Beltane Blessings

Themes: circles, fire, creativity, virility, fertility, sex, union, love

Animals: bees, cows, all birds, rabbits

Stones: carnelian, emerald, moonstone, green adventurine, rose quartz

Plants: nettles, magnolia, linden, hawthorn, lilacs, apple blossom, cherry blossom, violets, ephemerals

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I am consistently guided by the seasons, moon cycles, and earth centered holidays. Doing so helps me to realign my body and mind to energetically flow as nature does. To embrace change, move through cycles constantly, and shed the belief that we have control over nature’s design. What we gain is rhythm, trust in something greater than us, and an understanding that like nature, humans were born to create - life, art, song, love.

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Beltane is all about creation and birth, pleasure and joy, fertility and growth. Beltane falls during Taurus season and is deeply rooted in our connection to Earth, self-worth, self love, and joy.

Taurus Season Contemplations and Affirmations:

What is inspiring you?

What is bringing you joy and pleasure?

What excites you about the coming season?

Do you feel worthy to receive?

What makes you feel unworthy and how can you readjust that?

What can you do for yourself to open your heart?

I care for myself in ways greater than before.

I stand in my power.

I am my greatest priority.

I allow myself to evolve and transform.

I weave magic and create abundance.

I am worth it.

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Beltane/May Day is the gateway to summer.

Commonly held on May 1st, a cross quarter date halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice; Beltane marked the beginning of summer. On the wheel of the year, Beltane mirrors Samhain - they share similar themes while also being opposite. Samhain is a Gaelic word that translates to summers end. It sits on the wheel of the year calendar as the halfway point between autumn equinox and winter solstice. Samhain and Beltane (the halfway point between spring equinox and summer solstice) are portals and gateways. While Halloween is about death and the gateway to winter, Beltane is the all about birth and the gateway to summer.

Samhain marked the end of harvest - fireplaces were lit to warm the homes, the livestock was brought back from pasture for slaughter, and the start of the new year began. Beltane was when the livestock were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops, people, and to encourage growth in all aspects of life. Sacred bonfires were lit, and their flames, smoke, ashes were deemed to have protective powers. The people and their cattle would walk around or between bonfires, and all household fires would be put out and re-lit from the Beltane bonfire. These gatherings would often be accompanied by a feast, and food and drink would be offered to the fairies and spirits of the land. Offerings of food and milk would be left outside homes and sacred places in an effort to appease these them and ensure a successful growing season. But not just a fire festival, water also held a prominent role in Beltane celebrations. Holy wells were also visited, while Beltane dew was thought to bring luck, beauty, and health. At dawn or before sunrise on Beltane, mainly women would roll in the dew, wash their faces with it, and/or drink freshly collected dew from leaves and flowers.

(If you'd like to learn more about wells and springs traditions, I highly reccomend Wells & Springs Episode 1: Water Of Life, Fair Folk Podcast with Danica Boyce.)

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When the veil between the human world and the world of faeries & the nature spirits has grown thin.

These Samhain and Beltane are about magic and thinning of the veil. The spirits or fairies were especially active at Beltane and the goal of many Beltane rituals was to appease them. At Samhain the veil between the worlds of the living & the dead & spirits is thin enough that we can connect & convene. During Beltane, it’s the veil between the human world and the world of faeries & nature spirits that has grown thin. These nature spirits & faeries are thought to be especially active at this time of year. Festival food and drink would be offered to the fairies, as the goal of many Beltane rituals was to appease them. Food was left or milk poured at the doorstep or places associated with fairies as an offering. Offerings would also be left at the ancient faerie forts, the wells and in other sacred places in an effort to appease these nature spirits for protection and to ensure a successful growing season.

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The Beltane Blessing

Bless, O threefold true and bountiful,

Myself, my spouse, my children.

Bless everything within my dwelling and in my possession,

Bless the cows and crops, the flocks and corn,

From Samhain Eve to Beltane Eve,

With goodly progress and gentle blessing,

From sea to sea, and every river mouth,

From wave to wave, and base of waterfall.

Protecting me in truth and honor.

Satisfy my soul and shield my loved ones,

Blessing every thing and every one,

All my land and my surroundings.

I ask for your blessings on this day of fire.

Originally from the Carmina Gadelica I, 183–185. Adapted.

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At Beltane the Earth is rich and fertile, ready to grow. This is a time of great renewal and regeneration. Mud season is ending and Spring's true beauty is finally revealed.

We begin to feel lush and joyful ready to plant, heal, and grow ourselves anew.

Beltane Intention Setting:

You will need - pen, paper, tarot/oracle deck, any stones or crystals you wish to hold or work with.

To help bring our awareness to our hearts and ensure they are open to receiving.

Ground and center yourself.

Place your hand over your heart and repeat:

I am of the stars and the Earth and I am loved.

I am open to giving and receiving love.

I am worthy of all that the Universe is offering me.

I am worthy of it all.

I trust in it all.

Ask the universe/higher power/god/your guides/etc. to help you put your ego aside so you can focus on setting intentions for your greater good.

Pull one card from your deck while asking "What is my theme for this season?"

Spend some time with that card writing about its imagery, its message, how it makes you feel, and think about ways you can embody your theme.

Pull four additional cards asking:

What do I need to let go of to lighten my life?

What do I want to birth and bring forth?

What gifts are coming to me?

What do I need to know at this time?

Use your answers to formulate your intentions, and write them out. Be as simple or elaborate as you wish. Examples: I want to grow... I want to birth...

Release all attachments to your intentions, thank the universe/your ancestors/faeries and elves/god/whatever! and bury that piece of paper outside in the ground.

And don't forget to leave some milk out for the fairies!