Well, to start with, it’s not Christmas as we know it and as it’s sold to us!

I am writing this from the Southern Hemisphere so that, in itself, changes things as well.

You see, the true meaning of Christmas if you follow the pagan festivals (because that’s what Christmas is based on) is the winter solstice and Yule in the northern hemisphere.

The Catholic church wanted to control the people but the people rebelled because they liked their pagan festivals, so the church thought .. Aha! We’ll just rename the festivals and put a Mary/Jesus slant on everything, which will keep the pagans happy and they’ll join the church.

And lo, and behold, they did!

The birth of the sun God Lugh because the date that Christ was born.  (Sneaky bastards!)

Now, the problem we have in the Southern Hemisphere is we seem to copy the Northern and when it comes to Pagan living and beliefs, that’s not the way it’s done.

Why?

Because Pagans live according to the seasons, not the date on a calendar.  So, while in the Northern Hemisphere they are celebrating Yule, we down here in the land of summer should be celebrating Litha (pronounced Lee-tha) the summer solstice… because, you know, it’s SUMMER! LOL

In the Northern Hemisphere, they celebrate the longest night of the year, where from that day forward the days will begin to get longer and warmer, things will start to grow again and you’ll start to get your energy back. I mean, how many of us hibernate as much as we can in winter?!?

I digress, because I’m in the Southern Hemisphere and as I type this we’re having torrential floods here in Queensland and cyclonic winds.  You have to love Mother Nature reminding us of her force!

It is summer though and if you want to celebrate the TRUE meaning of Christmas, you’ll be celebrating Litha, the magic of the summer solstice, where it is filled with joy at those beautiful summer days but also a hint of sadness because we know those summer days are going to start getting shorter as Autumn starts to come around.

Litha represents abundance and beauty.  Think of a peak experience that you’re going through.

During this festival, you are to consolidate your thoughts, clear away negative energy and to be happy with life.

This is also the time where you should celebrate what you have achieved for the year and what you have received, counting your blessings, acknowledging them, meeting up with friends and celebrating life.

It’s not all about celebrating through, take the time to detox, do some yoga, meditation, slow down a little in all the summer madness rush that’s going on.

This is the best time to manifest your dreams, your spiritual powers are at their highest at this time of year.  Rise early in the morning and watch the sun rise.

Way back in pagan times, this is when you would set out and harvest all your medicinal herbs, the herbs that you would use in your rituals as well.

A ceremony that you can perform for Litha – based on the sun …

A gold cloth for your altar / table

Summer herbs, whatever you have in abundance and grows well where you are

Summer flowers, think the sunflower, which is a perfect representation of summer and the sun!

Fresh water

Incense – make sure you pick one that smells of summer

A gold candle

Sea salt.

There’s no hard or fast rule, this is about creating a ritual that speaks to you and that you are drawn to the herbs and flowers that you pick.

Before you start clear the energies in your home with a sage smudge stick and remember that this is the time for you to release pent up energy.

In whatever way you want, welcome the goddess and spirits of water, earth, air and fire as you hold up each representation of them and then stand close to your alter and feel.  Go to all areas of your life that may have caused either yourself or others hurt and allow the suns healing energy to remove and dissolve anything in your aura that needs healing and cleansing.

Close your eyes and take the time to talk to the God and Goddess, thank them, tell them your fears and worries and then open your eyes.

Oh, and did you know that if a ladybug lands on you or you see one, that it’s a message from the fairy folk?!

So, as you can see, Litha has absolutely nothing, whatsoever to do with Christmas as the church / commercial world have tried to make you see it.

Me? I honestly prefer the Pagan ways.  I hate the commercialism but love the thought of connecting with nature.

May you all have a blessed Litha.

Katrina x