Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Today, Australia marks its longest day of the year as the Southern Hemisphere embraces the summer solstice. For pagans and witchcraft practitioners, this is a powerful moment to honour the Sun’s peak and reflect on the abundant energy of the season.

Last Thursday, a number of us from the Western Sydney witchcraft community gathered to celebrate the season with a sunset picnic on the banks of the Nepean River.

On the solstice itself, just how much daylight you’ll experience depends on where you live. Let’s have a look at what the summer solstice means — and what it brings for us witches, pagans and occultists here in the Southern Hemisphere.

For witches and pagans in Australia, the summer solstice, or Litha in some traditions, is a time for feasting, celebrating the Sun’s power, and gathering with community. Whether you’re meditating on your personal growth, crafting solar charms, or simply soaking in the light, may this solstice bring you abundance and joy.

What is the Summer Solstice?

The summer solstice is often called the longest day of the year, but it’s more accurately the day with the longest stretch of daylight within a 24-hour period. 

This happens because the Southern Hemisphere is tilted at its closest point toward the Sun. Meanwhile, the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing its winter solstice, as the North Pole tilts furthest away from the Sun. 

This tilt — about 23 degrees — is also why we have seasons. It’s the Earth’s way of making sure different parts of the globe soak up varying amounts of sunlight as it orbits the Sun.

For witches, the solstice represents the height of solar power. In traditional lore, it’s a time to celebrate abundance, success, and gratitude — the Earth’s gifts to us at the peak of the Sun’s influence. 

When Is the Summer Solstice in Australia?

This year, the summer solstice falls on Saturday, December 21st, and while we think of it as lasting the whole day, there’s actually an exact moment when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted closest to the Sun. 

Here’s when it happens in your time zone: 

• AWST: 5:19 PM 
• ACST: 6:49 PM 
• AEST: 7:19 PM 
• ACDT: 7:49 PM 
• AEDT: 8:19 PM 

This precise moment is when the Sun’s energy is at its zenith — perfect for rituals of light, fire, or any workings tied to success and manifestation. For those practicing witchcraft in the Southern Hemisphere, this abundance of light offers a unique opportunity to attune to the rhythm of the Earth. Long days symbolize vitality and growth, ideal for spellwork focusing on energy, strength, and fertility.

What can I do to celebrate?

• Watch the sunrise or sunset
• Create and decorate a solar altar with colours associated with the sun – red, gold, yellow.
• Celebrate with seasonal food that represent the sun – think berries, citrus fruits
• Do some divination with your favourite method – tarot or runes are both popular

What’s Next?

After today, the days will gradually shorten until the winter solstice on or around June 21. For now, the summer solstice invites us to celebrate and make the most of this season of warmth, energy, and potential.