Litha Sun Wheel
Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice, is a joyous celebration of the sun's peak power and the abundant energy of nature.
During this season, crafting sun wheels adorned with fresh or dried flowers is a cherished tradition. These sun wheels symbolize the eternal cycle of life and the radiance of the sun. As a family, we gather together to create these beautiful hanging art pieces, infusing them with love and creativity. As we weave vibrant petals and fragrant herbs into the wheel's intricate pattern, they strengthen our bonds and cultivate a deep sense of connection between us.
This shared experience of crafting brings us closer as a family, as we reflect on the beauty of nature and the importance of honoring the cycles of life.
The value of family time and connection during the Litha season is immeasurable, fostering a spirit of unity and togetherness that lasts beyond the solstice, grounds us in the power of love and shared experiences.
I invite you to join me in making a Litha Sun Wheel, by yourself or as a family. Either way, I think you will find it a beautiful, and magical experience.
Materials:
A wooden or metal circular base such as an embroidery hoop, or if you want to make a big sun wheel, a hula hoop
Embroidery floss, twine, or even yellow ribbon
A variety of dried or fresh flowers, leaves, and foliage (such as marigold, sunflowers, chamomile, yarrow, lavender, and cosmos)
Scissors
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Instructions:
Begin by selecting a base for your sun wheel. This can be a pre-made base or something you create yourself, such as a wooden or metal hoop. We love using a hula hoop and making this a family project we can gather around and work on together the morning of Litha.
Gather your dried or fresh flowers, leaves, and foliage. You can use any combination of materials that you like, but try to include materials that are associated with the sun and the summer solstice. In our garden we grow sunflowers, chamomile, calendula, black-eyed Susan, and Gerber daisies which we gather and use, Try to keep the stems long so you have more length to weave in.
To set up your sun wheel, wrap the string, twine, or ribbon around the hoop and tie it. Then stretch the twine taught, going to the opposite side and tying it to the edge. Work your way back and forth randomly, creating a crosshatch oof twine across the center of the hoop opening. When you are satisfies, tie of the end of the twine and trim the ends.
Begin by attaching the larger dried flowers and leaves to the web you have just created by weaving their stems in and out of the twine.
Once you have covered the base with the larger flowers and leaves, add the smaller foliage and flowers to fill in any gaps.
Once you are satisfied with the layout of your sun wheel, tie a piece of twine or ribbon around the top of the wheel to create a hanging loop.
You can hang your sun wheel on a wall, a tree or in your altar, as a decoration or a focal point for your ritual or ceremony.
This is such a fun, relaxed way to celebrate Litha season. If you make a sun wheel, I’d love to see it! You can email me photos or mention me on Instagram @wind-moon-magick
Note: You can use fresh flowers or foliage but they will only last a couple of days, but dried flowers and foliage will last longer.
