May 1

Beltane marks the halfway point between the Spring Equinox (Ostara) and the Summer Solstice (Litha), signifying the end of spring and the beginning of summer. It’s a time to celebrate the arrival of longer, lighter days. An ancient Celtic fire festival, Beltane is one of the eight Sabbats on the Wheel of the Year and represents the return of vitality and passion to the physical world. Some traditions celebrate it on May 1st, while others begin their festivities the evening before, on April 30th.

The name Beltane means "fire of Bel," with Belinos being one name for the Celtic Sun God, whose coronation feast is celebrated during this time. Ancient pagan traditions hold that Beltane marks the emergence of the young God into manhood, stirred by the energies of nature. He desires the Goddess, and they fall in love, lying among the grasses and blossoms, uniting in a sacred rite (known as The Great Rite). The Goddess then becomes pregnant with the God, and a wedding feast for them is prepared to celebrate their union.

While Beltane incorporates traditions from the Gaelic Bealtaine, such as the bonfire, it is more closely related to the Germanic May Day festival. Both the significance—focusing on fertility—and the rituals, like May Pole dancing, reflect this connection.

The Maypole, a focal point in old English village rituals, symbolizes the Sun God’s phallus with its tall pole, and the ring of flowers at the top represents the fertility of the Goddess. The colorful ribbons and weaving dances symbolize the spiral of life and the union of the Sun/God and Earth/Goddess.

In ancient Celtic traditions, Beltane was a time of unabashed sexuality and promiscuity. Young people would spend the night in the woods "A-Maying" and dance around the phallic Maypole the next morning. Couples could enter temporary marriages of a year and a day, and older married couples were allowed to remove their wedding rings, symbolizing the freedom of the night. May morning was considered a magical time for collecting wild water—such as dew, flowing streams, and springs—to bathe in for beauty or drink for health.

No Beltane celebration is complete without fire. Whether it’s a large community bonfire or a single candle lit at home, fire is central to most festivities. People would dance around the fire for purification and fertility blessings, and couples might jump through the fire together to pledge themselves to one another. Traditionally, all community fires would be extinguished, and only the bonfire lit in honor of Bel would burn. Afterward, participants would take a piece of the hearth fire to light the fire in their own homes. Today, these community bonfires are less common, and most people celebrate by lighting smaller fires or candles to honor the power and cycles of the Sun.

In the Christian calendar, this holiday was celebrated on May 3rd as Roodmas or the Feast of the Cross. In Germany, it was known as the Feast of Saint Walpurga, or Walpurgisnacht.

(source: wicca.com)

Traditions and Practices

gather flowers and branches (usually at first light) to decorate your home
braid flowers into your hair
make flower crowns
make a floral garland
decorate your body (face paint, body paint, wear your favorite clothes/jewelry,
bonfires
maypole dancing
bathing in fresh water or herbs
outdoor picnics
grand feasts
gardening
early morning walk
making/planting of wish boxes
weave a paper basket (or a simple cone shaped one with a handle) and with flowers. The baskets can be hung on the doorknob of a friend or neighbor's house to help brighten that person's day as well (source: wicca.com)
stay out all night long

Magickal Correspondences

Symbolism: bonfires, maypoles, sexuality, fertility, flowers, phalluses, water, unity, handfasting/marriages, young adulthood, blossoming, fire, spirit night, may day, desire, beauty, good health/luck, light, passion, vitality

Foods: apples, blackberries, breads, cakes, cookies, dairy, fruits, grains, honey, oats

Plants, Flowers, Trees, Fungus: angelica, apple, ash, blackberry, blessed thistle, bluebell, cedar, cinquefoil, daffodil, daisy, dogwood, dragon's blood, elder, fern, fir, fireweed, flaxseed, hawthorn, honeysuckle, ivy, juniper linden, lilac, marigold, marjoram, meadowsweet, mushroom, oak, pine, poplar, primrose, rowan, rue, snapdragon, tansy, willow, woodruff

