Beltane
Beltane marks the height of Spring and the beginning of Summer. This passionate sabbat celebrates the sacred marriage of God and Goddess, representing the union of divine masculine and feminine energies that brings life to the world. It’s a time of joy, fertility, passion, and abundance, when the veil between worlds is thin once again. The holiday honors the peak of nature’s vitality and the flourishing of life in all its forms.
History & Origins
Traditionally celebrated by Celtic peoples, Beltane (meaning “bright fire”) was one of the four major fire festivals. Communities would extinguish all household fires and relight them from the great Beltane bonfire, which was ritually kindled for purification and blessing. Young couples would jump the fires for luck and fertility, while cattle were driven between two fires for protection before being led to summer pastures. The Maypole tradition, representing the union of masculine and feminine energies, became a central part of celebrations across Europe.
Modern Celebrations
Contemporary practitioners celebrate with Maypole dancing, fire ceremonies, and outdoor feasting. Many decorate their homes with flowers and greenery, craft flower crowns, and leave offerings for the fae. Handfasting ceremonies (magical marriages) are popular at this time. Practitioners often perform rituals for love, passion, fertility, and abundance. Dancing, singing, and celebrating outdoors are traditional ways to honor this vibrant sabbat.
Correspondences
Deities & Their Domains
- Green Man (Nature’s virility)
- Flora (Flowers, spring)
- Bel (Solar deity, fire)
- Freya (Love, passion)
- Pan (Wild nature, fertility)
- Aphrodite (Love, beauty)
- Cernunnos (Fertility, nature)
- Blodeuwedd (Flowers, transformation)
- The May Queen (Spring’s fullness)
- Herne (Wild hunt, forests)
- Venus (Love, sensuality)
- Dionysus (Ecstasy, wine)
Botanicals & Meanings
- Hawthorn (Protection, love)
- Rowan (Protection, power)
- Apple Blossoms (Love, fertility)
- Lilac (First love)
- Rose (Love, passion)
- Marigold (Solar energy)
- Primrose (Protection)
- Elder (Protection, healing)
- Honeysuckle (Love binding)
- Lily of the Valley (Happiness)
- Oak (Strength, fertility)
- Birch (New beginnings)
- Ivy (Binding, loyalty)
- Bluebells (Fairy contact)
Crystals & Meanings
- Rose Quartz (Love)
- Emerald (Love, success)
- Malachite (Fertility)
- Moonstone (Goddess energy)
- Green Aventurine (Abundance)
- Carnelian (Passion)
- Ruby (Vitality, passion)
- Garnet (Love, commitment)
- Sunstone (Vitality)
- Fire Agate (Passion)
- Rhodonite (Love)
- Red Jasper (Grounding passion)
Colors & Meanings
- Red (Passion, vitality)
- Pink (Romance, love)
- Green (Growth, abundance)
- White (Purity, blessing)
- Gold (Solar energy)
- Yellow (Joy, energy)
- Purple (Spirituality)
- Orange (Creativity)
Tarot Associations
- The Lovers (Union)
- Two of Cups (Partnership)
- Ace of Wands (Passion)
- The Empress (Fertility)
- Knight of Wands (Passion)
- Queen of Wands (Sensuality)
- Ten of Cups (Joy)
- Three of Cups (Celebration)
Timing Correspondences
- Day of Week: Tuesday
- Time of Day: Sunset to Sunrise
- Moon Phase: Waxing to Full
Altar Decorations
- Maypole (miniature)
- Fresh flowers
- Green branches
- Red & white ribbons
- Candles
- Flower crowns
- Cauldron
- God & Goddess images
- Bells
- Honey
- Fire symbols
- Fertility symbols
- May wine
- Faery offerings
- Sacred waters
Foods & Beverages
- May Wine
- Honey Cakes
- Fresh Bread
- Oatcakes
- Dairy Foods
- Spring Vegetables
- Mead
- Fresh Fruits
- Herbal Teas
- Sweet Treats
- Fire-cooked Foods
- Flower-infused Foods
- Spiced Wine
- Love Cakes
- Fertility Foods
Animal Correspondences
- Robin (Joy)
- Bee (Community)
- Swan (Grace)
- Bull (Fertility)
- Rabbit (Abundance)
- Dove (Love)
- Cat (Mystery)
- Horse (Vitality)
- Deer (Gentleness)
- Butterfly (Transformation)
Intention Keywords
- Love
- Passion
- Fertility
- Union
- Growth
- Abundance
- Joy
- Creation
- Manifestation
- Vitality
- Partnership
- Pleasure
- Protection
- Blessing
- Transformation
Magical Practices
- Fire Jumping
- Maypole Dancing
- Handfasting
- Love Spells
- Fertility Magic
- Garden Blessing
- Fire Scrying
- Faery Contact
- Protection Magic
- Abundance Spells
- Passion Rituals
- Union Ceremonies
- Nature Communion
- Dancing
- Drumming
- Sacred Union Rituals
- Flower Magic
- Fire Ceremonies
- Well Dressing
- Dawn Rituals
