Mugwort – The Dreamwalker’s Herb

As the Wheel of the Year turns to Litha, the Summer Solstice greets us with golden sunrays, lush blossoms, and nature in full bloom. It is the longest day and the shortest night, a time of fiery abundance when the Earth is heavy with life and enchantment stirs in every petal and leaf.

The Summer Solstice is a powerful portal for growth, transformation, and illumination, and the plants that bloom during this radiant season are brimming with solar magic. Across centuries, witches, herbalists, and fae-touched souls have gathered midsummer herbs under the solstice sun, using their potent energies in spells, teas, rituals, and charms.

Below are six sacred herbs that shimmer with Litha magick, perfect for weaving into your summer celebrations.

With silvery leaves that seem kissed by moonlight, Mugwort is the herb of vision, prophecy, and dreamwork. While the solstice sun blazes in the sky, Mugwort whispers the secrets of the night.

Magickal Uses:

• Burn as incense to open your third eye and enhance divination.

• Place under your pillow to invite prophetic dreams during the thin veil of Midsummer’s Eve.

• Brew into a ritual tea (consult an herbalist for safe use!) to enhance astral travel and meditation.

Element: Earth
Planet: Moon
Magick: Psychic awareness, protection, lucid dreaming

Often found blooming between spring and summer, Hawthorn is sacred to the Fae and deeply tied to love, protection, and sacred boundaries. It’s said that the Hawthorn tree holds a doorway to the Otherworld—especially during Litha, when the veil is thin and faerie magick dances on the breeze.

Magickal Uses:

• Use the flowers and leaves in love charms or heart-healing rituals.

• Hang a branch over your door to welcome blessings and ward off mischief.

• Meditate beneath a Hawthorn to connect with faerie spirits and elemental energy.

Element: Fire
Planet: Mars
Magick: Love, protection, faerie communication

Hawthorn – The Heart Guardian

Majestic and mighty, Oak is the king of the woods, ruling over Midsummer with strength, wisdom, and courage. It’s at Litha that the Oak King—ruler of the waxing year—is said to fall in battle to the Holly King, marking the return of the waning light.

Magickal Uses:

• Burn oak chips in your ritual fire to call in strength and grounding.

• Carry an acorn for luck, prosperity, and courage.

• Make oak leaf crowns or wands for solar spells and midsummer rites.

Element: Earth
Planet: Jupiter
Magick: Strength, endurance, leadership

Oak – The Sovereign Tree

Bright, golden, and glowing like miniature suns, Calendula embodies the essence of solar joy. Its name means “little calendar,” and it blooms through much of the year, reminding us to stay present, warm-hearted, and hopeful.

Magickal Uses:

• Sprinkle petals in bath water for joy and self-love.

• Use in spellwork for healing, clarity, and positive energy.

• Place on your altar to honor the sun and lift your spirits.

Element: Fire
Planet: Sun
Magick: Joy, healing, abundance

Calendula – The Sun’s Blossom

With its dramatic petals and sultry charm, Hibiscus is the herb of passion, sensuality, and bold beauty. It invites us to embrace our desires and live from the heart. Litha is a celebration of life-force energy, and Hibiscus sings that truth loud and proud.

Magickal Uses:

• Brew into a vibrant tea to attract love and awaken confidence.

• Add to love spells, sacred oils, or summer offerings to the gods.

• Use in glamour magick to enhance your radiant energy.

Element: Water
Planet: Venus
Magick: Love, attraction, feminine power

Hibiscus – The Passion Flower

No herb sings a softer, more sacred tune at Litha than Rose. She is the enchantress of the garden, representing beauty, devotion, grace, and divine love. Roses in bloom during the Summer Solstice carry potent energies of both protection and desire.

Magickal Uses:

• Create rosewater for anointing your third eye or sacred tools.

• Scatter petals in your ritual circle to bless and uplift the energy.

• Dry roses for sachets, spell jars, and summer love spells.

Element: Water
Planet: Venus
Magick: Love, peace, sacred union

Rose – The Queen of Blossoms

• Create a Midsummer Herb Bundle: Tie together Mugwort, Calendula, and Rose with a golden ribbon. Hang it near a window or your altar for blessings and protection.

• Infuse Oils: Use dried Hibiscus and Rose to create a love oil; Oak and Hawthorn for grounding and shielding.

• Decorate Your Altar: Place small bowls or bundles of these herbs around candles, crystals, and solar symbols.

• Make Flower Crowns or Garlands: Adorn yourself or your space with the beauty of Calendula, Rose, and Hibiscus.

How to Work with These Herbs During Litha

Final Blessing

May the golden rays of the solstice warm your heart and illuminate your soul.
May the wild herbs of summer whisper ancient wisdom to your spirit.
And may you bloom—bold, brilliant, and wildly free—under the midsummer sky.

Blessed Litha, dear one. Let your magick shine.