Beltane - The Power of Love

Beltane celebrates love and sexuality. Plants are growing and wild animals are giving birth. Summer is here! Beltane is celebrated with great joy and optimism, decorating the home with flowers, bonfires, feasting, and visiting holy wells. Beltane falls on May 1st in the Northern Hemisphere (November 1st in the Southern Hemisphere) and marks the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.

You are probably planting your garden, enjoying the spring blooms, and taking hiking outdoors after the rain and snow of winter. Enjoy the smell of the earth and freshly cut grass. Take quiet nature walks and look for baby animals.  

Keep Reading for our many activities for a fun holiday!

The Roman goddess Flora

Controversy!

The light half of the year starts now with abundant sunshine and warmer temperatures. Traditionally Beltane is celebrated May 1st however, astronomically, the midpoint between the spring equinox and summer solstice falls around May 5th–7th, not May 1st.

The fixed date of May 1st has the weight of tradition and modern communal observance; the astronomical date aligns with the actual solar midpoint. Choose what works for your practice.

History

The name Beltane (Old Irish: Beltaine) is generally understood to mean "bright fire" or "fires of Bel,". Some connect it to the Celtic deity Belenus, a solar and healing god worshipped across a wide swath of Celtic Europe. Others suggest the "bel" element simply meant "brilliant" or "shining" in Old Irish. Either way, fire is at the heart of this festival.

Beltane is widely celebrated in Great Britain especially Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. Geoffrey Keating a historian in the 1600s wrote in detail about a large community festival in Uisneach, Ireland. There a sacrifice was made to Beil (the Shining God) a Celtic Sun God and the patron deity for Aquileia, Italy. He rode across the sky in a horse-drawn chariot.

In Scotland, Beltane customs are recorded in detail by folklorists like Alexander Carmichael (Carmina Gadelica, 1900) and John Ramsay of Ochtertyre (18th century). These include the baking of bannock cakes with a charred piece — whoever received it performed a mock ritual role — the gathering of yellow flowers like primrose and rowan to decorate doorways, and young people leaping over fires for luck, fertility, and protection.

Traditionally celebrated on May 1st which is halfway between the spring and summer equinox. One of the four major Gaelic festivals. The others are Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasa.

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Beltane VS. May Day VS. Walpurgis

Beltane is the traditional pagan celebration and is widely practiced by practitioners of the Celtic Path, Wiccans and other interested pagans.

Beltane is also known as May Day and Walpurgis. Both names come from more Christianized ceremonies. May Day is a public holiday in many European countries and traces its origin back to the Roman goddess Floralia.

Flora represents fertility, renewal of life, and the flowering of Spring. We modern pagans continue to evoke the essence of Flora and her protection of the Spring in our Beltane celebrations. You can read my article FLORALIA - CELEBRATING THE GODDESS OF SPRING.

Walpurgis Night is a Christianized version of Beltane which celebrates Saint Walpurga. A German saint, she was a healer and anti-witchcraft. Her followers prayed to her to save them from the evil witches – definitely not someone we want to follow!

New York RenFaire 2004 Photo by Ken L.

The May Pole

Another wonderful tradition celebrated on May Day is dancing around the may pole. A maypole is a tall wooden pole erected often in the center of a community, around which a dance often takes place. What began as a pagan festival was adapted to Christianity.

The vibrant colors and dance of the Maypole evoke the celebrations of Ancient Rome in the name of Flora. The May Pole is a phallic symbol of fertility and strength. A 15 – 20 foot pole was erected (pun intended) in the commons area of the village. Before it was placed in the ground long ribbons were fastened to the top. During the May Pole dance, to bright happy music, each person takes the end of a ribbon.

Participants weave around each other wrapping the ribbon around the pole in a brightly colored sheath. As we dance around the pole, we can call on the goddess of Spring to share in our dance. Dance was and is important to pagan celebrations, so much so that ancient depictions of the goddess frequently show her dancing in nature.

Coming to America

Beltane/May Day was widely celebrated throughout Europe in the Early Modern Period. The holiday was brought to America with settlers from Great Britain.

