Beltane (also known as “May Day”) occurs around May 1st. As a cross-quarter date, the exact date Beltane takes place varies from year to year. In 2023, we celebrate Beltane on May 5th. However, this is all for the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere Beltane is observed at the end of October.

Beltane is a season of fertility, passion, and fire —when the young and old embrace sexuality, fun, romance, planting/gardening, and the energy of our prosperous earth. This Sabbat is recognized with bonfires, Maypoles, dancing, and sexual, fertile energy. In some Pagan belief systems, Beltane is the time in the world in which the veil between our world and the faerie realm was at its thinnest.

Celtic Influences

The Celtics honored the fertility of the gods with gifts and offerings, sometimes including animal or human sacrifice. Cattle were herded through the smoke of the balefires, and blessed with health and fertility for the upcoming year.

Roman Influences

The Romans, who were always known for celebrating holidays in an extravagant style, would spend the first day of May paying tribute to their Lares, the gods of their home and land. They also celebrated the Floralia, or festival of flowers in April that honored the Roman goddess Flora, which consisted of three days of unrestrained sexual activity. Individuals who took part in this form of celebration wore flowers in their hair (much like May Day embraces later on), and there also were songs, plays, and dances. At the end of the festivities, animals were set loose inside the Circus Maximus (an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium in Rome) and beans were dispersed around to establish fertility.

Greek Influences

The Greeks celebrated the Plynteria in honor of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and battle strategy, and the patroness of the city of Athens (which was named after her). The Plynteria includes the ritual cleansing of Athena’s statue, as well as feasting and prayers in the Parthenon. Although this was a minor festival for most, it was remarkable for the people of Athens. The Plynteria, like many other Greek festivals, lasted for two to three days, starting around May 25, and the temples were closed off from the public. In the temple of Athena, only women conducted the duty of cleansing the statue, which would be hidden behind a large cloth, since no one was allowed to see it during this blessed time. On the 24th, recognition is paid to the Greek goddess Artemis (goddess of the hunt and of wild animals). Artemis is a lunar goddess, corresponding to the Roman moon-goddess Diana. She is also connected to Luna as well as Hecate.

Ancient Symbols and Modern Rites

In current times, Pagans celebrate Beltane much like their ancestors had before them. A Beltane ritual typically involves a variety of fertility symbols, including the phallic Maypole dance. The Maypole is a tall pole decorated with flowers and hanging ribbons, which are weaved into a intertwined pattern by the group of dancers. Weaving in and out, the ribbons are eventually tied together by the time the dancers reach the end of the ritual.

In some Pagan traditions, Beltane is a day when the May Queen and the Queen of Winter battle each other for sovereignty. In this rite, each queen has a clan of her supporters. On the morning of May 1, Beltane, the two units go into battle with one another, striving to win the victory for their queen. If the May Queen is captured by her enemies, she must be redeemed before her followers can retrieve her.

There are some who believe Beltane is the season for the faeries–the emergence of flowers this time of year indicates the beginning of summer and shows us that the fae are working hard. In early folklore, to set foot in the realm of faeries is a dangerous task–and yet the more helpful acts of the fae should always be recognized and respected. If you believe in faeries and the faerie realm, Beltane is an amazing time to leave food and other treats for them in your garden.

For many modern Pagans, Beltane is a time for planting and distributing of seeds. The buds and flowers of the beginning of May bring to attention the endless cycle of life; the birth, growth, death and rebirth that we see in the earth. Certain trees are correlated with Beltane, such as the Hawthorn, Ash and Oak.

If you've been striving to bring abundance and fertility of any kind into your life — such as conceiving a child, enjoying fecundity in your career or creative ventures, or even simply for your garden to blossom — Beltane is the best time for magickal workings connected to any form of wealth and success.

Rituals

Becoming one with the Earth

What “becoming one with the Earth” means is simply connect with Mother Nature — Goddess Gaia. Look up from your phone screen and see the sunshine and trees all around you. Look for the fairies in the forest. Plant flowers in your garden as well as inside your home. Embrace the sun upon your skin. Hug a tree. Anything you can think of that would be a great idea for a connection with nature, do it.

Set up your altar

Beltane represents fire, passion, fertility, and rebirth. What better than to add spring colored candles to your altar? The main colors that correspond with Beltane are red, green, yellow, blue, and white. A cauldron and a wand would be perfect magickal objects to have on your altar. The wand represents the element of fire, and you can have a fire ritual with a mini cauldron. Of course, spring flowers are also fit for a Beltane altar. Statues of deities represented during this sabbat, such as Artemis and The Green Man, would help amplify your magick for yourself and your altar, especially if you pray and gift them with offerings such as fresh fruit. Last but not least, a mini Maypole. This one is a little bit more self explanatory.

Maypole Ritual

Speaking of maypoles, the Maypole Ritual is one of the most known ways to celebrate May Day. The Maypole would be decorated with flowers and ribbons (as shown below) and everyone would dance in a circle around the Maypole. Traditionally, since Beltane is all about the celebration of fertility, many young and married people, especially ones who wanted to conceive a child, would dance among one another to meet their match. Many still celebrate it traditionally, others simply have everyone dance around the miraculous Maypole.

Crafting flowercrowns

One of the main reasons why crafting a flower crown is perfect for Beltane is because of the symbolism behind this ritual. The circle of the flower crown represents the cycle of life. We are about to begin on a new journey, and we bless our own journeys as well decorate the crown with flowers. The flowers also add a connection to the season of spring and to our Earth. Whether you are part of a coven, or a solitary witch, this is an amazing way to celebrate Beltane.

Goddess Ritual — Honoring the Sacred Feminine

When spring arrives, this brings all of us the opportunity to celebrate the sacred feminine energy of our universe. The ritual can be done by both men and women. This ritual was created to honor and embrace the feminine aspects of the Universe as well as our ancestors. Deities, especially ones that correspond with fire and fertility, are specifically honored during this time. If it calls to your coven, cast your circle before performing the ritual. This ritual can be practiced in solitary as well.

Fire Magick — Balefire Ritual

Fire represents our courage and passion in life. With Beltane being marked as the midpoint between spring and summer, it’s getting closer to the warmer season and fire is the perfect symbolization. Beltane is the Celtic word for “bright fire.” The Balefire ritual was actually celebrated the eve of Beltane — Walpurgisnacht. However, many would also light a bonfire the night of Beltane for a continuous celebration of the passion ignited within us.

Resources

Chamberlain, L. (2021). Wicca Year of Magic: From the Wheel of the Year to the Cycles of the Moon: Magic for Every Occasion. Sterling Ethos.
“Beltane ~ the Celtic May Day - Terianne's Cauldron of Readings, Magick & Mayhem.” TeriAnnes Cauldron of Readings Magick Mayhem, 2023, https://www.teriannetarot.com/beltane-the-celtic-may-day/.
Wigington, Patti. “Making Magic at Beltane.” Learn Religions, Learn Religions, 25 June 2019, https://www.learnreligions.com/guide-to-beltane-magic-2561638.

Beltane History and Rituals