Summer solstice? And why us witches are so obsessed with it?

In a nutshell, the summer solstice relates to the two moments during a year when the Sun is farthest north in the Northern Hemisphere (June 20 or 21) or farthest south in the Southern Hemisphere (December 21 or 22).

If you ask an astronomist, he'll probably tell you that the summer solstice marks the beginning of summer. But views vary.

 So what does the summer solstice have to do with witchcraft? Discover in our blog post!

 Summer solstice meaning

The summer solstice has been hugely important in various cultures since prehistory. Various festivals and rituals have always been held to celebrate this special time of the year.

 The summer solstice is generally seen as the middle of summer, and people often refer to it as "midsummer." However, today in some countries and calendars, it is viewed as the beginning of summer.

 Summer solstice for witches

Did you know that witches love collecting a good supply of herbs to preserve for use throughout the year?

 Any herbs left over from the previous year should be burned on the Midsummer bonfire at the end of this period.

 Witches have the belief that plants collected around the summer solstice have unique magical qualities.

 The plant of fire known as basil is sometimes referred to as the witch's herb because witches have used it for many purposes throughout history, including love spells, invocations of sky gods, and initiation rituals where death and rebirth are promised.

 Spice up your Midsummer feast with basil for a fresh taste!

 By the way, our history of witches article will help you explore more fun stuff about what witches have been up to!

 Witchy ways to celebrate the summer solstice

The summer solstice "always recharges my energy and makes me want to start new projects," says the bestselling author Lidia Pradasshe shared on her popular Instagram account, Wiccan Tips.

 Pradas usually celebrate by watching bonfires burn and people jump the fires where she lives in Zaragoza, Spain.

 However, amid the COVID-19, those gatherings were cancelled, and the Wiccan witch said she'd probably enjoy the sunrise from her rooftop while having some tea and cherry cake.

 She prefers Dandelion tea as she picks the flowers and dries them herself, brews them with lavender and dried peach, and sweetens the drink with honey.

 Do you have your way of tuning in to the fun of summer solstice? Let us know in the comments!