Botanical: Lilac ~ symbolizes spirituality, innocence + intimacy

Crystal: Emerald ~ brings loyalty + enhances unity in friendship + partnerships

Fragrance: Jasmine ~ essence for purity of the mind, heart + spirit

Date: May 1st

May Day marks the cross-quarter point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice, symbolizing the commencement of summer in Celtic tradition. This festive occasion is characterized by the long-awaited planting of crops and seedlings, eagerly anticipating the warmer weather ahead. Rooted in its etymology, Beltane, translating to 'the fire of Bel,' 'bright-fire,' or 'lucky-fire,' underscores its significance as the fire festival. Farmers traditionally ignited bonfires, guiding their herds around them to insure protection and fertility for their livestock.

At a mystical level, Beltane mirrors Samhain on the Wheel of the Year, and is imbued with similar magical potency. While Samhain bridges the realm of the living and the departed, Beltane thins the veil between us and the Fae or magical beings, fostering an enchanting connection with the unseen realms.

May Day encourages us to stoke the flames within, letting them blaze brightly with our passions, desires and aspirations, embodying the playful and joyous spirit of the fairy folk.

On this cross-quarter day, we celebrate the union of the God and Goddess, embracing the sacredness of physical connection. Begin this ritual by tending to the fires burning within, invoking your flames of passion and desire. Whether you're experiencing intimacy with a partner, reveling in blissful and playful sex, embracing this act in solitude, or even by simply basking in the warmth of the day outdoors, allow yourself to ignite the spark of desire in your root chakra. Honour this celebration in whatever way resonates most deeply with you.

CREATE YOUR ALTER

The Maypole and cauldron serve as potent symbols of male and female energies, embodying fertility and union. Creatively replicate these symbols on your altar, infusing them with the essence of your ritual.

As you continue to cultivate the intentions set during Imbolc and nurture them through Ostara, seize this moment to propel them forward into manifestation. Include items on your altar that represent your purpose and further action, channeling the energy of growth and fruition for this upcoming season. Other items related to Beltane that you may want to include:

Botanicals: Lilac, Birch, Hawthorn, Violet

Fragrance oils: Cedar, Mint, Lavender

Colours: White, red, dark green

Crystals: Emerald, orange carnelian, blood stone

After arranging your altar, ignite the candle and envision a magnificent bonfire blazing before you. Draw the radiant light of this fire into your root chakra, feeling it ascend through your sacral, solar plexus, and into your heart chakra and allow it to settle there.

As you meditate, contemplate the passions and desires residing within your heart. What ignites your inner flame? What brings you joy and fulfillment?

Record these reflections in your journal, and for each point, outline one actionable step you can take to cultivate more of this in your life. By nurturing the flames of your heart's desires, you encourage ongoing happiness and provide paths for your nervous system to return to a base line state.