Incense: rose, gardenia, jasmine, ylang ylang, peach, musk, vanilla

Crystals: beryl, bloodstone, emerald, garnet, malachite, rose quartz, sapphire, tourmaline

Colors: green, gold, red, orange, yellow

Animals/Insects: bees, cattle (cow), goat, rabbit

Tarot Cards: the Lovers, the Hierophant, the Empress, the Sun

Deities Celebrated at Beltane

Aphrodite: Aphrodite was the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Often depicted as a stunningly beautiful woman, she was believed to have the power to influence both gods and mortals with her charm and allure. In Greek mythology, it is believed she was born from the foam off the coast of Cythera, produced by Uranus’ genitals. Her presence was said to inspire romantic and sexual attraction. She was associated with fertility and the vitality of nature. Known for her role in various myths, Aphrodite is perhaps best remembered for her involvement in the Trojan War, where her promise of the most beautiful woman, Helen, led to the conflict.

Artemis: Artemis was the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. She was the twin sister of Apollo and the daughter of Zeus and Leto. Known for her strength, independence, and protective nature, Artemis was often depicted with a bow and arrows, roaming the forests and mountains. She was also a guardian of women and children, particularly during childbirth, and was revered for her virginity and chastity. Artemis was a fierce protector of her own autonomy and the creatures of the wild, making her a symbol of untamed nature and fierce independence.

Baal: Baal was a prominent deity in ancient Semitic religions, particularly in the cultures of the Canaanites, Phoenicians, and other Near Eastern civilizations. Often depicted as a storm and fertility god, Baal was associated with rain, thunder, and agriculture, as these elements were vital for the prosperity of the land. He was considered a powerful warrior god who fought against chaos and evil forces, including the sea god Yam and the god of death, Mot. Baal was widely worshipped across the ancient Levant, and his myths and rituals played a central role in the religious practices of the region.

Balder/Baldur: Balder, also spelled Baldur, was a beloved god in Norse mythology, known for his beauty, fairness, and purity. He was the son of Odin, the chief god, and Frigg, the goddess of marriage. Balder was associated with light, joy, and innocence, and was considered one of the most adored gods in Asgard. His tragic death, which was prophesied to signal the onset of Ragnarök (the end of the world), is one of the most significant myths in Norse lore. Balder's death, caused by the trickster god Loki, set in motion a chain of events that would eventually lead to the downfall of the gods and the destruction of the world.

Bel/Belinos/Belenos: Belenos, also spelled Belinus or Bel, was a Celtic god associated with the sun, light, healing, and prophecy. Revered primarily by the Gauls and other Celtic tribes, Belenos was often depicted as a radiant and youthful deity, symbolizing vitality and the life-giving power of the sun. He was also connected to the warmth and fertility of the land, as well as with the wellbeing of people. Festivals dedicated to Belenos, such as the Beltane (which means "Belenos’ fire"), were held to celebrate the arrival of summer, marked by bonfires and rituals to invoke the god's blessings for crops and health.

Cernunnos: Cernunnos is a horned Celtic god associated with nature, fertility, animals, and the wilderness. Often depicted with antlers or horns, he is a symbol of the primal connection between humans and the natural world. Cernunnos is frequently shown surrounded by animals, particularly stags, serpents, and other forest creatures, emphasizing his role as a protector and ruler of the wild. He is also linked to the cycles of life, death, and rebirth, making him a god of abundance and regeneration. Although details about Cernunnos are somewhat scarce, he is often regarded as one of the most significant deities in Celtic mythology, embodying the power of nature and the animal kingdom.

Cybele: Cybele was an ancient Phrygian mother goddess, later adopted into Greek and Roman cultures, associated with fertility, nature, and wild animals. Often depicted as a powerful, matronly figure, she was revered as the "Great Mother" or "Mother of the Gods." Cybele was also linked to the earth, mountains, and the protection of cities. She was frequently shown with a crown shaped like a city wall and accompanied by lions, symbolizing her dominion over nature and her fierce, protective nature. Her worship was known for its ecstatic rituals, including music, dancing, and the use of sacred drums. In Roman times, Cybele was venerated as a deity who brought prosperity and protection, particularly during times of war.

