LITHA, also known as Midsummer, Summer Solstice and St. John's Eve, longest day, shortest night. The midsummer bonfires, lit with oak, are said to be remnants of Druid rites to ward off evil spirits or sacraments to honor the Sun.
Fennel and St. John's wort were hung on doors, no doubt to discourage the pranks of fairy folk.
One legend holds that, at twilight on Litha Eve, the door to the Middle Kingdom opens and those who seek it may come and go freely. Another says that one must rub eyelids with fern seed at the stroke of midnight to see the Fayerie. Others suggest making offerings of wild thyme to draw them out.
Several magickal plants had to be collected on Litha Eve if they were to render full potency. These may have been vervain, St. John's wort, roses and trefoil. Some covens still make garlands of mugwort, vervain and St. John's wort to wear during midsummer rites.
