Litha celebrates the Midsummer Solstice - the longest day of the year.
At mid-summer, the Sun God has reached the moment of his greatest strength. Seated on his greenwood throne, he is also lord of the forests. This is considered to be a time when energies abound, and is a good time for magic, purification rites and divination.
In many Wiccan celebrations, this is when the Oak King, who represents the waxing year, is triumphed over by the Holly King, who represents the waning year. The two two halves of the same whole: the Oak King is the growing youth who reigns from Midwinter to Midsummer. He represents fertility and growth. The Holly King is the mature man and reigns from Midsummer to Midwinter. He represents harvest, withdrawal and wisdom.
Many Ancient monuments are aligned with the Sun at this point in the Year, the most famous being Stonehenge. Wiccans consider the Goddess to be heavy with pregnancy from the mating at Beltane and is honoured. The God is approaching fatherhood - honour is also given to Him.
Read about the other Sabbats