Happy Beltane! 10 Ideas for Celebrating the Season

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, witches celebrate the arrival of Beltane, a Pagan festival that marks the beginning of summer. Beltane, also known as May Day, is a time of fertility, growth, and new beginnings. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a beginner witch, Beltane is a great time to connect with nature and embrace the magic of the season. Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate Beltane—why not try one, or several?

1. Connect with the outdoors.

Beltane is a time when nature is bursting with energy and life, so what better way to celebrate than by spending time outside? You can connect with the elements by taking a walk in the woods, sitting by a river, or simply spending time in your garden. (City-dwelling witches and those without green space near home can visit a nursery or plant store--trust me, it's better than nothing!) Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the season and feel the energy that surrounds you.

2. Brighten your home with ribbons and flowers.

One of the best ways to get into the spirit of Beltane is to decorate your space with symbols of the season. Flowers like daisies, roses, and lilacs, along with herbs like lavender and chamomile, are all great options. You can also hang ribbons or colorful streamers in your room, and set up an altar with candles, crystals, and other items that will invite cheery energy into your home. If you’re fortunate enough to attend a maypole dance, save a piece of the ribbon. A maypole ribbon is a powerful talisman that will bring you love and luck throughout the year.

3. Honor the Goddess.

Beltane is also a celebration of fertility and love, which means it's a great time to honor the Divine Feminine. You can do this by lighting a pink or red candle, making a Goddess offering, or performing a ritual that celebrates the power of women. Some popular goddesses associated with Beltane include Aphrodite, Freya, and Kore (Persephone).

4. Light a bonfire.

One of the most popular ways of celebrating Beltane is by hosting a bonfire. Fire is a symbol of transformation and purification, making it ideally suited for this time of year. You can gather with friends or family and spend the evening around a bonfire, sharing stories, singing songs, and offering offerings to the gods and goddesses of the season. You can also write down any negative thoughts or habits you want to let go of and toss them into the fire, symbolically releasing them from your life.

5. Make a little love!

In Wicca, Beltane represents the sacred union of the God and Goddess, when their passion and desire are at their peak. The Goddess is in her Maiden form, and unite in love with the Horned God to conceive the child that will be born at Midwinter.

Far from being just about literal fertility, the blissful, sensual season of Beltane is open to all genders and sexualities. As Pagans, we believe that sexual energy has a magical power that can be used for creative ends, or as an end in and of itself. So however you express your sexuality, with a partner or alone, why not indulge in some sexy fun, along with all the birds and the bees?

6. Frolic with the Fae.

Beltane is one of the two poles of the year—a time when the veil between the worlds is said to be at its thinnest. (Samhain is the other.) The Faeries at Beltane are absorbed in all kinds of merriment and feasting, and may just allow you to commune with them. Leave offerings of food or trinkets on Beltane Eve, and see if the Faeries will bless you with a glimpse into their realm.

7. Craft a flower crown.

Flowers are a central part of Beltane, representing the beauty and fertility of the season. Making flower crowns is a fun and creative way to celebrate Beltane. You can gather wildflowers or buy fresh flowers from a local florist and create your own unique crown. Flower crowns are so fun to make, you just might end up making them for all your friends, kids, and even pets! Remember to take some selfies with your colorful crown, which will cheer you up during the dark months of winter.

8. Cast a spell.

Beltane is a time of manifestation and abundance, making it the perfect time to practice magic. You can create a Beltane altar with symbols of the season, such as flowers, herbs, and candles, and perform a ritual to manifest your desires for the coming months. You can also make a wish box or vision board to set your intentions for the season. Remember to focus on what you want to create rather than what you want to avoid, and express gratitude for what you already have.

9. Celebrate with food and drink.

No celebration is complete without food and drink, and Beltane is no exception. You can make a traditional May wine, using white wine or mead and steeping in fresh herbs, such as mint or lavender, and slices of fresh fruit. (If you’re a non-drinker, use fruit juice or herb tea.) You can also bake a Beltane cake or bread, infused with herbs or flowers that represent the season. Sharing food and drink with loved ones is a great way to celebrate the abundance and fertility of the season.

10. Gather your tribe.

While it's great to celebrate Beltane alone or with a partner, it's also fun to celebrate with other witches. You can do this by attending a local Beltane festival, hosting a small gathering with friends, or joining an online community of like-minded people. Celebrating with others can not only be fun, but it can also help to reinforce your spiritual practice.

Beltane is a time of beauty, pleasure, and growth—meaning that Beltane rituals are often the most joyous of all! Whether you connect with nature, practice magic, or host a bonfire, there are many ways to honor the energy of the season. Remember to focus on your intentions, express gratitude, and most of all, take pleasure in the beauty and abundance of the earth. Happy Beltane, witches!