Beltane, the festival of fire, is one of the High Holidays in the Wheel of the Year, celebrated at the mid-point between Spring Equinox (Ostara) and Summer Solstice (Litha). It traditionally began at the blooming of the Hawthorn tree, although today it falls on the date of May 1st in the Gregorian calendar — or on the day when the sun reaches 15 degrees in Taurus, in what is called True Beltane or Solar Beltane.
Also known as May Day, Beltane brings forward the themes of fertility, passion, abundance, union, and celebration. Beltane is rich with meaning and significance, as the time of year when nature blossoms into fullness. It is believed that during this period, the veil between the human world and the realms of spirits and the Good Folk (also known as the fairies, or Fae), became thin, strengthening communication between the two realms. This mystical portal opens twice a year, during Beltane and Samhain.
Beltane also symbolizes the fertilization of the seed planted during the Spring Equinox, celebrating the union of the masculine and feminine and awakening our own divine spark of creation. This union marks the beginning of growth for our aspirations, desires, projects, and so on.
In ancient times, this period witnessed the sacred marriage, between the Green Man and the May Queen- the embodiments of the Goddess (earth) and the God (sky). This is a time to embrace sensuality, to indulge in the joys of passion, and to enjoy beauty. It is time to welcome the abundance that is present in our lives and mirrored in nature.
The Maypole, a beautiful centerpiece of the celebration, represents the fertile union of the divine masculine and feminine - as well as the weaving of these energetic forces.
The fires of Beltane are also particularly notable, which symbolized purification and protection, as well as fertile abundance. Whether walking between the fires or leaping over the flames, we shed old patterns, embracing a sense of renewal.
The Hawthorn tree too, is a known symbol of Beltane as it was said that the celebrations of fertility could start when the Hawthorn tree first bloomed. The hawthorn is also connected to the wild rose in its 5-petaled nature, which also links to the divine feminine energy of Venus and her beauty.
These rituals and practices are here to assist you in tapping into the vibrant energy of Beltane.
Set up an altar either indoors or amidst nature to invite abundance into your space. Include two candles, one of red and one of white, to pay homage to the fiery spirit of Beltane, and unity of divine masculine and divine feminine. Incorporate a plant ally or flower sacred to Beltane, such as hawthorn blossoms, daisy, marigold, rose, or elderflower. Consider adding crystals like rose quartz, citrine, carnelian, moonstone, or rhodonite to honor the energy of Beltane further.
Crafting a wildflower crown is a beautiful way to connect with nature and cultivate self-love. Begin by asking for permission from the Earth, then gather wildflowers and intertwine their stems to form a circle. As you adorn yourself with the crown, envision drawing in the energy of abundant vitality from above, allowing it to flow through your being and radiate out through your feet. Celebrate your inherent beauty as you bless the earth with your sacred presence.
Craft a simple Maypole utilizing a stick sourced from the woods or any pole-shaped item you have on hand. Adorn the pole with ribbons or streamers, and extend an invitation to friends and/or family to join you in dancing around it. Together, celebrate the abundance and joy that already grace your lives at this moment, expressing gratitude for their presence.
Identify a part of your life where you would like to experience more harmony, fertility, and balance. Consider if this area of life might benefit from more of your divine feminine energy of receptivity, flow, intuition, allowing and receiving, or if it needs the divine masculine qualities of structure, containment, and taking aligned action. Create an intention to bring more of this energy to this area of life, thus increasing its potential for yielding abundance.
Fire is incredibly sacred to the season of Beltane, so working with it to create a new beginning and cleanse off the old dross is always a powerful way to work with the energy of the season. If you are able to create a bonfire, do that, and if not, simply use a candle. Once the fire is lit, set intentions of what you’re clearing out and then (safely) leap over the fire, allowing the fire element's energetics to purify your energy towards your new beginning.
May the fertility of Beltane bless all of your endeavors and relationships and may you feel deeply connected to the love that you are as you celebrate this sacred day!
If you wish to deepen your connection to nature’s cycles and wisdom in sisterhood, I invite you to join The Sacred Spiral—an immersive and ceremonial exploration of the Priestess path, enriched with seasonal wisdom. The Sacred Spiral delves into the profound teachings of elements and seasons, enveloping you in the natural tapestry of creation. Secure your spot on the waitlist to be the first to know when the doors swing open again! Also: my Wheel of The Year workbook is free and in this booklet, you can learn more about Beltane and the other sacred seasons.
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