Beltane Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Beltaine, Bealtaine, May Day, May Eve
The fire festival of May, celebrating fertility, passion, abundance and blooming life.
- Intentions
- Love, Creativity, Prosperity
- Zodiac
- Taurus
- Date
- May 1
- Also called
- May Day, May Eve
How to use it
- May morning dew
In folklore, washing your face in dew on May morning brings beauty for the year. Step outside at dawn, touch the wet grass, and pat a little on your face with an intention of self-love.
- Fire blessing
Light a red candle or a safe outdoor fire. Hold your hands near its warmth, never in the flame, and name what you want to grow and flourish this season, in love, work or creative life.
- Flower garland
Weave seasonal flowers and greenery into a crown or garland and hang it on your door. Let each bloom carry a wish for love, joy or abundance through the summer months.
Works well with
History and folklore
Beltane, pronounced BELL-tayn, was a Gaelic festival marking the start of summer. Irish and Scottish custom lit great bonfires, and cattle were driven between two fires for protection before going to summer pastures. Homes were decked with yellow flowers, and wells were visited for blessing. Maypoles and May Queens come from wider English and European May Day customs. In modern Wicca, Beltane celebrates the union of the Goddess and God and the fertility of the land.
The fire festival of May, celebrating fertility, passion, abundance and blooming life.
- Intentions: Love, Creativity, Prosperity
- Zodiac: Taurus
- Date: May 1
- Also called: May Day, May Eve
How to use it
- May morning dew. In folklore, washing your face in dew on May morning brings beauty for the year. Step outside at dawn, touch the wet grass, and pat a little on your face with an intention of self-love.
- Fire blessing. Light a red candle or a safe outdoor fire. Hold your hands near its warmth, never in the flame, and name what you want to grow and flourish this season, in love, work or creative life.
- Flower garland. Weave seasonal flowers and greenery into a crown or garland and hang it on your door. Let each bloom carry a wish for love, joy or abundance through the summer months.
Works well with: Hawthorn, Red Candle, Rose, Emerald, Full Moon
Folklore
Beltane, pronounced BELL-tayn, was a Gaelic festival marking the start of summer. Irish and Scottish custom lit great bonfires, and cattle were driven between two fires for protection before going to summer pastures. Homes were decked with yellow flowers, and wells were visited for blessing. Maypoles and May Queens come from wider English and European May Day customs. In modern Wicca, Beltane celebrates the union of the Goddess and God and the fertility of the land.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.