Litha - A Summer Ritual
Illustration by Lex Corey
Introduction:
On the eve of the Summer Solstice, I wanted to share Litha, my summer ritual from The Devil’s Tome. In the midst of pandemic and revolution, I’ve found much solace in nature the last few months. Nature is constant; she persists. She brings healing, sustenance, and reckoning. I’ve found focus, understanding, reflection, and peace in her presence.
This ritual asks that you immerse yourself in nature, embrace gratitude and honor yourself, acts that can be uncomfortable especially now. I ask that you engage with an open mind and heart and see what comes.
If you need any ritual tools, Visit my shop.
Speramus Meliora,
Shiva
Litha
A Summer Ritual
Background: This is a summer ritual that is focused on creating space for gratitude and self-love while also appreciating nature.
Tools:
Blanket
Carrier oil
1 ounce bottle
Orange, cinnamon, gardenia essential oils or your favorite oils
Tome + pen
A bag/pouch
Sacred Space: A secluded outdoor area.
Preparation: Prior to the ritual, identify a private outdoor area where you’ll be able to spend an hour or two to complete the ritual. Go out into nature on a sunny day, preferably during the solstice.
Ritual: Walk to your secluded outdoor area. On the way, observe nature. Take note of the animals you pass, the noises you hear, the scents that surround you.
As you walk, pick up flowers and put them in your hair, tuck them behind your ears, on your clothes, or fashion them into a bracelet or headband. Pick up stones, bones, leaves, or other natural elements you’re attracted to and put them in your bag.
When you arrive at your secluded spot, create a circle with the items you collected on your walk. Place all of the other items you brought inside the circle.
Lay out your blanket and lay down to rest.
Feel the sun’s heat on your skin as you relax into nature.
When you feel moved, take out your tome. Record all of the things this year that you are grateful for and all that you’ve accomplished. As you write each item down, allow yourself to be filled with pride, happiness, and a sense of accomplishment.
Create your ritual oil: Combine 9/10ths of an ounce of carrier oil with 10-15 drops of the essential oils of your choice in your 1 ounce bottle.
Now, read each entry of gratitude. After each item, say “and, I deserve it” and shake your oil bottle.
Then, read each entry of accomplishment. After each item, say “and, I hail myself” and shake your oil bottle.
Anoint yourself with the oil.
In the following months, anytime you need extra confidence or a mood boost, re-read your tome entries and/or anoint yourself with the oil. Store the oil in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Want to Support the content?
If you’re interested in supporting our writing and creative content, you can purchase an item in our shop or join Shiva’s Patreon