Thomas Morton erected an 80-foot-tall Maypole in the settlement of Merrymount, Massachusetts in 1626. The festival that year was fun and exciting, drawing settlers and Natives from around the colonies.

This of course infuriated the stuffy Puritans who called in Miles Standish. Standish arrested Morton. Morton was then exiled to Maine – where I am hopeful that he built more Maypoles (but we don’t know for sure).

Correspondences

Not a complete list. Keep reading! Some we will go into more detail below.

• Symbols  - maypole, crowns of flowers, bonfires, cauldron’s, eggs, may gads, and fairies

• Food – dairy, bread, strawberries, oats, fresh greens, cakes, eggs

• Herbs/plants – mint, clover, dittany, thyme, and yarrow. Ash, elder, hawthorn. Honeysuckle, marigolds, lily of the valley, rose, and other flowering plants.

• Incense – lilac, rose, frankincense

• Crystals/Gemstones – Emerald, malachite, amber, bloodstone, and rose quartz

• Animals – bees, cattle, lambs, doves, frogs, swans, cats, leopards, lynx

• Tools - broom, cauldron

Beltane Deities

Beltane has strong associations with solar energy, fire, fertility, and the blossoming of life.

Belenus (Celtic/Gaulish)

One of the most widely worshipped deities in the ancient Celtic pantheon. Belenus is a solar god associated with light, healing, and the sun's warmth. Belenus was revered as a healer and protector, often invoked to ensure the health and prosperity of communities and their livestock. His name is directly linked to the name of the festival in some interpretations. Inscriptions to Belenus have been found across Gaul, Britain, northern Italy, and beyond.

The Dagda (Irish)

The Dagda is one of the most important deities in Irish mythology, a god of the earth, seasons, abundance, and skill. He is closely connected to the seasonal cycle and is one of the leaders of the Tuatha Dé Danann. His union with the Morrigan at seasonal thresholds (notably Samhain) reflects his role as a deity of life’s cycles. Honoring the Dagda at Beltane connects you to the deep magic of the Irish pantheon and the earth's abundance.

We often honor Brigid in February for Imbolc, however she is very relevant at Beltane as well. As the protector of livestock and is associated with the milking season. She is also associate with fire and is the Goddess of the Forge.

Brigid (Irish)

Brigid (or Brighid) is a prominent Irish Celtic deity known as a ‘Triple Goddess’ of healing, poetry, smithcraft, and childbirth. She is often revered as the daughter of the Dagda. Brigid is associated with fire, the hearth, and spring. Though Brigid is more closely associated with Imbolc, she is a goddess of fire and has relevance throughout the year. Her domain over the sacred flame makes her a worthy presence at any fire festival.

Brigid was culturally appropriated and largely transformed into St. Brigid of Kildare, retaining her associations with holy wells, fire, and protection of the house. Known as "Mary of the Gael," she is recognized for her charity, service, and miraculous acts.

Cernunnos (Celtic/Gaulish)

The antlered god of wild things, animals, fertility, and the natural world is a potent deity for Beltane. As the land surges with life and the animals are released into summer pastures, Cernunnos presides over that wild vitality. He appears on the Gundestrup Cauldron surrounded by animals and is one of the most recognizable deities of the ancient Celtic world, even though his name appears in only one known inscription (the Pillar of the Boatmen, Paris).

Cernunnos. The horned one. Is associated with nature, fertility, animals, and the underworld. Modern pagans and nature lovers like myself continue to honor him. Learn all about him and ways you can develop a relationship with him.

Flora (Roman)

The Roman goddess of flowers and spring, Flora had her own festival — the Floralia — which ran from April 28 to May 3. This overlap with Beltane's timing makes her relevant for those who work within a Roman or eclectic framework. The Floralia was a joyful, exuberant festival featuring games, flowers, and celebration of the blossoming world.

Freyr and Freyja (Norse)

In Norse tradition, both Freyr and Freyja are deities of fertility, abundance, and the gifts of the land. While Beltane itself is a Gaelic festival, many modern pagans who work within a Norse framework observe May 1st as a time to honor these deities. Freyr in particular is strongly tied to the land's productivity and the sunny, abundant season. The Norse equivalent celebration, sometimes called Walpurgisnacht in Germanic contexts (April 30), overlaps closely with Beltane's energy.

