Some Rituals for Beltane

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beltane

Beltane is an ancient Celtic ritual that dates back from the Iron Age. The word Beltane roughly translates as bright fire. It’s also known as Cétshamain, which can be translated from Gaelic as first of summer. It takes place the night before May 1st and it celebrates the first signs of summer. Fire is very important on this day, and many of the rituals of Beltane involve fire. Fire is believed to purify, heal, and protect, and people would jump around, walk around and dance a ceremonial fire lit for Beltane to benefit from its properties.

The time of Beltane is around the time that cattle were first taken out for pasture. Cattle were among the first beings to walk around the ritual fires of Beltane so they would be protected for the season. Beltane celebrates the return of fertility for the land. Fertility and creativity are rekindled and celebrated and courtship rituals took place around this time as well. It was historically celebrated in modern-day Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. In fact, a lot of mythological events in Ireland are tied to Beltane.

Some rituals you can do on this date is lighting a bonfire outside to encourage the creative endeavors of your community. This is a great day to donate to causes that fund creative pursuits for children and other members of marginalized communities. You can speak to the fire and ask for it to burn away anything that may be ailing you – either physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

Yellow and white May flowers are often used to decorate doors and windows during Beltane. This is a way to invite the energy of the element of Fire to your home. Passion, energy, vitality, and creativity will enter your abode and help you in your daily duties. During Beltane, some people also make a May Bush, which is a thorn bush or branch decorated with flowers, ribbon, shells, and fairy lights. This is a great activity to do with children and celebrate the joyful spirit of Beltane. Beltane dew is thought to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness, so you may also go on a walk during the early morning to benefit from this.

Because of its links to creativity and fertility, Beltane is a great day to work on your Sacral Chakra by doing yoga or meditations that aim to open it up and harmonize it. You may also meditate with Carnelian placed four fingers under your belly button (where the Sacral Chakra is) so the chakra is harmonized.

Have you ever celebrated Beltane? Which of the rituals are you the most excited to try? Tell us all about it in the comments!

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