Cupid/Eros: Cupid, known as Eros in Greek mythology, is the Roman god of love, desire, and attraction. He is often depicted as a playful, mischievous young boy or a winged figure with a bow and arrows, which he uses to make people fall in love. According to myth, Cupid’s arrows could either inspire passionate love or cause deep heartbreak, depending on his whims. He is the son of Venus, the goddess of love, and Mars, the god of war. Cupid's role in mythology is central to many love stories, and he is particularly known for his involvement in the tale of Venus and the mortal Adonis, as well as his own romance with Psyche, which ultimately led to their union and her transformation into a goddess.

Danu: Danu is a significant figure in Celtic mythology, often regarded as the mother goddess and the ancestral figure of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a group of deities associated with Ireland. She is linked to fertility, the earth, and the forces of nature, embodying the nurturing and life-giving aspects of the land. Though details about her specific myths are sparse, Danu is considered the matriarch of the Celtic pantheon, and her name is thought to mean "flowing" or "river," which ties her to water and the life it sustains. Her influence is seen in the natural world, especially in relation to agriculture, the harvest, and prosperity. In some interpretations, Danu's role as the mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann reflects her as a symbol of creation and the cosmic order.

Diana: Diana was an important goddess in ancient Roman mythology, associated with the hunt, the moon, nature, and childbirth. She was often depicted as a graceful and athletic figure, carrying a bow and arrows, and was revered as a protector of the wild and animals. Diana was considered the goddess of the forests and the guardian of women, especially in their roles as mothers and during childbirth. As a lunar goddess, she was also linked to the cycles of the moon, symbolizing both the light and darkness of the night. Diana’s worship was widespread in ancient Rome, and she was often honored in rituals and festivals, particularly in the countryside, where she was seen as a protector of rural life and its natural resources.

Faunus: Faunus was an ancient Roman god of the forest, fields, and shepherds, often associated with the wild and the natural world. He was believed to be a protector of the rural countryside, animals, and agriculture. Faunus was depicted as a half-human, half-goat figure, similar to the Greek god Pan, embodying both the untamed and nurturing aspects of nature. He was known for his connection to fertility and rustic life, and was often invoked by those who worked the land or cared for livestock. Faunus also had prophetic qualities, with legends suggesting that he could foretell the future through dreams or visions. His worship included rituals, festivals, and sacrifices, with the most notable being the "Lupercalia," a festival dedicated to fertility and purification.

Flora: Flora was the ancient Roman goddess of flowers, spring, and the blossoming of nature. She was closely associated with fertility, growth, and the renewal of life that comes with the changing of the seasons. Flora was celebrated for her role in ensuring the abundance and beauty of the natural world, particularly through the blooming of plants and flowers. Her festival, the Floralia, was a joyful event held annually in Rome, filled with games, theatrical performances, and floral decorations to honor her and promote fertility and growth. Flora's role in Roman mythology made her a symbol of the life-giving and nurturing forces of nature, as well as the pleasures and beauty of springtime.

Freya: Freya is a Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and war. She is a powerful and independent figure, associated with passion, battle, and death. As the daughter of Njord, she is also connected to magic and prophecy. Freya governs Fólkvangr, the afterlife hall where half of fallen warriors go, and is often depicted with a cloak of feathers, symbolizing her ability to shape-shift. Her most famous possession is the Brisingamen, a magical necklace.

Freyr: Freyr is a Norse god associated with fertility, prosperity, and peace. The son of Njord and brother of Freya, he is often depicted as a symbol of abundance, ensuring good harvests and the well-being of the land. Freyr is also linked to sunshine, growth, and fair weather. He is known for his role in ensuring peace and harmony, and his famous possessions include a magical ship that can be folded up and a large golden boar named Gullinbursti. Freyr is a central figure in Norse myths, often seen as a bringer of prosperity and joy.

