are of an awesome household of brothers, a neighborhood of distinction, however with the similar energies.  Everyone contributes one thing distinctive and due to that everybody shares in the blessings, items, and safety of the Gods.

These are the classes of masculinity – they are going to information you all through your life, and gives you the basis for all that awaits you in the future.

Huzzah!

<return to the full circle>

Setting the Watch – Jumping the Fire

As we’ve come to know with many historic celebrations, an enormous bonfire or a number of bonfires was a key element. These have been constructed the evening earlier than the occasion and the apply was referred to as setting the watch. Even although every village had a big hearth, land house owners and a few people would additionally construct bonfires round their lands, in preparation.  On the evening of Litha, torches have been carried from bonfire to bonfire, setting every ablaze as they handed.  Those fires would typically be tended all through the evening and the villagers would keep as much as watch the solar rise the following morning, honoring the Sun God.  The following day, the ashes can be gathered and scattered all through the fields as a blessing to strengthen the land.

In some traditions, it was believed that these bonfires (previously referred to as balefires) have been vital.  Those practitioners believed that the solar wanted strengthening or renewal on Litha. The fires burning throughout the countryside would have been the supply of that new power. Historically, we all know that in the celebration that the villagers would dance round the fires till lastly leaping by means of the flames.  This apply had many causes.  Some noticed it as a person purifying or strengthening ceremony.  Others as an motion of safety in opposition to evil. Married {couples} would grasp each other’s fingers and make the precarious bounce collectively, as an indication of strengthening their bond to 1 one other.  Unmarried younger folks would leap throughout in hopes of discovering a accomplice in the coming year. The causes differed for everybody, however the motion was nonetheless the similar; they believed the Sun God would grant their needs.

<Ritual chief ought to give everybody a fast hearth security briefing (once more) to arrange for the leaping of the hearth>

Litha Ritual – Leap of Protection

Before we leap, we provide the Sun God this prayer:

All that we’d like hangs excessive above the land
Light and heat radiate to the floor beneath
The land thrives and turns into ever greener
On this, the longest day of the year
We honor the nice and highly effective Sun God
The steward of life and giver of hope
Our houses are at all times open to your mild
Our hearts are at all times open to your love
We have a good time tonight, for tomorrow
The journey into darkness begins once more

<every individual or couple ought to method the ‘jump area’ and say aloud their particular person prayer or phrases of hope to the Sun God>

As you bounce throughout the hearth, keep in mind that by doing so, you’ll be shielded from evil in the coming year.  A warning to {couples} although – in case your fingers come aside throughout the bounce, you then’ll face a troublesome year in your marriage.

<let the leaping start till everybody has had their fill – members might bounce as many occasions as they want to>

Cakes & Ale

<At this time, chances are you’ll serve refreshments to the group should you’ve ready them upfront, however remind everybody to stay in the circle till it’s correctly closed>

Closing the Litha Ritual Circle

North

Great spirits of Earth, we glance to the North as a remaining gesture of this Litha ritual.  We have felt the grounding power movement by means of us on this longest day and shortest evening.  As Midsummer passes, we all know that the land will slowly change, and but we additionally know that the Great Wheel turns slowly and there are nonetheless three nice harvests forward of us.  We ask for continued blessings and a bountiful crop.  Our reference to the residing world has been strengthened and in addition with ourselves.  <extinguish green candle>

West

Great spirits of Water, as we flip to the West, we’re reminded that though the solar has set, that it’ll once more rise.  We keep in mind the lesson of water and it additionally strengthens our resolve.  Whether stable, liquid, or gaseous, water is at all times current.  It by no means abandons us, simply as the earth by no means fails to supply for us.  We are however a small a part of the nice universe, however a component nonetheless which is critical to the continuation of all issues.  <extinguish blue candle>

South

Now flip to the South and provide our remaining prayers of thanksgiving to the Fire Spirits.  For as we have now praised the Sun, we’ve finished it by the mild of an awesome bonfire and as we’ve conjured power to provide again to the solar, that power got here from hearth.  We are related with the flames, as they bind the world of humankind along with the nice tenants of consolation, heat and light.  As the flames give method to embers and coals, we’re drawn to scry the secrets and techniques the universe is ready to share with us.  <extinguish red candle>

East

And now we flip to the East and the nice spirits of Air. Our ideas nonetheless lingering on the Litha solar and the way it rose to begin this, the longest day of the year.  As we do every year, we select to resume our lives and try to enhance our actions.  Tonight we have now bolstered the qualities of masculinity to our younger males in hopes that they are going to develop to grow to be extra virtuous than their fathers and to convey sons into the world that make historical past.  <extinguish yellow candle>

Goddess

Great Goddess, we once more thanks, as we have now thanked you so many thousand occasions earlier than.  Your knowledge and love are our guiding mild and your forgiveness and compassion are what retains us humble and grounded.  Thank you for sharing this evening with us in our sacred house. <extinguish Goddess candle>

Gods

Sun Gods throughout Time and Space, we have now spoken your names, raised our power in nice honor of you, and have bathed in the golden heat that you just at all times present.  Our thanks can not ever match the bounty of your blessings, and but we provide our most heartfelt thanks anyway.  <extinguish God candle>

This Litha Ritual Circle is Now Open But Forever Unbroken!

Blessed Be!

Additional Reading

If you loved this Litha ritual and wish to learn extra from this creator, listed here are some strategies.

R.J. Schwartz is the proprietor of The Gypsy Thread web site, and the creator of all of its content material.  Use this hyperlink to go to the most important web page and discover articles on the unexplained, witchcraft, pagan historical past, and to seek out Full Moon and Pagan Rituals (all of that are free to make use of).  It is his perception that our historical past as pagans ought to be shared freely with everybody in hopes that extra folks return to the outdated methods.

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