Litha

the sun at its height, the moon still watching

Poems written between Litha and Lughnasadh (21 June – 31 July)

Background

Litha / Midsummer: June 20-22. Summer Solstice June 21st.

Litha (Summer Solstice) is the longest day of the year, when the sun stands at its highest point in the sky. The earth is alive with energy — gardens overflow, fields are rich with growth, and nature glows with abundance. This is the peak of the sun’s power, a joyful moment to celebrate life at its fullest.

But Litha is also a turning point. From this day forward, the light begins to slowly wane, reminding us that every height contains the seed of change. Litha invites us to pause and savour the fullness of the present moment, to honour the cycles of growth and decline, and to give thanks for life’s brightness.

Ways to Celebrate Litha

• Light a bonfire or candles to honour the sun’s strength and to carry its warmth into the night.
• Watch the sunrise or sunset, celebrating the longest day and the sun’s journey.
• Gather outdoors with loved ones, sharing food, laughter, music, or storytelling in the spirit of summer.
• Make sun charms, garlands, or flower wreaths, using herbs and blooms gathered at midsummer.
• Harvest herbs, fruits, or vegetables, recognising the season’s gifts of growth and healing.
• Offer gratitude for abundance — write down what you’re thankful for and release it into the fire, to the earth, or to the breeze.

Litha is a time to embrace joy, creativity, and vitality — while remembering that light and dark balance one another, each giving meaning to the other.

Poems

• Countryside moment
  I pause to overtake the viewOf farms and fields and sheep a fewOf little lambs a gambling allThrough fields with… Read more: Countryside moment
• Where are the bees?
  Last year our garden was buzzing with bees And butterflies too This year We’re down to a few Where are… Read more: Where are the bees?
• Nature’s meditation
  As I wander up the hilly path My thoughts rest with every breath My steps move rhythmically on Calming me,… Read more: Nature’s meditation
• Dark green fritillary
  I’d glide like that if I had wings like yours And rest long enough on each flower to give you… Read more: Dark green fritillary
• Time
  I feel Like an ancient villager Blessed with the gift of time To walk from Woods Mill to the rising… Read more: Time
• Summer Solstice
  Strong is the sun And it’s life giving power The earth is awash For here is the hour Sing as… Read more: Summer Solstice
• Summer
  Sun rising, Before the birds sing Summers here, The waves ring Celebrations, Happy day Happy Solstice, Let’s go and play… Read more: Summer
• Summer
  Sun rising, Before the birds sing Summers here, The waves ring Celebrations, Happy day Happy Solstice, Let’s go and play… Read more: Summer
• Wildlife garden
  The perfume  of Jasmine Fledgling sparrows discovering life Flitting in and out of the hedge Its edge Providing shelter from… Read more: Wildlife garden
• Windy wonder
  The south wind brings stormy seas Gulls rest from relentless breeze Shingle clatters as waves crash Surfers ride as breakers… Read more: Windy wonder
• Earths joy
  The crunch of the beech forest beneath my feet Provides me with a welcome treat As I take my seat… Read more: Earths joy
• Awen
  Sitting on a wooden seat The beech nuts under my feet Fungi will grow  as my autumn treat I could… Read more: Awen
• Quietly
  Building my space Gathering stones and driftwood from the beach Fossils found long ago Bright shiny stones  From my jewellery… Read more: Quietly
• Searching
  Searching for  stones in their resting place  beside the sea Searching for stories amongst the pebbles Of the past Or… Read more: Searching