Litha

June 20th or 21st (traditional) / June 20th (zodiacal)

Summer Solstice, also called Midsummer or Litha, in similar symbolism to Full Moon, is the culmination of the Sun's cycle. This is the longest day of the year; the Sun is at the height of his light and power. The Goddess reigns as Queen of Summer. With the consummation of their union, comes the realization of consequences. Some traditions depict this as a changing of God aspects: the Bright Lord dies at the hands of the Dark Lord, or the Holly King vanquishes the Oak King. I prefer to think of this phase as the maturation of the God. In his realization, even at the height of his power, that his light must eventually wane, he accepts his coming responsibility as Father and the sacrifices he must make as protector and provider for his people. In that, he becomes the Dark Lord-and still shares in this joyous festival of fulfillment and culmination.