Symbolism: life, fire, fertility, marriage, sex, love, lust
Symbols: maypole, flower crowns, ribbons, spring flowers, bonfires, cauldrons, baskets, eggs, broom
Colors: green, pink, blue, yellow, red, white, brown, and other pastel colors
Food and Drink: dairy, bread, honey, oatmeal, cakes, strawberries, wine, green salads, cherries, lemonade
Herbs: almond, ash, clover, cinquefoil, lily of the valley, meadowsweet, mint, mugwort, foxglove, honeysuckle, elder, ivy, lilac, rose, yarrow, bluebells, marigold, thyme, and other flowering plants
Deities: Aphrodite, Artemis, Bast, Diana, Pan, the Horned God, Venus, Maiden, Mother, and other gods/goddesses of love/fertility.
Crystals and Gemstones: Emerald, malachite, bloodstone, amber, carnelian, rose quartz
Animals: bees, cow, rabbit, frog, swallow, dove, swan, cats, lynx, leopard
Magic: Beltane is a great time to cast fertility spells and perform love magic. Beltane is commonly referred to as the "sex" sabbat so any spells or rituals involving sex magic can be performed during this time. This is also a great time to get married, committing to each other for a year and a day, renewing your vows each year. If you are not interested in those magics, focus on planting or fertilizing your garden, dancing around a maypole, nurturing your goals, or just hanging out with friends around a bonfire. No matter what you decided to do, make sure you have fun!
Please note this is not a complete list but a brief overview of symbols, colors, herbs, deities, and the like. If I have missed something that you feel should make the list, please feel free to contact me via the comments or through email.
Hey Willow, do you have a History & Lore post for Beltane? It's not on your Sabbats & Holidays page - did it just get left off the list, or did you not write one?
ReplyDeleteI, unfortunately, never got around to writing one. Since I have moved away from the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, there is a high probability I will never end up writing it. Sorry!
DeleteNo problem; I totally get that (both 'not getting around to doing something' and 'not connecting with the Wiccan wheel'). I'm in the midst of a research binge, but my intention is to develop a personalized wheel. I really liked your post on crafting your own wheel - it was neat to see a bit of your process <3
DeleteI am so glad you enjoyed it! Celebrating the holidays feels less like a chore now and I feel a much deeper connection than I previously did. Depending on your traditions and heritage, there are so many amazing opportunities for celebrations. I wish you the best of luck in your research!
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