Beltane & Slow Living
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According to the Wheel of the Year, Beltane marks the high point of springtime, falling exactly halfway between the vernal equinox celebration of Ostara and the summer solstice celebration of Litha. Later renamed May Day by Christians, traditional Beltane activities focused on reconnecting with nature to take advantage of the renewed energy of springtime.
In the agrarian cycle, Beltane was a time of great activity, when pastures were cleared and fields planted. Beltane rituals were performed to ensure abundant harvests and healthy livestock. In modern times, May is still a time of great activity and preparation. People hurry to get their yards in order before the start of summer; schools get ready for finals and graduation ceremonies; bridal showers are thrown for all the summer brides. There is a sense of hurry up and get it done, so we can relax in summer.
Slow living during Beltane may seem counter-productive, given this emphasis on activity and production. But slow living isn’t always about literally slowing down and doing less. Slow living is about slowing down and being in the moment, focusing on the activity at hand. Slow living during Beltane could be simply trimming your spring to-do list, to give you time to focus on a few key projects or activities.
GROW YOUR GARDEN
Now is the time to plant the seeds you started at Ostara. These can be literal seeds that are now strong enough to be planted outside, or these could be seeds of an idea or a change you wish to make in your life. Either way, if you are trying to plant too many seeds at one time in your life, it can feel overwhelming as you think about all that must happen to turn the tiny seedlings into a full garden. Same for thinking about the seemingly endless to-do list of things you must accomplish to bring a goal into reality. As you tend to your garden, if you feel overwhelmed try slowing down. Just focus on one thing at a time. A flower doesn’t force itself into the world. It grows bit by bit, each day. Consistency is just as important as action.
HONOR YOUR HOME
According to Judy Ann Nock in her book The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year, in ancient days Beltane fires were lit on hilltops and then cattle were driven through the smoke, as a way to ward off pestilence and disease. Embers from these fires were carried home and used to light the hearth fires for spring and summer. This was believed to offer protection and prosperity for the approaching harvest season. It was also believed to be good luck to walk the perimeter of one's property on Beltane.
While you may not have the space for a hilltop bonfire (or have any cattle to pass through the smoke) you can light a small fire via a fire pit, woodstove, fireplace or even a candle and give a quiet thank you to the universe and mother earth for your home and all it provides for you. Or give thanks while walking the entirety of your property.
CULTIVATE ABUNDANCE & PROSPERITY
Manifesting and visualizing what you would like to be, do, or have life is another way to harness the energy of Beltane, which is often associated with prosperity and money. In keeping with slow living, think about what abundance and prosperity mean to you. What is it that you desire out of life? You can absolutely desire more money or material things like a new car or house. Or perhaps abundance for you means more feelings of peace, calm, joy, stability, love in your everyday life. Slowing down and getting clear on why you want the things you want can help you take action toward these goals.
In her book The Modern Witchcraft Grimoire: Your Complete Guide to Creating Your Own Book of Shadows, author Skye Alexander offers some creative and easy Beltane spells that harness visualization and manifesting properties.
CREATIVITY AND NATURE
Artists have long been inspired by the beauty of nature. Beltane and its renewed energy, longer days and warmer weather are ideal for connecting with nature and your creative side. Spend time outdoors with your creative tools of choice. This could be your journal, paint and canvas or other handiwork.
Grab the new Beltane Creative Guide to help you get started.
SLOW CELEBRATIONS FOR BELTANE
There are many ways to celebrate Beltane that are simple, low cost or even free.
Gather friends and family for a traditional Beltane bonfire. Write your intentions for the season on a slip of paper with green ink. Toss the paper into the fire and visualize your intentions being absorbed into the universe.
Prepare a special Beltane meal. This is a great way to celebrate Beltane by yourself or with a group. Popular Beltane dishes include dairy foods, honey, oats, mead, and early greens. Here is a free Beltane Meal Planner to help you get started.
Take a walk in the early morning of May 1st, in keeping with the old May Day custom of gathering flowers with morning dew, which was believed to hold magical properties.
How are you celebrating Beltane this year? Share in the comments below!