Celebrating Beltane for the modern

Written By Megan Jones

Hello witches, spirits and wanderers! Beltane is on May 1st, 2022 this year so I will be sharing some history, correspondences and ways you can celebrate. I have also recorded a podcast episode on Beltane if you would like to take a listen. May the fire energy of Beltane cleanse any negativity and burn creativity and abundance within you. Blessed be!

Beltane History

Beltane is a Celtic fire festival that honored the return of summer. Held at the halfway point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice, this was a very important time that represented the return of fertility to the land. The word ‘Beltane’ roughly translates as ‘bright fire’ and one of the most important rituals was the lighting of the Beltane bonfire. This is still continued in celebration today. Fire was seen as a purifier and healer and would have been walked around and danced/jumped over by the members of the community. Farmers would also drive their cattle between bonfires to cleanse and protect them before putting them out into the fields for pasture.

Other festivities included May pole dances, May baskets and crafts with flowers. These activities represent the fertility, abundance, creativity and passion surrounding the magical day. Other traditions celebrate the god and goddess of love with their partner. It is a night of passion where many couples wander off alone or make a little magic of their own. If a child is conceived on this particular night, they are considered to be gifted by the gods. Beltane is the opposite of Samhain on the traditional wheel of the year and just like the Samhain, the veil between the worlds is very thin on that night. Our ability to interact with the spirit realm and ask for the favor of the gods is enhanced. The night of the Beltane festival is filled with beauty and magic. Some believe that the souls of those who will be born the following year, will visit during this particular night.

Beltane Correspondences

Whether you identify as a witch, wiccan, pagan or nothing of the sort, you can celebrate Beltane and the return of summer in your own special way. Knowing the different correspondences of Beltane will aide you in creating Beltane festivities that resonate deeply with you and your beliefs and values. Beltane is a powerful energetic time on Earth and anyone who desires can tap into and connect with this beautiful magic.

Symbolism

Beltane has a special energy that we can tap into and feel. The below list is the most prominent energy of this time of year. Create special rituals or practices using the below themes.

  • Life

  • Fire

  • Fertility

  • Abundance

  • Creativity

  • Marriage

  • Passion

  • Love

  • Purification

  • Lust

Plants, herbs & Flowers

Herbs, plants and flowers can be easily incorporated into your sacred ritual, ceremony or celebration. You can make flower crowns, decorate your altar or home, plant something or tend to your garden, drink a herbal tea, use herbs, flowers or plants in your spell work or in any ceremonial way of your choosing. Below a list of the best herbs, plants and flowers to use for Beltane.

  • Mint

  • Mugwort

  • Yarrow

  • Marigold

  • Thyme

  • Mint

  • Almond

  • Clover

  • Elder

  • Hawthorne

  • Honeysuckle

  • Bluebells

  • Daisy

  • Rose

  • Lilacs

  • Primrose

  • Angelica

  • And other flowering or fire element plants.

Crystals

  • Emerald

  • Malachite

  • Amber

  • Orange Carnelian

  • Sapphire

  • Rose Quartz

  • Bloodstone

Animals

  • Swallow

  • Dove

  • Swan

  • Bees

  • Cow

  • Rabbit

  • Cat

  • Lynx

  • Frogs

  • Leopard

Colors

  • Green

  • Pink

  • Blue

  • Yellow

  • Red

  • Brown

  • White

  • Pastels

Food and drink

  • Dairy

  • Bread

  • Honey

  • Oats

  • Cereal

  • Cherries

  • Strawberries

  • Wines

  • Lemonade

  • Cakes

  • Green salads

Deities, Gods, Goddesses, Ascended Masters, Angels

  • Flower goddesses

  • Divine Couples

  • Aphrodite

  • Artemis

  • Eros

  • Bast

  • Diana

  • Pan

  • Fertility Gods and Goddesses

  • Mother Mary

  • Krishna

  • Lakshmi

  • Archangel Jophiel

Activities & Rituals

  • Purification Ritual

    This is a great time to cleanse yourself of negativity and things that no longer serve you. You can have a bonfire and allow the cleansing flame to purify your body, mind and soul. Many like to dance freely around the fire and let their troubles melt away. You can also write down what you want to let go of and burn it. You can do this will a candle as well. If you don’t want to use fire, you can take a cleansing bath. Feel free to add some plants, herbs and flowers to your water from the list above.

  • Picking wildflowers or making flower crowns

  • Tend to your garden or plants

  • Refresh your altar or sacred space

  • Cleanse, clean and declutter

  • Maypole dancing

  • Handfasting, weddings or ceremonies of love

  • Feasting & drinking

    This would be a great day to have a picnic or cookout with a loved one or family and friends. You could also enjoy some wine or cider or even make your own.

  • Elemental magic or connection (Faeries, Sprites, Etc.)

  • Collect dew

  • Fertility work/magic

  • Sexy magic/time

Please note this is not a complete list of correspondences or ideas. Feel free to take the suggestions from these lists and make something unique and meaningful to you. I hope you have a blessed Beltane and that all of your wishes and desire bloom into existence.

Megan Jones
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