The Summer Solstice, also known in many pagan and witchcraft traditions as Litha, marks the longest day of the year and the peak of solar energy. It’s a time to honor the sun’s power, celebrate abundance, and connect deeply with the fiery energy of growth, transformation, and light. Whether you're a seasoned witch or just starting to walk the path, Litha is a magical moment to celebrate in meaningful, nature-centered ways. Here are some enchanting ideas to honor the solstice:

1. Rise with the Sun

Start your Litha celebration at sunrise. The solstice is the sun's moment of glory, so greet it with gratitude and intention. You might:

• Meditate as the sun rises

• Say a prayer or chant to honor the light

• Journal your intentions for the second half of the year

Use this quiet, golden moment to reflect on what’s growing in your life and what you wish to cultivate.

2. Create a Litha Altar

Dress your altar in warm, sun-drenched tones like gold, yellow, red, and orange. Add items that resonate with solar energy:

• Sunflowers, marigolds, roses

• Citrine, amber, or tiger’s eye crystals

• Symbols of fire (candles, cauldrons, wands)

• A small bowl of water to balance the fire energy with emotional clarity

You can also place fruits, herbs, or seasonal vegetables to represent summer’s abundance.

3. Make a Flower Crown or Herbal Bundle

Get crafty! Weave together a crown of wildflowers to wear during your solstice rituals or gatherings. Alternatively, create an herbal bundle using rosemary, lavender, mugwort, or sage. You can burn the bundle later in a fire ritual or hang it in your space for protection and energy cleansing.

4. Host a Bonfire (or Candle Ritual)

Fire is the traditional element of Litha. If it’s safe, gather friends for a bonfire or light a candle in sacred space. Fire represents transformation and passion. As you watch the flames, release anything you’re ready to let go of and set intentions for what you want to ignite.

Say something like:

“As the sun burns bright, may my will ignite. I release what holds me back and welcome what brings me forward.”

5. Make Litha Sun Tea or Bake with Magical Herbs

Harness the sun’s energy by making a solar infusion:

• Fill a clear jar with water and herbs like lemon balm, mint, chamomile, or rose

• Let it steep under the summer sun for a few hours

• Sip with intention, visualizing the light infusing your body

Or, try baking something delicious using magical herbs associated with Litha. Think honey cakes, berry tarts, or rosemary bread.

6. Honor the Fae

In many traditions, the Summer Solstice is a powerful time to connect with the fae. Leave out offerings such as honey, milk, fresh fruit, or shiny objects in a natural spot. Be respectful, set boundaries, and don’t take what you’re not given. The veil is thin, and your intuition may be especially sharp!

7. Do a Solar Tarot or Oracle Reading

Pull cards to tap into the energy of the sun. Some spread ideas:

• “What have I cultivated?” (Past)

• “Where is my energy focused?” (Present)

• “What should I illuminate?” (Future)

Use this reading to realign your goals and re-energize your spiritual path for the months ahead.

8. Connect with Nature

Litha is a time to revel in the beauty of the earth. Go barefoot, take a nature walk, swim in wild water, or lay under the sun. Create a mandala with leaves, flowers, and stones. Whatever you do, give thanks to the land and all it gives.

9. Give Back and Celebrate Community

The solstice is about abundance and sharing the light. Consider donating to a cause, supporting a local farm or herbalist, or inviting others to a seasonal gathering. Dance, feast, and celebrate the joy of being alive!

Final Thoughts

Litha is a sacred pause in the wheel of the year. A moment of brilliance, heat, and possibility. However you choose to celebrate, let your heart be light, your spirit bold, and your magic radiant.

Blessed Litha, and may your summer be bright with magic.

Candle Magic for Beginners: How to Manifest with Fire and Intention

Have you ever lit a candle and found yourself mesmerized by the flame? That soft flicker isn’t just for ambiance; it’s one of the oldest tools in magical practice. Candle magic is a simple yet powerful form of manifestation that anyone can learn. Whether you’re seeking clarity, abundance, protection, or love, candles can help you focus your energy and intention in a tangible way. 

In this post, we’ll explore the basics of candle magic: how it works, how to get started, and a few simple rituals to try. 

What Is Candle Magic? 

Candle magic is a type of sympathetic magic meaning it uses symbols and representations (in this case, candles) to influence real-world outcomes. The flame represents transformation, passion, and the spark of your will. When you light a candle with focused intention, you're sending your energy into the universe, asking it to return in kind. 

People have used candle magic for centuries in spiritual, religious, and folk traditions. Today, it's commonly practiced in modern witchcraft, Wicca, and even secular forms of manifestation. 

Choosing Your Candle 

The candle you choose matters but don't worry, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Here are a few tips: 

Color: Each color holds symbolic meaning. For example: 

White: Purity, protection, clarity (also a universal substitute) 

Red: Passion, strength, courage 

Green: Money, growth, healing 

Pink: Love, friendship, harmony 

Black: Banishing, protection, breaking bad habits 

Blue: Peace, wisdom, communication 

Yellow: Success, creativity, confidence 

Size: A small chime candle is perfect for quick spells, while a pillar or jar candle can be used for longer workings. 