The dandelion is full of magical energy and healing power that we can connect with. Your pagan & witchcraft path with grow and flourish when you use some of these tips to integrate dandelion in your practice.

Agriculture Connections

Like many of our pagan holidays, Beltane began among early farmers and herdsmen. This was a time to drive the cattle and sheep to summer pasture. It was also the time to walk your property checking fence lines, and water levels, and protecting boundaries.

For farmers at this time the chickens were laying eggs, and calves and lambs were being born. Cows were milked. Animal products were the basis of their diet during early summer.

Some gathering of greens such as dandelion, mushrooms in the woods, and a big treat – wild strawberries were ripening.

Read my article Dandelion Magic: Symbolism, Spells, and Deities To Work With

Rituals were performed to protect the livestock and growing crops and encourage their growth. In one ritual cattle were led between two bonfires for protection from diseases.

Beltane Altar. Picture byRaeVynn Sands

Altar Ideas

• Beltane is represented by bright colors, beautiful flowers, and the goddess. Yellow, purple and red will liven up your space.

• Add spring time flowers that are blooming in your area.

• Place offerings of springtime foods on your altar or in your yard. An outside altar is a great place to leave an offering for wildlife.

• Families may wish to weave a flower crown to wear during altar time.

• Female Energy - have a picture or statue of a goddess

• Celebrate the womb and giving birth with eggs (your children may wish to dye them like at Ostara). Other female symbols are cups, rings, young plants

• Honor female ancestors with a photograph or family story

• The Gods energy can be represented with a symbol of potency such as antlers, acorns, arrows, or swords. A statue or picture of a god you honor.

• Prayers to express gratitude for the fertility of the earth.

  Read my article Pagan Altars: Beginners Guide

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Celebrate Beltane

Dance around the May Pole, cuddle with your lover ,have a parade, indulge in melted chocolate. All are great ways to celebrate this holiday.

Are you welcoming a new baby into the home? Babies born on May 1st were traditionally named Robin. The Roman goddess Juno watched over childbirth.

Dance

Dancing is a way we celebrate. We use our bodies to express joy and revitalization.

Dance around the bonfire or around the Maypole. 

Hawthorn in spring. Photo by Nilfanion

Make a May Bush

A May Bush is a chosen bush that is decorated for Beltane. Traditionally it was a multiflora rose bush or similar thorny plant, with flowers, and pretty shells or stones.

Often yellow and orange were used to represent the fire. Marigolds, dandelions, buttercups, and primrose may be blooming. Trees such as Hawthorne, birch, and hazel have pretty springtime flowers.

Flower crowns are popular during Beltane. It’s a fun family activity to make crowns out of field flowers.

Fairies

Fairies are fae folk but not all fae are fairies! Fae includes fairies, gnomes, elves, goblins, and sprites. Many consider dragons to be part of the Fae world.

They represent the earth element and are closely aligned with nature. Green witches often meet them on their forays into the countryside. Approach the fae as you would other distrustful woodland creatures. Be quiet, calm, and respectful. As witches, we have an intimate connection with the land. So do the Fae. We have common ground.

The fairies often reside in gardens. You can make a fairy garden or fairy fort so they have a place to frolic.

Leave out milk and honey!

May Gads

May Gads are wands decorated with bells, flowers, and ribbons. They were traditionally made from willow branches and thus very flexible.

Cowslips, a spring flower, were often used to decorate them.

Traditionally in England during the middle ages, boys would carry may gads on May Morning to the May Pole in their village. At the pole, they struck their wands together causing the cowslips to fall. This symbolized the start of summer.

How to Make a Traditional May Gad:

• Select a Branch: Find a small, flexible branch, traditionally willow, around 1 to 2 feet long.

• Decorate with Ribbons: Tie long strips of brightly colored ribbon to the top of the branch.

• Add Bells: Attach small bells to the branch or to the ends of the ribbons.

• Include Flowers: Decorate the branch with fresh spring flowers, such as cowslips or daisies.

