Happy Beltane: The festival of fire, growth and renewal

Last week, I posted my favourite crystal picks to use during Beltane and today I thought I would share with you some of my favourite traditions! 

Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, is one of the eight sacred festivals of the Wheel of the Year, marking the halfway point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. It is a time rich with tradition and celebrates the sacred union of the God and Goddess coming together to fertilise the Earth. With abundance, fertility, passion and new beginnings at its core, Beltane celebrates the rebirth of Earth and our connection to the natural world. 

A sabbat to Spring, Beltane marks the coming of summer, and the creation of new life, healthy crops, and creative endeavours. 

Light the Fire 

While you may not find me jumping over a bonfire any time soon, rest assured that flames still play a significant role in my Beltane celebrations. Beltane, meaning Bright Fire in Celtic, is deeply tied to the energy of fire, and many traditions honor this element in different forms. Whether jumping through fire, kindling a bonfire, or lighting candles, the presence of flames is a hallmark of the holiday. 

This powerful element symbolises good luck, fertility and purification. Some use it to banish bad habits, while others harness its transformative power to clear space for new beginnings.  

With its radiating warmth, fire represents the strength and protection of the sun and offers us purification for the longer, warmer days ahead.  

This Beltane, I will be channelling the energy of fire, aligning myself with the fiery energy of Carnelian and the magic of candlesticks at my Beltane altar.  

Be at One with Nature 

As we welcome Beltane - a celebration of growth, rebirth and life - we are reminded of our connection to nature and our bond to the natural world. A grounding time, rich in traditions, Beltane celebrates the fertilisation of the Earth and the growth of new crops.  

We can show our gratitude to the Earth by tending to her – planting seeds, nurturing her, and cleaning up what does not belong.   

One of my favourite ways to be at one with nature is to take a mindful walk with Betty through the woods, paying attention to the sounds, smells and sights I see along the way. Sometimes I collect pieces of nature that I find on my walks, take them home and use them in my Beltane altar as offerings.  

Another way I can be at one with nature is by writing my intentions on strips of paper and planting them in the ground along with seeds – so as the plants take root and grow, I am reminded that my intentions are doing the same.  

Great Gatherings and Feasts 

In ancient times, Beltane was a communal celebration where people would gather around bonfires, share food from their seasonal bounty, get to know one's neighbours and strengthen the bonds within the community. That sense of belonging is still at the heart of Beltane today. As a celebration of union, it is a wonderful time to gather and feast with loved ones, honouring the Earth’s gifts and keeping traditions alive. 

In acknowledgement of the themes of love and unity, Beltane is also a popular and sacred time for hand-fasting – a ritual that binds two hearts together. Many look to Beltane as a powerful moment to deepen their relationships with loved ones and form new connections.  

During Beltane, I love coming together with my sisterhood and family to celebrate and feast together around the fire pit (weather permitting), and this year will be no different! It is one of my most treasured moments of the year. 

Beltane Altar 

One of my favourite parts of Beltane is creating a Beltane altar. It’s the perfect way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside and welcome the energy of Spring into my home. Using natural offerings, often collected on my walks with Betty, I gather items which I feel drawn to, take a moment to thank the Earth for her gifts then arrange the items alongside crystals and candles in a sacred space.  

I come here for quiet reflection, to meditate and set intentions in my journal, or to pull an oracle card.  

There are many items you can include on your Beltane altar, but some of the natural items I may place on my altar include: 

Dandelion – whose strong roots show resilience even in the toughest of environments, and whose bright colour echoes the hue of the sun. 

Acorns – which represent the potential for new beginnings  

Hawthorn Blossoms – a beautiful blossom which comes to life in spring and represents protection, love and fertility 

Green, yellow and blue candles to represent the colours of spring. 

Wishing you a sacred Beltane full of love, joy and the blossoming of new beginnings. May this season bring you peace, vitality and a little bit of springtime magic.