My mother was a witch. She possessed a magical energy that radiated from her with every step she took. Growing up, I always knew there was something different about her, something mysterious and unexplainable. She had an air of wisdom and a depth of knowledge that went beyond what anyone could comprehend. As a child, I would watch in awe as my mother performed spells and enchantments. Her hands would move gracefully through the air, casting a spell upon the world around her.
Celebrate the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice takes place between June 20-23 in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the longest day of the year, occurring when the sun reaches the highest point in the sky. This day marks the beginning of summer with the sun at its fullest power. After the solstice, the days will begin to grow shorter.
What is Litha?
Litha , also known as Midsummer , is the pagan holiday honoring the sun and fire. Pagan celebrations during this holiday have themes of strength, growth, success and wealth. Litha also celebrates the abundance of nature and honors sacred bodies of water. The symbols of Litha are the sun, roses, sunflowers, honeybees, lightning bugs, sand and water. The colors of this holiday include yellow, green, gold and red.
Ways to Celebrate
Greet the Dawn
Many traditions greet the rising sun the morning of the summer solstice. Set your alarm to wake up with the sunrise. If possible, spend a few moments outside to soak up the sun. Take in the energy of Litha while reading or repeating these affirmations:
“I am as strong and energetic as the summer sun. I believe in myself and what I am capable of doing.”
“I deserve to feel happiness, contentment and joy in what I have and what I have done.”
“I am filled with light, moving in the direction I need to move, and following the path I am meant to walk.”
Bonfire Gathering
Traditional celebrations included large bonfires, usually on the sundown of Midsummer’s Eve. Bonfires are a great activity to gather friends or family. You can tell stories, roast marshmallows, or dance around the fire. Write down an obstacle or problem on a piece of paper and surrender your problem to the flames.
If you don’t have a safe place to make a bonfire, you can substitute with candles, sparklers, battery-powered candles, or even an image of a fire. Remember to practice fire safety—never leave a fire or candle unattended, keep water nearby, and make sure to keep a safe distance from the flames.
Day at the Beach
Some pagan traditions included traveling to sacred wells or other bodies of water on the day of the solstice. This was a time for healing and to honor the gift of water.
We are lucky in Michigan to be surrounded by lakes. Honor the gift of water by taking a day trip to a beach with friends or family. Pack a lunch with fresh fruits and vegetables. Play beach games including ring toss, volleyball or frisbee. Cool off by jumping and swimming in the water. Take time to relax by soaking up the sun or reading a book.
If you can’t make it to the beach, bring the beach to your home. Soak up the sun outside and cool off in a sprinkler or with a water balloon fight. Listen to summer-themed music while playing traditional beach games. No matter what you choose to do, take this time to have fun with family or friends.
Faerie Magic
Litha is the perfect time for faerie magic, as the veil between our world and the faerie world is thin. Faeries or the Fae Folk are mythical beings that exist in a variety of different cultures. There are many different types of faeries including brownies, pixies, leprechauns, elves, devas and gnomes. Faeries are typically tricksters, so be careful what you ask for.
Firefly Wish : Fireflies are a symbol of faeries and fire. Gently catch a firefly on your finger. Make a wish and gently blow the firefly away into the night.
Faerie Picnic: Faeries are said to be drawn to sweet things, including food. Pack a picnic with faerie-themed treats including honey, milk, cake, cookies or bread. Find a quiet spot in nature to enjoy your faerie treats.
Daisy Fortune: Use a daisy to determine if your crush loves you or not. Pick a flower, preferably a daisy, and hold it in one hand. Pull off one petal at a time, saying “they love me” or “they love me not,” with each petal. The last petal pulled off will determine if your crush loves you.
The Spiritual Meaning of Litha
Her hands would move gracefully through the air, casting a spell upon the world around her. She could summon the wind with a flick of her fingers and make flowers bloom from the ground with a simple incantation. It was truly mesmerizing to witness the power she held within her.
Litha, a pagan summer holiday, marks the longest day of the year. Explore more about the spiritual meaning of Litha and what it represents.
Litha is an ancient pagan holiday that celebrates the summer solstice, also known as Midsummer (around June 21). It is one of the eight sabbats of the Wheel of the Year that are still celebrated by modern-day witches. Many traditions all over the world have some version of celebration at the summer solstice, which marks the longest day and shortest night of the year.
But being the child of a witch was not always easy. My mother faced constant scrutiny and judgment from those who did not understand her gifts. People would whisper rumors and spread false stories about her, labeling her as a witch and casting her out as if she were some sort of evil being. But little did they know, my mother only used her powers for good. She was a healer, a protector, and a bringer of light. I remember one particular incident when my mother healed a sick woman in our village. The woman had been suffering from an unknown illness for weeks, and despite the efforts of the local doctor, her condition continued to worsen. Desperate and afraid, her family turned to my mother for help. With a touch of her hand and a whispered chant, my mother cured the woman, restoring her to full health. It was a miracle witnessed by many, yet some still refused to believe in her abilities. But my mother never let the negativity get to her. She remained steadfast in her purpose and continued to use her magic to make the world a better place. She taught me the ways of witchcraft, instilling in me a deep respect for nature and an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. She showed me how to harness my own magic and use it for good, just like she did. My mother may not have been understood or accepted by everyone, but she was loved and respected by those who recognized her true essence. She was a witch, yes, but she was also so much more. She was a beacon of light in a world of darkness, a wise and powerful woman who embraced her uniqueness and used it to bring joy and healing to others. I am grateful every day that I had the privilege of being raised by such an extraordinary woman. Her legacy lives on within me, guiding me on my own magical journey. And though she may no longer be with me physically, I carry her spirit with me, forever grateful for the gift of having a witch for a mother..
Reviews for "The witch's crystal ball: Unveiling the future through divination"
- John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "My Mother Was a Witch". The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The protagonist's journey to discover her mother's past felt forced and rushed. Overall, I found the book to be uninteresting and had trouble connecting with the story.
- Sarah - 1/5 stars - I couldn't even finish reading "My Mother Was a Witch". The writing style was confusing and hard to follow. The author jumped between different timelines without any clear indication, making it impossible to keep track of what was happening. The dialogue was also unrealistic and awkward, making it difficult to believe in the characters. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
- Mark - 2/5 stars - While the concept of "My Mother Was a Witch" was intriguing, the execution fell flat. The pacing was slow and dragged on, and the author spent too much time on irrelevant details instead of focusing on the main plot. I also found the ending to be unsatisfying and unresolved. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and felt like it had a lot of wasted potential.
- Emily - 3/5 stars - "My Mother Was a Witch" had an interesting premise, but it failed to captivate my attention. The writing style was average, and I found myself losing interest in the story multiple times. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked complexity, making it hard to feel invested in their journey. While there were a few moments of suspense, they were overshadowed by the overall lackluster storytelling.