Category Archives: paganism

Beltane Celebrations 2023

This weekend came and went by super fast and it’s late Sunday night, or early Monday morning depending on where you are in the world. Which means, Beltane is officially here. Plans changed this weekend last minute, and I wound up celebrating a little early and a lot differently than I had originally planned.

If you’d like to know what Beltane is and learn about the 8 Sabbats in more depth, please visit my page called Spiritual Practices. In short, Beltane marks the halfway point between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice (post coming soon). It is a time for creation, fertility, and prosperity.


Beltane Activities

Unfortunately, the weather has been really dry and warm for this time of year, which means that it’s perfect conditions for wildfires. As I was writing this, a notification came in for immediate evacuation of a town about 40 minutes away – so – things are getting a little hairy out there. That means, that the Beltane “Fire Festivals” will likely be canceled as there will be fire bans – that’s the breaks living out here in the prairies. We don’t get nearly as much rain as we used to in April.

On Saturday, a good friend called me up and invited me out for lunch. She also let me know there was a flower sale at Home Depot. So, I was eager to get out after having been home for a couple of weeks. We had a great lunch date, and hit the garden centre.

I came away with just a few additions for my balcony, though if I had the space – I could easily have purchased a lot more. But that wind today – I’m worried the flowers may not last long this summer if this heat and wind keeps up.

After shopping, we went back to her place and sat in the backyard and enjoyed the warmth of the sun, drank some rum, and just chatted. It was really nice and I hope to do it again soon. But next time – I’ll wear summer clothes. It got hot in black! This time of year, it’s hard to know what to wear. I also seem to tire out easily after a few hours so, I need to get back into daily exercises and walks.

The moment I got home – I watered the flowers and set up my balcony and spent some time out that evening reading. It wasn’t the way I originally planned on celebrating Beltane – but honestly? It was way better. I may have even had another rum or two before bed.


Green Witching

This morning when I woke up (Sunday), I decided to spend some time with my plants. I find this is a great start to the day as I wait for my morning coffee. The ferns unfortunately were looking wilted and starting to turn brown. So, later in the afternoon, I got out my old humidifier and cleaned it out. Cranked it up for a few hours and the ferns perked right up.

This is kind of a nuisance. Ferns are supposed to be low maintenance plans. But. I think my condo is too dry and the nights are too chilly outside for ferns right now. Another month and I can put them on the balcony. So, for the next few weeks, I’ll just have to keep misting them, watering occasionally, and use the humidifier. It’s also good for my sinuses too, supposedly.

The calathea on the bottom right was wilted a bit this morning. I moved the pot into the kitchen window sill and by night time, it had perked right up again. Some of the leaves are turning brown. So I may just have to shift plants around to make sure they get the right amount of sun. It’s a bit of a trial and error kind of thing.

Having plants around really brightens things up, and it gives me something to start my day on a positive note.

But look at all that green!

Beltane Crafts

For rituals, I really didn’t have anything planned. But as I looked at the pile of dried tulip leaves – I thought, why not make some potpourri and do a Tarot reading.

I had watched a few videos on YouTube on how to make potpourri with flowers, but I’m missing a few key ingredients like cinnamon sticks, peels and pinecones. Though really, you can use just about anything. The one thing I do need to find is orris root powder…this is proving to be challenging. It isn’t cheap and I have already overextended my monthly budget.

So, my bottle ot potpourri is a work in progress and I will share pictures as the work continues. I like changing up my green space every few days. Gives the plants a new lighting situation and well, it just looks pretty.


Beltane Readings

Next, it was time to perform a meditative ritual and pull some Tarot cards. I haven’t done this in a while and when I closed the office door, I felt this intense heat and energy already with me. That feeling gives me incentive and the desire to meditate more often. It’s also pretty great for anxiety and moods overall.

Before the ritual, I spent some time out in the balcony. The wind was insane today, but I got a bit of sun and my arms are getting some color. I spent a lot of time outside this weekend and it really felt good.

For reading details, click on the images below using the arrow buttons. The overall message was to work on spiritual practices, healing, ask for support when needed, and letting go of trauma. All messages I needed to hear.

The Wombat card tells us that we should be our authentic selves so that others can love our “true” selves. It was a message that hit close to home.

I also wrote on 3 Bay leaves, health, home and heart, and asked my spirit guides to bless my home, heal my heart, and help me to focus on health – for the better. I used the parchment paper and taped it to the glass bottle for the potpourri. If interested, I’ll share the recipe in a separate post. I crumpled up the bay leaves into pieces and placed them in the bowl as well. Then I just closed my eyes, while mixing the other ingredients together.

And lastly, I asked the spirit guides to help boost my creativity for writing and ideas for books. Writing really is my passion, and I need to do more of it.

Then I thanked the elements and spirit guides for their support, blew out the candles and cleaned up the altar. It’s always good to “close” your space before cleaning things up.

This is my working altar – I really need to get a cloth to hide the scratch marks. The desk belonged to my mother, and her father before I took it home. I wanted to show the names of the herbs so I could note the ingredients for later. I also use sweet orange oil.


In Summary

And that was pretty much it for Beltane celebrations for 2023. Tomorrow is Monday (today, it’s like 1:30 am), and it’s going to be a mundane day of regular household chores and grocery shopping. And possibly a visit with my father.