Frigg: Frigg is a major goddess in Norse mythology, known as the wife of Odin and the mother of Balder. She is associated with love, marriage, motherhood, and the home. As the queen of the Aesir gods, Frigg is often depicted as a wise and protective figure. She is also a goddess of foresight and wisdom, with the ability to see the future, though she is unable to change fate. Frigg is sometimes linked to the earth and fertility, and her role is central to many stories involving family and protection.

the Green Man: The Green Man is a mythical figure representing nature, growth, and rebirth, often depicted as a face made of leaves, vines, and branches. Found in various cultures, particularly in European folklore, he symbolizes the spirit of the forest and the cycle of the seasons, especially spring and summer. The Green Man is typically associated with fertility, the harvest, and the vitality of nature. He is often seen in carvings on buildings, churches, and ancient monuments, serving as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. Though not a specific deity, the Green Man embodies the life force of nature and the renewal of life.

Maia: Maia is a figure in both Greek and Roman mythology, primarily known as a goddess of growth and fertility. In Greek mythology, Maia is one of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of the titan Atlas and the sea nymph Pleione. She is most famous as the mother of Hermes, the messenger god, whom she bore with Zeus. In Roman mythology, Maia was similarly regarded as a goddess of spring and the growth of plants, embodying the renewal of life during the spring season. Her name is the origin of the month of May, a time often associated with blossoming and new beginnings.

Odin: Odin is the chief god in Norse mythology, associated with wisdom, war, poetry, and death. He is the father of many gods, including Thor, and the ruler of Asgard. Odin is often depicted as a wise, one-eyed god who sacrificed his eye to gain knowledge and hung himself from Yggdrasil, the World Tree, to learn the secrets of the runes. Known for his deep wisdom and ability to see into the future, he presides over Valhalla, where warriors who die in battle are honored. Odin is also a god of magic and prophecy, often seeking knowledge at any cost to protect his people from the coming apocalypse, Ragnarök.

Pan: Pan is the Greek god of the wild, shepherds, and nature. Depicted as a half-man, half-goat, he is known for playing the panpipes and causing "panic" through sudden fear. Pan embodies the untamed aspects of nature and is a protector of animals and the countryside. He also has connections to fertility and the natural world.

Rhea: Rhea is an ancient Greek goddess, the mother of the Olympian gods. She is the daughter of the Titans Uranus and Gaia and the wife of Cronus. Rhea is primarily known for being the mother of Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hestia, Demeter, and Hades. To protect her children from being swallowed by Cronus, Rhea tricked him by giving him a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes instead of Zeus. Later, Zeus freed his siblings, and together they overthrew Cronus. Rhea is often associated with motherhood, fertility, and the earth.

Rhiannon: Rhiannon is a figure in Welsh mythology, particularly known from the Mabinogion, a collection of ancient Welsh stories. She is a powerful and mystical queen associated with horses, sovereignty, and fertility. Rhiannon is often depicted as a beautiful, otherworldly woman who has the ability to travel swiftly on her horse. In her myth, she is wrongfully accused of a crime, but through her strength and wisdom, she clears her name and reclaims her rightful place. Rhiannon is a symbol of grace, justice, and the connection between the mortal and the supernatural realms.

Venus: Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. She was highly revered as the embodiment of romantic desire, sensuality, and the natural forces of growth and reproduction. Venus was also associated with victory and was considered the ancestor of the Roman people through her son, Aeneas, a hero in The Aeneid. In Roman art, Venus is often depicted as a beautiful, elegant figure, symbolizing the ideal of femininity. She corresponds to the Greek goddess Aphrodite and played a central role in various myths involving love and passion.

Sabbat: Beltane (May Day), May 1

May 1

Traditions and Practices

Magickal Correspondences

Deities Celebrated at Beltane

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