After the fire and frenzy of Beltane, we arrive at summer solstice: the apex of light. Like a full moon, a powerful occasion of pure revelry and magic. Nothing surging upwards or spiralling downwards; just a suspended moment of warm contentment. A natural pause to cherish how uniquely wondrous, and temporary, the hour is: part of a living environment perfectly adapted to the climate. Held in love and protection by a warm and bountiful mother, in deep kinship and connection with our green kin, domestic and wild kin.

Midsummer is the season of Litha. It’s the hour of the mystical wildflowers, the yarrow, agrimony and mugwort; the oak and thorn, and the mythical flowering fern. From the exalted sun flows strength and vigour. The plants are now tall, full and strong, as they prepare to give forth their fruit and seed.

We encounter Litha in the Anglo-Saxon word for June, Ærra Litha, meaning before Litha. This was followed naturally by July, Æftera Litha, meaning after Litha.

Litha is the gentle, navigable passage of calm weather, of smooth and tranquil sea voyages. Whether you're travelling to a faraway land, or enjoying this brief time of long days and summer nights, may Litha bring you bright blessings.