Beltane Rituals

Beltane, otherwise known as Beltain or May Day, will soon be upon us, and below are some rituals you can practice to celebrate the highest energetic time of the year. Beltane is traditionally celebrated on the full moon nearest the end of April (this year, May 1st).

This is traditionally the most fertile time of the year physically, spiritually, and mentally. At Beltane, we celebrate this fertile energy and how it leads to union, allowing things to grow and be created.

Between now and the Summer Solstice, energetically we are at our peak, so ride those waves.

Beltane is the sister celebration to Samhain and is considered a time when the veil between both worlds is thin.

Dance around the Maypole 

If you can find one … dance around the Maypole! The ribbons interweaving represent the male and female energies combing their energies in this most potent and fruitful time.

A few recommendations of where you can see Maypole in action 

London - queens wood

Bristol - Windmill farm

Glastonbury - Market Cross

Forage Lilac

Lilac (Syringa) is beautiful and fleeting. Lilac symbolizes death and rebirth, specifically spring renewal, the rebirth of the Earth after winter. 

Lilac is a bit like Cher - beautiful but a diva. If you can get your hands on her, she needs to be treated like a princess. Cut the stem at an angle and then cut up the stem two ways, making a cross shape. This allows plenty of water to get up into the stem, enhancing her life expectancy. If you can bear to remove the green leaves (I know they look pretty), this will also keep the stem going for longer. 

You can make a hot or cold drink with Lilac (be sure to wash the petals to get any nasties off and be wary of drinking any shop-bought Lilac). It's said to improve stress levels and increase your immune system. I personally don’t love the taste and add honey. 

Dot and the Dandelion flowers at Fairy Hill

The Green Man 

The Green Man is the essence of Beltane. The Green Man is thought to be the spirit of vegetation and nature and features in Celtic myths and stories.

You can see the Green Man in medieval churches. Initially placed there to encourage pagans to worship there. 

At Beltane, it's a great time to meditate with the image of the Green Man to encourage what the Green Man embodies into yourself.

Dress in Green 

And if all that sounds a bit complicated, just wear some green on Beltane. Celebrate the Earth's new look for spring green by joining in her wearing green.

Dot and the Dandelion flowers at Fairy Hill

Tie ribbons to a Hawthorn tree

If you can find a Hawthorn tree near a sacred well and dip the ribbons in the well, even better! Tie ribbons to the tree. The ribbons reflect your manifestations and prayers. 

Hawthorn is the home of the fairies, and the ribbons are seen as a gift to them!

 Hawthorn can heal matters of the heart. Giving the gift of Hawthorn is a symbol of friendship and love. Hawthorn is said to release stress and fears and release energy, allowing healthy communication. 

Give some Cowslip 

On the morning of Beltane, Cowslip was given as a symbol of love and friendship, deriving from the Norse goddess Freya, who is connected to love and sexuality. 

Cowslip is now a protected plant, so only pick it if you have access to some grown privately. 

Dot and the Dandleion flowers at Fairy Hill

Pick some Rosemary 

Rosemary has long been associated with remembrance and memory. The ancient Greeks used to prescribe rosemary to help with memory. Add some sprigs to your water with ice; apparently, the rosemary invigorates a sluggish mind (get back to me on that).

Rosemary is a hardy lady; she is an evergreen, sticking around in those winter months. Like other evergreens in folklore, their consistency reflects stability and remembrance. Victorians carried a sprig of rosemary to funerals to be thrown into the grave, and Victorian brides wore a sprig of rosemary in their hair to carry their happy memories of their home into their new marital home.

Make a shrine

Like Christmas, the Celtic celebrations are a time to decorate your homes, reflecting the time of year. Make a little space in your home (I often use my fireplace) and dress it with fauna and flora foraged from outside, welcoming the celebration of Beltane into your home. 

Hanami 

Technically, this is not really a Beltane celebration. Hanami (flower viewing) is a Japanese tradition of viewing, eating, and celebrating the blossom trees (Yozakura).

Cherry trees symbolize impermanence. Their blossom is beautiful but only here for a short time each year. It's a reminder that life is fleeting and precious like the blossom, and we must enjoy the moment. 

With that said, create your own Hanami! Sit with your pals under a blossom tree, take a picnic, and enjoy the blossom!