Beltane Rituals

Libby Elm
Apr 28
3 min read

Updated: Apr 29

This week we welcome in Beltane, the return of Summer. Unfortunately I am not holding a women's circle for this festival. Life has been a little busy and I haven't had the time or space to curate a space for us to gather. I have however put together some thoughts and rituals into this blog to give you some options to explore and celebrate this time yourself, or perhaps with some loved ones in your life.

An Ancient Celtic fire festival that saw communities coming together to celebrate the return of Summer, Beltane, which translates as 'bright fire' has always had fire at the heart of it's rituals, bonfires for communing and dancing round, seen as a purifier and healer, it is a time to celebrate the abundance of life. It's a time to honour the fertility of the earth, the growth of new life, and the renewal of the natural world. At Beltane, we honour the union of the god and goddess, which brings new life to the earth.

Like Samhain (Halloween), which lies directly opposite Beltane on the Wheel of the Year, this was seen as a time when the veil between worlds was at its thinnest. At Samhain the veil between the worlds of the living & the dead is thin, but at Beltane it’s the veil between the human world, and the world of faeries & nature spirits that has grown thin. These spirits and faeries are thought to be especially active at this time of year. Offerings would be left at the ancient faerie forts, the wells and in other sacred places and grounds to appease these nature spirits and to ensure a successful growing season. A time of abundant magick.

Beltane is a celebration honouring nature’s incredibly fertile energy at this time of year. Nature has and powerful ability to reproduce itself, and we often forget or lose sight of the power nature holds. Earth is bursting with fertile energy, and this is a potent time to acknowledge & celebrate the fertility inherent in all life. Connecting to this power is key to exploring and embodying Beltane.

Beltane gives us an opportunity to awaken the feminine within us. It reminds us how our bodies and lives are mirrors of the earth, that sex is not only a crucial component of life, it is sacred. This is a powerful time of year to reclaim, and to reconnect with your own sexual energy and the rising fertility of the Earth after the long winter.

Below I offer some ritual options to explore and honour this time yourself, along with some journaling prompts.

My next gathering will be for the Summer Solstice ~ details here.

Rituals for Beltane

Fire: Fire is a key part of Beltane celebrations. It represents the sun's growing strength and the return of warmth and abundance. Lighting a bonfire in your garden, and taking some time to sit around it and take in it's flames, heat and sparks. If lighting a fire is not something accessible for you, why not light lots of candles to create your own mini fire.
Flowers: Adorn your home and altar with flowers, especially those in bloom during spring like roses, tulips, daisies, and lilacs.
Trees: Hawthorn is considered a magical tree, guarding the boundary between this world and the faerie realm. Traditionally Hawthorn trees were adorned with flowers and ribbons, becoming a May Bush or May Tree. You could find a Hawthron tree near to you, or decorate a local tree. You could even create an indoor offering with fallen branches to take home and decorate. Setting intentions, manifestations, as you decorate.
Nature: Simple, yet always powerful. Take some time in nature and notice the Earth around you. Perhaps a slow walk, or having a meal outside. Or perhaps even just taking a few moments to sit in the grass and connect with the ground beneath you.

Journaling Prompts for Beltane

What is bringing you great joy right now?
What currently lights your spirit up? What do you feel inspired to devote your spring energy toward?
Do you feel connected with your sexual energy? Do you connect with that side of your self? How can you connect more deeply with that part of you?
What parts of yourself do you feel most confident about? Where do you need to boost your self-confidence?
What intentions do you want to plant for the coming weeks & months?
What are you ready for?