Scent (optional): Choose scents that match your goal. Lavender for calm, cinnamon for power, rose for love, etc. 

Prepping Your Candle (AKA "Dressing" It) 

Before lighting, take a moment to “dress” your candle with intention: 

Cleanse it: Wipe it down or pass it through incense smoke to clear lingering energy. 

Carve symbols or words: Use a toothpick or knife to inscribe your candle with symbols, a name, or your intention. 

Anoint with oil: Rub a small amount of oil on the candle. For attracting, rub oil from the top down. For banishing, rub from the bottom up. 

Focus your intention: Hold the candle and clearly visualize your goal. Feel it. Believe it’s already happening. 

Performing the Ritual 

When you’re ready: 

Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. 

Light your candle and say your intention aloud (or silently if you prefer). 

Watch the flame. Let your mind connect with the fire and your goal. 

Sit in meditation, journal, or simply be present until you feel the energy has been released. 

Let the candle burn down safely, or snuff it out (never blow it out, as some traditions say that scatters the energy). 

Simple Candle Spell Example: Attracting Prosperity 

Use a green candle 

Dress it with cinnamon oil 

Carve the word “ABUNDANCE” and a dollar sign 

Light the candle on a Thursday (linked to Jupiter and wealth) 

Say: “Money flows, success grows. I welcome prosperity into my life.” 

Aftercare: Closing Your Ritual 

Always give thanks to yourself, the universe, or any spirits you may have worked with. Dispose of candle remnants respectfully. Some bury wax, others throw it away or keep it as a token until the wish comes true. 

Final Thoughts 

Candle magic is a beautiful way to turn inward, set intentions, and work with the elements. It doesn’t require expensive tools or deep occult knowledge, just a candle, a quiet moment, and your focused will. 

Light up your practice. One flame at a time. 

Get a printable companion to this blog post at my digital Etsy Shop, Drinks & Divination!

Candle & Fire Safety Disclaimer- Please practice fire safety when working with candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Use a snuffer to extinguish candles instead of blowing them out to prevent wax splatter or fire risk. Do not leave candles burning while you sleep. Make sure the candle is fully extinguished before disposing of wax or moving the container.

By performing any candle ritual, you assume full responsibility for your safety and actions. Use common sense and respect the element of fire.

New House, Etsy, and The Future: A Life Update

 

Well hello! (Yells into the void) Is there anyone out there? Haha! It's been awhile... yet again... I have some updates for you and some real solid plans for the future of this blog. Lets jump into it!

New House: We bought a house! J and I purchased our first house last May and let me tell you how excited we STILL are! We were lucky enough to find exactly what we wanted, in our price range, in a really tough market! The house never felt strange, there was no adjustment period, it felt like "ours" from day one. I have had THE BEST time transforming this house into the perfect bohemian grandma/cottage-core home. Right after we moved into the new house, J's grandma died. We inherited a lot of furniture pieces from her. We've honored her and my own deceased grandmas by turning our sitting room into the "grandma room". I had read Grimoire Girl by Hilarie Burton early last year and she talks about the importance of giving your house a name. We named our house after both of our maternal Grandmothers. 

Etsy: Fall of 2023 I was hanging out with one of my best friends discussing our artistic passion. By the end of the evening I was ready to reopen my Etsy shop and start creating again. I had a long enough break to where I missed working with the clay. I promised J that I would only do it for as long as it was fun, and if I got burned out I'd stop. I also don't do "made to order" pieces anymore. I make a collection ahead of time, and sell from the inventory. That keeps me from having to make pieces when I don't have time. I'm in control of the time and energy I put into Etsy. Coming back from the nearly 3 year hiatus of Etsy, I have found that the "planning community" had changed quite a bit. My planner clips were not selling like they used to, and there didn't seem to be a lot of planner clips on Etsy in general anymore. I made some earrings, little gnome figurines, and Nintendo Switch Charms. At first the gnomes were the most popular thing. Now it's really transitioned into the Nintendo Switch Charms being super popular. I haven't created anything new since fall though because my KC Chiefs jersey earrings sold like hotcakes (locally, not on Etsy) and I was EXHAUSTED by the end of the football season haha. I'm redoing my home office currently so things are in disarray but I have plans for new collections very soon! I'm also going to add Kindle Charms to the mix. If you're interested in seeing what is currently available, you can check out my shop HERE.

Future: I've really been thinking about my future with this blog and Emilee Speaks as a whole. Obviously, I've picked Etsy back up and I've been working on a blog post idea list. I'd really like to start writing posts again. I have also been working on a tarot workbook for a few years that I need to finish. I get all these ideas of things I want to create and then life gets in the way. I'm not going to promise the world today, but I will say it won't be 3 years before I post again!