• Use in Rituals: Traditionally, these wands are used in, May Day celebrations but they can work well in other spring and summer rituals.

May Queen and King

The young oak tree falls deeply in love with the Maiden goddess. Their union is completed on the eve of May Day and she becomes pregnant.

They represent the Heiros Gamos or sacred marriage. Together as the May Queen and May King, they bring together the earth and sky.

During the Middle Ages, the May King was often referred to as Robin Hood. This was not necessarily the famous outlaw but a wood sprite named Robin Goodfellow.

Beltane parade in Peebles Beltane Parade, UK. Photo by Jim Barton

Parade

Do you have young children in your family or coven? A great way to celebrate is to have a procession or go see a community parade.

Traditional Beltane parades were known for having a fool and a green man. Many people rode horses (a stick horse will do) Wave your May Gad and shake your tambourine.

Beltane Foods

Think rich delicious spring delicacies. Strawberries dipped in chocolate and truffles.

Fresh greens are either foraged or grown. Dandelions are popular for salads and have medicinal value. Asparagus, onions, sugar peas, and radishes are wonderful spring foods to add to your meal.

Animal foods would have been popular because many crops had not matured yet. Lamb, eggs, and dairy products were available and still popular today.

Fish would have been popular, especially in Scandinavian countries.

Caudle was a popular dish and was made of eggs, milk, oatmeal, and butter. Cook it outside on your fire.

Remember to give back! Leave an offering for the Sith, fairies, or elves.

Magical Properties of Beltane Foods

Many foods have magical properties, correspondences, and can be used in rituals as well as for eating pleasure and good health.

• Asparagus – sex and fertility, healing, boldness

• Honey – abundance, love, creativity, healing

• Oats – fertility, stability, ancestor work, endurance

• Rosemary – love, dream work, sleep, protection

• Spinach – strength, finances, passion, shielding

• Strawberries – romance, friendship, luck, pregnancy

• Thyme – purification, releasing negativity, forecasting, relieving anxiety

Lovers to Honor

Beltane is a time to think about famous lovers and honor the Gods and Goddesses of love, romance, and passion.

Sexuality and fertility are in abundance. The Maiden Goddess reaches her peak after the renewal of spring.

Deities of love

Here is a partial list of deities you can honor during the Beltane season.

• Aphrodite – Greek Goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation

• Astarte – Egyptian and Hittite goddess of love, sexual love, and also war

• Bastet – Egyptian goddess of love, protection, and cats

• Bes – Egyptian god of love, music, and dance

• Cupid- Roman God of love, sexual desire, and affection

• Eros- the Greek god of love was known to be mischievous and Aphrodite’s companion

• Erzulie – Haitian Vodou goddess of love, passion, beauty, and prosperity

• Freya – Norse goddess of love, fertility, sex, and war

• Jarilo – Slavic God of fertility, lust, passion

• Lada – Slavic goddess of beauty and love

• Lofn – Norse goddess of forbidden marriages

• Min – Egyptian god of sexual pleasure, love, procreation

• Osun – West African goddess of femineity, fertility, and love

• Venus- Roman goddess of love and beauty

• Yue-Lao – Chinese god of love

• Xochipilli – Aztec god of love, song, beauty, and sexual desire

Read 5 Fast Acting Love Spells

Beltane Fires

The bonfire is an important part of the celebration. A Beltane fire is ignited in the community and it holds special powers. Households would dose their own fire and then relight them using fire from the Beltane Bonfire.

When the Beltane fire dies down ashes are collected and saved. After they have cooled, they are sprinkled on livestock and in gardens. This will help to repel pests.

Couples jumped the fire together to show their commitment to each other. Similar to our pagan wedding ceremony of jumping the broom.

Why Have a Bonfire?

During the Beltane bonfire, we celebrate the return of the sun and the light. We seek to be a light in the world.

Bonfires remind us that we need to shine our light during dark times. There are always people and causes that can use our blessings and financial gifts.

What positive energies can you send out into the world or your community?

Author, Ame is the founder of Celebrate Pagan Holidays. You can check out our books on Amazon.