“I only want to write. And there's no college for that except life.”
― Dodie Smith, I Capture the Castle
Magic is in its most pure form to me when bred out of necessity. Almost every Sabbat I am too broke to invest in it how I really want to. I want to go ALL out, but then I remember….my ancestors made do with what they had. These moments give me the opportunity to really create something new, infusing my own energy to the ritual in a whole new way.
Sunday May 1 marks the Gaelic May Day Celebration known as BELTANE. This ritual is recorded as early as the 13th century where we find the earliest recorded maypole celebration. It most certainly dates further back than that.
This week from Ancestry I got updated info on my DNA sample and found out which parents gave me what and how much. I am excited to dive deeper into the different traditions of folk magic in my studies. I guess my guides wanted me to feel affirmed of this decision sending me the results right before Beltane!
The Gaelic belief is that fire rituals protected their harvests, community, animals and spirits from attack or evil.
The opening ceremonies include lighting two fires while saying spells and incantations. The cattle would then be herded back and forth between the two fires to protect them. The parade through town was led by the Maiden, emerging as a fully formed Woman ready to take what she wants. Handfasting ceremonies were usually planned during this time. Couples who wanted to marry, but were too poor to afford it would be allowed on this one day to do a ritual that “legally” married them for free. All the couples had to do was jump over a broomstick laid on the ground to indicate jumping from one transition to the next.
As we enter the partial Eclipse New Moon in Taurus with Beltane it begs the question:
What are you willing to sacrifice in exchange for a bountiful harvest?
Let Eclipse season burn away the chaff. The chips (or cards) are going to the wind, but they’ll lay out a new journey for you.
Activities for Beltane that anyone can do:
Appeasement of the faeries.
Dance around fire in a frenzied state to placate faeries from sowing death and destruction. But really, shaking off negativity and awakening your creative and sensual energy is the perfect way to let in new opportunities and cast off the old.
Create your own Maypole garland.
Maypole garlands symbolizing growth and rebirth. Some have suggested the maypole may represent phallic imagery to harness divine fertility and potency. While I don’t have the nature I used to all around me, I do have a tree outside my apartment that I want to tie a garland to. They can look many different ways so get creative!
Drink Dandelion Tea or make a headdress. Decorating and cleansing your altar is a good idea also.
Spending time in sunshine and nature giving offerings and just thanks in general.
Here’s a throwback to 2020. My first attempt at a Beltane spread and very special to me. I gathered wisteria from the backyard, my witchy books I was studying at the time, and made an altar to the fae with the felt fairy my mom made me. Isn’t it cute?? The rosemary was from my mother’s garden for protection. This year, it pains me to not have the same resources I had before, but I can still make beauty wherever I am.
You can cleanse your space energetically mixing roses, witch hazel, lavender, or any good smelling herb you have with distilled water in a sprayer to craft an herbal spray for a little extra razzle dazzle which I will be doing tomorrow.
If you have a broom, sweep your floors with the intention of removing what you wish to go. Then, you can mix herbs for purification, prosperity and protection (even your regular grocery herbs and jars will do) and add it to the water.
Mop the floors with the water and herbs to cleanse your home and welcome in rebirth.
Sex magic alone or partnered can be beneficial since this festival is channeling fertility in all areas of life as well as erotic energy. If you wanna learn more about sex magic I don’t know a TON…but I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I do want to study it more!
If you wish to recreate the two fire ritual at home try this:
Pick two candles either white or red (for passion and fire)
Dress them with cinnamon and honey if you have any. Any protective oils/herbs you wish
Place the candles in a safe space (preferably outside) where you can walk back and forth slowly. You can sing or chant whatever you wish or say words of affirmation and protection.
Leave an offering in thanks it can be anything you have gathered or maybe even some art or words you’ve written.
Meditate for however long you wish and blow out the candles.
Clean up your ritual and depart in peace.
If you celebrate Beltane, let me know how it was for you!
Up next is Candle Spell Walkthroughs - Cat