The Oracle

Litha/Summer Solstice - June 21st

Litha, or more often known as Midsummer is held on the Summer Solstice, which is normally occurs around June 21st. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, with the lighter part of the day being at is pinnacle. After the Solstice, the sun will start to give way to the longer nights once more as the year grows old. Even though it is the longest day, it is not often the warmest as the warmer winds have only just started to bring the much welcomed heat.

Litha is a solar festival; focused purely on the celebration of the suns cycle which is now at its zenith. One traditional theme for midsummer is the contest between the Oak King and the Holly King. The Oak king represents the waxing sun, and the holly king represents the waning power and the coming of the darker half of the year. Traditionally two people re-enact the battle for supremacy between the two kings. At this point the Oak King is defeated and killed showing the symbolism that the light is giving sway to the darkness of winter. This is symbolised by the crowning of the Holly King. There is little written evidence to support the legend of the Oak King and the Holly King, but it is a tradition that has been practised for many years by Pagans. Though our cultures have many great tales about one man overcoming another. One such story is that of Sir Gawain and the Green night in which he defeats his adversary only to find that he is reborn and Gawain must face the same fate.

Another association with Midsummer is that of the Fey, the Fair Folk or the Fairies. But these are not the fairy tale images we normally associate with them. There are no Tinker Bell's, no loving sprites with butterfly wings. These are powerful entities with a lordly and regal manner and often sadistic streak. We tend to approach things from a point of human morality, those ethical ideals are not those of the Fair Folk. Now I know that may sound a little scary, but as much as they may cause havoc they are also capable of great blessings. This is why people would often give offerings to the fey in order to gain their good graces and avoid the unwanted attention. As many of us may well be aware there are some truly horrific stories in regards to the Fey, from stealing babies to making people vanish. So at this time of year we honour them and seek blessing while also respecting them and keeping a good distance.

As mentioned earlier, the Fey were originally a feature of Beltaine, a time when there is so much life happening in the world, but with such an abundance of life in the world it is easy to understand why they would still be around.

Copyright Richard J Blackburn 2008