| For witches, Wiccans and Pagans alike, the | | | | also connected to the Celtic God Bel, who was |
| important festive time of Beltane is approaching! | | | | honoured on this day. It is part of many Wiccan |
| Here are some traditional Beltane rituals you might | | | | practices to jump over a small bonfire or a candle |
| like to try for this special day. | | | | flame. Don't catch on fire though! |
| - Maypole dancing - more associated with May | | | | - Flowers, particularly hawthorn - baskets of |
| Day for most people but a Beltane ritual all the | | | | flowers were made to make the most of the |
| same! The maypole is a large staff of about 20 | | | | colourful array of nature's gifts. So as part of |
| feet placed in the ground with long ribbons | | | | your Beltane ritual, make a basket of flowers to |
| attached. The merry-makers would then dance | | | | give away as a gift. |
| with a ribbon in their hand, men going in one | | | | - Incense and herbs - angelica, frankincense, |
| direction and women in the other. As they wove | | | | hawthorn, lilac and rose are associated to Beltane |
| in and out of one another the ribbons would | | | | rituals. |
| cover the pole in an intricate pattern. It's a ritual | | | | - A chalice for fertility - this symbolises the womb. |
| related to fertility (which originates from the | | | | You can also include a dagger for male symbolism. |
| Germanic tradition) and in the UK it is also | | | | Dip the dagger into the chalice as part of your |
| associated with Morris dancers, who's dancing is | | | | Beltane ritual or altar work. |
| also associated with fertility rites. | | | | - Colours - white, dark green, red are used to |
| - You can also use your own representation of | | | | symbolise both the fertility rites and also, because |
| the may pole such as a branch (fallen not cut) | | | | of the return of the sun to the earth, both spring |
| from an Oak or Hazel tree. | | | | and summer seasons are associated. |
| - Washing your face in morning dew - tradition | | | | - Red and white ribbons to braided around a wand |
| has it that it keeps you beautiful all year. So get | | | | to place on your altar. |
| up early! | | | | - Lastly, binding is also symbolically very important |
| - Bonfire or fire of some kind - Beltane is to | | | | as this is a time for marriage. You can also use |
| many a fire festival and one version of the origin | | | | your Beltane ritual to bind your desires to you but |
| of the name is 'bale fires' which is due to some of | | | | bear in mind you will be stuck with them so |
| the agricultural work at that time of year. It is | | | | choose wisely! |