litha
As a solar festival, the date of the summer solstice varies between the 20th and the 23rd of june, typically falling on the 21st. This is the longest day of the year, with very few hours of darkness.

The God, as symbolised by the sun is at his strongest on this day. His strength will decrease from now until Mabon, the autumnal equinox where he will slip into the spiritual plane to be reborn at Yule.

It is traditional to get up at dawn to watch the sunrise and to celebrate the fulness of the sun whose decline is beginning. Many people are drawn to the ancient monument of stonehenge at this time.

Often this is the one wiccan day that makes the news when the authorities in past years have tried to stop people from marking this special day in their own way. I understand in the last couple of years the monument has been made open to those who wish to visit on this day.

For some elaborate rituals mark this day, for others including myself a walk in the countryside or along a sea shore can be as spiritually fulfilling as a pilgrimage to rome might be for other people.

Related Christian Day - 21st June, Feast of John the Baptist.