Beltane Blessings to all you beauties! Welcome to the height of Spring, can you feel the summer energies beginning to emerge? Beltane beautifully honours the co-creation of life between the masculine and feminine energies; the earth is at its most fertile and we are nurturing our ideas, growth and shifts that took place at Ostara. As we finally cast out the darkness of winter, we are witnessing our commitment to the light within and enjoying the light of these longer days.
In many ways, Beltane is a sensual celebration honouring the divine God and Goddess within all of us. Beltane, or May Day, is the ideal time to honour and manifest themes of fertility, creativity, passion, and sexuality. At this passion filled Sabbat, you’ll find erotic imagery representing the balance and union of the masculine and feminine. For example, you might bake a phallic cake or partake in ‘erecting’ a maypole and ‘inserting’ it into the earth. This is a great time to pursue love spells and create a better relationship with yourself, a partner and your sacral chakra.
The maypole dance is a beloved tradition performed by many Pagans, Wiccans + Witches. A pole is erected (masculine) and decorated with a flower crown (feminine) as it is inserted into the earth. You may ‘lubricate’ the hole with blessed water and flowers. Each group will have their own vision for a dance, but it often includes dancing in pairs and with ribbons!
Originally an ancient Celtic fire festival, Beltane literally means ‘Bright Fire’! In Gaelic, Bel means ‘bright one’ and ‘tein’ means fire. Take this Sabbat to jump the fire! Fill your cauldron with ingredients representing Beltane and (safely) jump the flame as you declare your wishes for the coming season. Lighting + jumping a fire is also a way to cleanse yourself.
The Facts
Date: April 30-May 1 Common Names: Beltane, Beltain, May Day, Celtic Fire Festival Gods/Goddesses: God Bel, The greenman and woman Herbs + Plants: Birch, Hawthorn, Rowan (mountain ash), Lilac, Roses, Daisies, Scotch Broom, Rosemary, Vanilla Crystals: Emerald, Jasper, rose quartz, sunstone, malachite, Ruby, Green, red or white crystals Colours: green, red, white Traditions: Maypole dance, jumping the fire, bake a phallic cake, crowning the maiden, Decorate home + altar with foraged bouquets, sun + fire rituals, handfasting ceremonies, love spells Significance: Blessing the balance of masculine and feminine energies within us all, Celebrating the sensual sexuality within you, Honouring the commitment you made to new ideas and projects at Ostara, honouring the coming harvest, honouring the blooming earth and birthing wildlife Symbolism: Balance, Fertility, Commitment, Creativity, Passion, Sexuality, Co-Creation Historically: Cattle were often blessed and cleansed with the smoke from a Beltane fire. Originally an agricultural celebration.
Daily Beltane Rituals + Habits
Forage for bouquets of blooming flora and place them around your home and altar
Perform daily candle magic. For example, light a soy candle with intention during your morning meditation. Use the same candle until it is complete gone; then, return the wax back to the earth.
Volunteer at an animal sanctuary to help with the abundance of new life
Dry Beltane herbs and smudge your space with them daily.
Make an anointing oil with your dried Beltane herbs and anoint yourself every morning with it. Soak the herbs in a preferred oil, then every morning anoint your third eye with your crown by touching your finger to those chakras with the oil. You are divinely crowning yourself similar to the action of crowning the maiden in Beltane ritual.
Open your sacral chakra and help the sensual + sexual energies flow by carrying tangerine quartz in your pockets
Disclaimer: I am not a psychologist or medical Doctor. This ritual + wellness advice does not replace the advice of trained medical professionals. Please seek a qualified Doctor when needed.