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Celebrate Beltane

Beltane is a celebration of the earth and nature and marks the start of the traditional planting season. In ancient times farmers would build bonfires at night and walk their cattle between the flames, to ensure protection and fertility for the coming season. Beltane fires are still celebrated in Scotland, through the Beltane Fire Society. Traditionally associated with fertility and sexuality, modern Beltane Celebrations are an opportunity to take time for yourself, give thanks to the earth for its bounty and blessings and set intentions for the coming harvest season.

History of Beltane

The word Beltane comes from celtic Baal or Bel which means Bright One. As farmers prepared to move their livestock from winter pastures to summer grazing in the hills, they sought protection and abundance from the gods, by building fires and leading livestock through the flames on the way to the summer grazing lands. This was believed to ensure protection from harm and increase fertility of the herd.

In more practical terms these bonfires were most likely used to burn brush piles and make more room for planting and pastureland.

In the home, hearth fires were extinguished and relit with flames from the Beltane bonfires. People also walked the perimeter of their property or towns to invoke added protection over the coming year. Doorways, windows and even livestock were decorated with yellow flowers during Beltane.

Like all of the Wheel of Year sabbat celebrations, Beltane was a time for merry making and feasting. People would write a wish upon a ribbon and tie it a to a tree, in the hopes that the gods would grant them. Hawthorn, ash, thorn and sycamore trees were believed to be the best trees for making wishes.

Dew gathered on Beltane was thought to have special properties for increased beauty and youthfulness.

Beltane and Sexuality

Part of Celtic Beltane beliefs centered on the sacred union of the God and Goddess and individuals celebrated this by having sex on Beltane. Usually outside, as way to further connect with nature. Children conceived during Beltane (and hence born at Imbolc) were believed to belong to the Goddess, and were often referred to as ‘merry-be-gots’ and thought to have a special connection to the faerie realm.

Like Samhain, Beltane was a time when the veil to the Otherworld thinned and spirits could pass through. Unlike Samhain, the visiting spirits were not seeking a meal or a short visit with family. The spirits of Beltane were thought to be looking for reincarnation or sexual intercourse.

This theme of sexuality is found throughout Beltane. The Maypole, traditionally decorated and celebrated by maidens, is a phallic symbol, representing the masculine power, while the cauldron represented a womb, representing the female power. Women who wanted to conceive a child would build a small fire and set the cauldron on it and then jump over the cauldron.

To go A Maying - the gathering of flowers and other plants in nearby forests - was synonymous with casual sex in the woods. There was no shame associated with out-of-wedlock marriage and hand-fasting was common - where two people joined together for a year and a day. In part because this overt sexuality, Beltane activities like the Maypole were outlawed by the Puritans in the 17th century in much of Great Britain.

Symbols of Beltane

Colors: White, dark green, red

Foods: Dairy foods, honey, oats, mead, lamb

Stones: Sapphire, blood stone, emerald, orange carnelian, rose quartz

Symbols: Goat, honeybee, cown, fairies, pegasus, rabbits, flower crown, maypole, basket

Flowers & Plants: Primrose, lilac, hawthorn, birch, Rosemary, Ivy, woodruff, rowan, violet, alfalfa, cedar, peppermint lavendar

Deities: Aphrodite, Artemis, Freya, Rhiannon, Apollo, Bel/Belnos, The Great Horned God, BÓand/Boann

Setting Intentions at Beltane

Traditionally Beltane was a celebration of fertility. However, if you don’t have babies on the mind, that’s a-okay! Beltane is a great time to focus on creativity and prosperity. If you set intentions back at Imbolc and planted those seeds at Ostara, Beltane is a time to take further action.

Perhaps you’ve been planning on starting a business - Beltane is the time to make an appointment with the bank and see about funding. Or perhaps you’ve been writing a book, and now is the time to reach out to publishers or find an agent. Beltane, with it’s promise of the coming harvest and fruitfulness is a time for inspired action and confidence.

Ways to Celebrate Beltane

Hold a bonfire for family and friends
Take action on a project you’ve been working on
Set aside time for some self care - treat yourself to a special meal, music, aromas - whatever make you feel special
Decorate a tree with colorful ribbons that represent your wishes for the coming year
Make flower crowns
Dress in green
Walk your property and give thanks and ask for protection in the coming year
Decorate your home yellow flower wreaths, bouquets or garlands

Find Beltane Printables and other Wheel of the Year Printables in my Etsy Shop