“Each of us is born with a box of matches inside us but we can’t strike them all by ourselves.”
Laura Esquivel
Uncover the revelries of Beltane, the pagan fire festival casting light and burning emotions as inhibitions are relinquished and all embraces the primal forces. Henceforth, we come here to connect through fire and blazing passion to celebrate life and fertility.
It is a time to celebrate the halfway mark between the spring equinox and burgeoning fire of the summer solstice. Given that I am a witch who loves to be in her garden and outdoors, let me unveil to you Beltane Traditions and Rituals by welcoming fire and the return of life.
In essence, the festival embodies the abundance of life and love. With this in mind, as the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, it is a time to honour the energies of fertility and sexuality. Bonfires are lit and the burning passions unite.
Typically, Beltane falls on May 1st in the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, it is approximately on the 31st of October.
The word Beltane can be derived from two origins. Firstly, Irish Gaelic ‘Bealtaine’. Secondly, Scottish Gaelic ‘Bealtuinn” (pronounced beel-too-win) – in any case, it is an old Celtic name for May Day. Thus, it is believed to be named for the fire of the Celtic god of light, Bel/Beli/Belinus.
To this end, Beltane refers to Bel-Fire or Bright One.
Bel
Celtic God of Light (2023), by Ingrid Gilbert
Beltane Ritual Bath of Cleansing & Purification
Immerse yourself in this ritual bath is crafted to celebrate self-love and renewal during Beltane, harnessing the vibrant and intoxicating energies of spring, embrace your desires and embrace the blossoming of your true self.
Symbols of Beltane
| Colours | Green, Red, Silver and Yellow |
| Food | Strawberry, Honey, Fresh Greens and Oatcakes |
| Crystals | Emerald, citrine and rose quartz. |
| Symbols | Broom, cauldron, ribbon and string. |
| Flowers | Lavender, Lilac, Dandelion, Meadowsweet, Chamomile and Calendula. |
| Herbs | Mugwort, Rosemary, Thyme, Vervain, Nettle, Basil, |
| Deities | Bel, May Queen, Aphrodite, Brigid and Flora |
| Trees | Hawthorn |
| Animals/Bugs | Hare/Rabbit, Deer, Bee’s, Doves, Swans, Cows and Goats |
Beltane Traditions and Rituals for the Fire and Witchcraft.
- Create a “May” Basket
- Light a Bonfire
- Adorn your home and altar with flower wreaths or garlands.
- Create an outdoor altar.
- Take a ritual bath
- Share a feast with friends, family and/or coven.
Do you want to know more about the candle magic?
Candles are an essential element in any spell-work, serving as conduits for your intentions. Fire magic is a potent and transformative practice that can elevate your spells. While candles hold their own power, by anointing your candles with specific oils and herbs, you can amplify your spell.
“As full of spirit as the month of May, and as gorgeous as the sun in Midsummer.”
William Shakespeare
For many, fire is seen as also a purification. Couples would leap over the flames together, to pledge themselves to each other and people would circle around the lit bonfire.
To begin with, light a small fire in your garden. Furthermore, if you are feeling the heat sink beneath your skin, let your hair down and dance around the fire.
Alternatively, you can light a candle inside and do the same. Write a note of all things you wish to banish and place it in the fire. Proceed to watch it reduce to ash. Revel in the heat and power of the fire.
It must be remembered, connecting through fire and passion on Beltane. marks the moment of balance. In reality, where time lies between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. This echoes the ever changing flow of balance we strive to achieve in our own lives. For that reason, we must honour the powerful connections that weave through our lives.
It is a wonderful time to focus on strengthening and nourishing your life and body. All around us, heat is igniting our spirits like the flickering flames of a bonfire. Thus, so is our time to surrender to the path of attraction, love and magic. Think about what inhibitions you might want to set free, and what revelries you’ll take delight in as nature blossoms.
– Your Local Witch,
Lor
Connect through fire and blazing passion to celebrate life and fertility.
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