Friday May 1, 2020 – Happy Beltane!

Beltane is the Gaelic May Day festival. Most commonly it is held on 1 May, or about halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Beltane is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature.  It is associated with important events in Irish mythology. The holiday marks the beginning of summer and was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops and people, and to encourage growth.

Special bonfires were kindled, and their flames, smoke and ashes were deemed to have protective powers. The people and their cattle would walk around or between bonfires, and sometimes leap over the flames or embers. All household fires would be doused and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire.

These gatherings would be accompanied by a feast, and some of the food and drink would be offered to the Irish magical being. Doors, windows, byres and livestock would be decorated with yellow May flowers, perhaps because they evoked fire.

In parts of Ireland, people would make a May Bush: typically a thorn bush or branch decorated with flowers, ribbons, bright shells and rushlights.

Holy wells were also visited, while Beltane dew was thought to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness. Many of these customs were part of May Day or Midsummer festivals in other parts of Great Britain and Europe.

As with most pagan holidays, the celebration practices have been mainly frowned upon if not forbidden in the Christian world. But Since we are mostly home, its Friday, and you can, here are some ideas I have gathered from around the internet (let’s face it, I googled it and copied some that sound fun). Consider them and have fun.

To begin, Beltane is a magical holiday. So consider the types of magic to celebrate.

Fertility Magic – The Earth is coming back to life. Celebrate life – and be fertile!

Faerie Magic – Its and Irish Holiday. So celebrate with the faeries

Earth Magic – Time for planting and gardening

Fire Magic – Build a bonefire.

1. Become a beacon of joy

Wake up on Beltane and be a catalyst and a beacon of joy to other people and yourself. Set this as your intention when you first wake up and remind yourself throughout the day. If you feel resistant to do this, that is all the more reason to try it as an experiment. See how it changes your mood.

1. Give the Gift of Rose Quartz

A lovely tradition is to give a piece of rose quartz to a person you love. This stone is thought to reduce anger, jealousy or emotional negativity.  Rose Quartz is called the Love Stone and it is full of gentle, calming energy.

2. Meditate on the Heart Chakra

This day is full of love, be sure you can experience all the joyous emotions associated with love. When your heart chakra is active and balanced, you become more compassionate, understanding, loving toward yourself and others, empathetic and peaceful.

3. Spend Time in Nature

Each of the eight Sabbats are closely tied with what the seasons bring throughout the year. Go for a walk either by yourself or with your loved ones. It is a great time to notice how the world is coming alive. Try to only collect things that have already fallen from plants. If you must take something from a living plant, ask permission and thank you plant. Be sure to plant something new whenever you take something from nature.

4. Decorate your Altar

During your nature walk, you may have collected some flowers and branches. If you did, you might use these to decorate your altar. Fill your altar with seasonal flowers. Hawthorn and Birch trees are very important at this time of year. Use green cloth and ribbons wherever makes sense. Light red and green candles to represent love and growth. Burn earthy or floral incense.

5. Start a Garden

Today is a great day to start plants for your garden. If you live closer to the equator you may have already started a garden. The further north you go the later you should start planting things outside.  You might try growing a magical herb garden, a flower garden, or a vegetable garden. Whatever you plant, be sure to harness the magical, fertile, earth energy of Beltane.

6. Find a Maypole

Most people are familiar with the image of children holding colorful ribbons and weaving together a tapestry around a central pole. This tradition began as a fertility ritual but it continues to the present as a fun and festive activity to celebrate springtime. You’d be surprised how many place have maypole festivals. Snoop around in your community to see if there is an established ceremony. If not, maybe you could start it.

7. Sex

This is by now means a required activity to celebrate Beltane, but it is a fun way. If you have a willing partner in which to engage in sexual activities, Beltane is a wonderful time to participate, especially if you are trying to conceive a child. The world is filled with plant and animal sex, why not human sex too? Under no circumstances should you feel obligated to have sex at Beltane.

8. Spend Time with Loved Ones

The love energy of Beltane is not exclusive to romantic partnerships. Make sure to spend time with your family and friends too. Take a picnic to a nature area where you can see wildflowers and wildlife. Be sure to bring fresh, light food, reminiscent of springtime.

9. Handfasting

The ceremony of handfasting is really beautiful. Two people stand holding hands while another person wraps red ribbon around them. The ceremony symbolizes a commitment the two people have to one another. Once they remove the ribbon, they know they will stay together without having to have their hands tied. Handfasting can be done for a romantic couple, friends, parents with children or any two people who want to show how much they love each other.

These 9 ideas I also found on the internet. Thank you to Maggie Haseman for sharing them a few years back.