30/04/2026
Only one week until Beltane.
Beltane is a major Pagan festival called a Sabbat. It is the union of the God and Goddess. After laying with God, the Goddess will become pregnant with the harvest to come. The word Beltane means 'Bel's Fire'. It is named after the God Bel an ancient Celtic Sun God. Beltane is primarily a fire festival and it is traditional to build a fire on Beltane night to honour the Sun Gods.
Beltane is a fertility festival, it is the height of Spring and the first sparks of Summer. Earths energy is very strong and potent at this time with new life everywhere, Beltane is the start of the farming calendar.
In Celtic times it would be traditional to build a big bonfire called a Belfire in the center of the village and have a big feast, young men and women would dance around a maypole and many people would marry in a handfasting (Pagan wedding) People wishing to find love or conceive would jump over a small Belfire for luck in love and fertility.
On our Beltane alters we would make it as a vibrant and symbolic space that honors fertility, passion, and the blossoming of life.
For our altars we could use, fresh flowers. Greenery like ferns, ivy, or fresh herbs (mint, thyme, etc.) Flower crowns or garlands. Candles (especially red, blue, orange, yellow, or white) A fire in a cauldron or fire safe bowl to represent the Beltane fire. Sun symbols. Goddess and God statues. Ph***ic and yonic symbols representing fertility and union. Figures or images of Fae/Faeries, since Beltane is a time for the Faerie folk. Fruits, nuts, seeds and seasonal produce. Bells or chimes to call in good energy and spirits. A small maypole or ribbons of red and white to symbolize the traditional dance. Crystals such as carnelian, garnet, rose quartz, emerald, green onyx. Personal items or charms for love, growth, or protection. Offering bowl with wine, honey, milk, or mead. A besom (witch's broom) for ritual cleansing. Written intentions, poems, or prayers.
On Beltane we celebrate the abundance of the earth, it is a happy time when we give thanks for all we have in our lives and look forward to the bright sunny days ahead. We celebrate the coming together of the God and the Goddess and the harvest gifts they will bestow upon the earth.
Beltane starts on April 30th at 12 midday and ends on May 1st at Midnight. The day is mainly celebrated on May 1st.
