Celebrating Beltane (May Day) – 1st May

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Beltane celebrates the coming of summer and the beginning of life and vitality to the earth. The new life is often symbolised by the divine union between the goddess and the god. The maiden goddess depicted with flowers and ribbons in her hair and the god, depicted as the green man with his face of leaves and branches.  

- May baskets 

- Light a bonfire

- Be in nature

- Decorate your alter

- Make flower crowns

One of my favorite Wiccan traditions is May baskets. Get a couple of small baskets and decorate them with ribbons. Place a small plant, a succulent, or some flowers inside and give them out to your loved ones or someone who needs a bit of cheer. This is an excellent way to make other people smile and also helps share nature with your loved ones. 

Fire is a symbol of light, hope and strength. It can symbolise new beginnings. Traditionally bonfires were lit and people and livestock would pass between them to purify and protect them. Please be sensible and safe with this one, keep the fire contained and don't get too close! 

Being in nature and honouring the coming of summer is an excellent way to connect with nature and celebrate Beltane. Meditate in the fresh morning/evening air, practise grounding and observe nature. Welcome the day light, lie in the grass and watch the clouds go by or sit by your favourite tree and look at all the new flowers emerging. The beauty of nature can so often be taken for granted and taking 10 minutes a day to connect can really help to clear and heal the mind. 

As mentioned above fire is used widely in Wiccan practices as a symbol of purity and strength. If you have the chance for a bonfire then great, but you don't need to do something that big to feel the benefits of this. Decorate your alter with candles and light them whilst you go through some affirmations, decorate with flowers to bring some nature inside and connect with the earth through your alter. Your alter is beautiful because it is what you make it, you don't need to have a garden, or have to go outside or any other things mentioned in the sabbat rituals, faith is very personal and if you can find peace and connect with your faith through your alter then that's a great start. You can build and grow into your faith and find the right path for you. 

As with Ostara flower crowns are an excellent way to celebrate Beltane. Crowns can either be created with wire and flowers or you can wind flowers through your hair. Making flower decorations and getting creative with flowers are a good way to celebrate Beltane. Practising creativity, whether its with this, painting or playing music, all these things are an excellent way to connect with the world (and get away from the screens).