But all in all – the weekend was fairly relaxing and I’m pleased with the work I did. Even if my body can’t keep up with all the plans I make in my head, at least I accomplished something I can be proud of.


Let’s Connect!

Are you a fellow witchy or spiritual person? If so, how do you celebrate Beltane? Do you celebrate the Sabbats? Please let me know in the comments!


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Beltane (Fire Festival) & May Day – May 1, 2023

It’s hard to believe that we’re at the end of April already and in just 7 days, it will be time to celebrate Beltane. Or more commonly called depending on where you are in the world, May Day.

Beltane Origins

Beltane is one of the eight Sabbats that are honored by Pagans and Witches – predominantly in North America and Europe and dates back at least 1,000 years. The word Beltane is a Celtic word deriving from northern Europe and means “the fires of Bel.” Ancient Celts would light two bonfires as a way to purify themselves and to help increases the odds of fertility.

Pagans also celebrated Beltane as a way to indicate the halfway mark between Spring Equinox (Ostara) and the upcoming Summer Solstice which is celebrated on June 20-21. Beltane is also referred to as the Fire Festival or in May Day.

It is a time to celebrate light and fertility and put the darkness of winter behind us, focusing on creation and “birthing” of new ideas, projects or relationships.


May Pole Dancing / May Day

In some parts of the worlds, Pagans (and witches too) will celebrate by dressing up in pretty white or frilly dresses for the girls/women, and dance around a tall pole that is decorated by colorful ribbons.

Photo credit: Brittany Jepsen on Pinterest

Floral Decorations

Many of the dancers wear flower or garland wreaths that they made by using supplies from their own gardens. The May pole dance is considered to be a fertility ritual. Some dancers may choose to wear flowers that are braided or woven into their hair as well. Other ways to “give back” include making a “May Basket” and filling them with flowers and goodwill (food, non-perishable items), and then give the baskets to a friend or neighbor in need of of support.

Photo credit: The Beauty Gypsy (Pinterest)

Spiritual Symbolism & Correspondences

  • Colors: greens, red, white, blue or pastels
  • Elements: fire, smoke (incense), air
  • Herbs: sandalwood, lavender, thyme, rosemary
  • Plants: rosemary, mint, daffodils, dandelions, tulips
  • Symbols: flowers, fire, wreath, May Pole, ribbons

Beltane Meal Planning

It is customary to eat foods that are in season for Beltane or May Day such as fruits and vegetables that are grown locally. A great way to give back to the Earth, is to support your local farmers and buy fresh produce at a local farmer’s market. Other people, especially those from Indigenous backgrounds, will often prepare bannock bread with berry jam made from scratch. Or you could bake scones or fritters.

For meat eaters, goat, beef or chicken are typically consumed at Beltane Feasts. For drinks, you may want to consider grape wine, mead or homemade ale. Anything made from fruit is a good option.

Here’s another list of options you could prepare for your guests if you are hosting a dinner with friends. I was just outside and the sun is shining so bright and warm – I’m hoping and praying for good weather next week.


Beltane Activities

The following are some suggestions you can do in a group setting, or alone. Try looking for groups or activities in your area on Facebook or Meetup.com if you are new to the practice or don’t have anyone to celebrate with. As a solo practitioner, I will be partaking in activities I can do alone from home.

  • Craft a May Pole out of homemade items such as popsicle sticks and giftwrap ribbons using an array of colors (typically pastels or bold colors).
  • Make a crown or wreath out of supplies from your garden to wear on your head.
  • Prepare a basket of goodies including wine, food, pastries or fruit and give to someone in need of support. Make a casserole and bring to a friend who is ill.
  • Gather with friends and light a bonfire, enjoy some wine, fruits and vegetables and dance or sing songs around the fire.
  • Prepare an offering for Mother Earth of flowers, herbs, or other biodegradable items that you can leave somewhere in nature – WITHOUT disturbing the natural habitat.
  • Fertility rituals – if you’re in a relationship and trying to conceive, now is the time to get busy in the bedroom!
  • Go on a nature walk alone or with family, take in the amazing scenery, relish in the fresh spring air and say hello to woodland creatures you might stumble across.
  • Grab a bunch of friends and head out to a local park, roast some hotdogs or hamburgers on the open flames, enjoy a cold ale, sit outside until the night sky comes in and admire the moon and stars
Photo by Vlad Bagacian on Pexels.com

Solo Practice

Solo practitioners like me that live in the city, might not have access to a bon fire or nature trails. Or may not be able to walk or drive to these places for health reasons. If you’re like me and you live alone, it is perfectly fine to make do with what you have available to you. Make a healthy meal, light a candle if you are allowed to, recite a blessing, or go for a walk or sit outside on your balcony.

Honouring the Sabbats doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money or create an elaborate event – find the things that you enjoy doing and resources you have available in your environment. You can make new traditions with your family or friends, or just celebrate on your own.


Are you a witchy type of person? Or are you of Pagan origins? If so, do you celebrate the Sabbat holidays? If so, let me know what your plans are in the comments. Always looking to connect with fellow practitioners.

If you’d like to learn more about my spiritual journey, please head over to my spiritual practice page.


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