Bonfire at City Tap House Bonfires transcend time and cultures when it comes to summer solstice celebrations. The vikings celebrated in Denmark by lighting a fire to ward off evil spirits, while in Russia and the Ukraine, jumping over bonfires endures as a purification ritual part of a folkloric tradition. While we don’t recommend setting a bonfire within city limits, we do encourage you to indulge that archetypal lust for fire on the porch of City Tap House, where you won’t run the risk of an arrest for arson. — 3925 Walnut Street
Magical Herbs from Harry's Occult Shop Summer plants were believed to be at their most potent on the night of the solstice. Mugwort is a natural herb held sacred by the druids for its supposed healing power against ailments ranging from tired feet to poison oak. During pagan solstice celebrations, belts of the herb were worn while dancing around ritualistic bonfires. Discarding the belt into the fire at festivities’ end was said to ensure the herb’s medicinal protection for the rest of the year. Head down to Harry’s Occult Shop to pick up some of the mythical perennial.— 1238 South Street
Nature in Wissahickon Valley Park The ancient solstice holiday endures as Litha, a neo–pagan celebration of the earth. You will be hard–pressed to find trees in greater abundance than on college green within the urban landscape of Philadelphia, but if you’re up for the journey, Wissahickon Valley Park offers 1800 acres of woods for your earth–conscious enjoyment. 50 miles of trails varying in treachery offer picturesque views for earth goddesses and rugged terrain for the more adventurous.— Located in Northwestern section of Philadelphia, accessible via Regional Rail routes R6 and R8
