While the history and folklore behind the Spring Equinox and Ostara are limited and sketchy at best, this is not true of May Day, also known as Beltane or the Spring Equitherm. May Day is one of the most commonly celebrated pagan festivals across Europe and maybe the world, being a time of liminality when the faeries and spirits roam the Earth, lovers make vows, and people and animals are ritually cleansed with fire. Much like Samhain, the veil between our world and that of the Otherworld thins, allowing spirits to roam freely. However, unlike Samhain, most of the spirits associated with May Day tend to be more pleasant. This is the perfect time of year for spirit work, hedge riding, fertility magic, making vows, and otherwise enjoying the beautiful weather.
1. White Candles - Beltane is characterized by the returning of the Sun, and is often celebrated with large bonfires and the relighting of the family hearth. The candles on this altar represent the Sun and his warmth, as the Wheel turns towards summer. I chose white candles to represent new beginnings and a fresh start, as many plants are now waking up and blessing us with new life. I chose pillar candles to flank both sides to represent the May Pole, a phallic fertility symbol deeply associated with Beltane. If it weren't for the lit flames, I probably would have added pastel-colored ribbons to the candles as well. The small votive candles are vanilla scented, which is a known aphrodisiac, and held in a red-patterned container, which symbolizes lust, passion, and fertility. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $5.50)
2. Lanterns- The lanterns flanking the altar represent the Sun and his masculine energies that fertilize the Earth. On May Day the Sun and Earth are officially wed, bringing forth fruitful blooms and new life. The lanterns, along with the candles, symbolize this bond and work sympathetically, to nurture the Sun's return and aid in his growth.
(Where did I get it: Dollar Tree 2017; Cost: $2)
3. Ivy- The silk ivy represents wealth, abundance, and fertility, as well as the Sun or Horned God who is growing in strength during Beltane. I also felt it tied the altar together nicely. Originally I did not have ivy on this altar, but my gut was telling me I was missing a key element. I dug through several boxes of altar decorations, feeling each item and speaking with it before coming upon the ivy at the bottom. I almost begged to be placed on the altar, so here it is! (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $1)
4. Bumble Bees- The bees, which are technically carpenter bees, represent the feminine, fertility, teamwork, growth, and sweetness of life. Bees are hard at work pollinating flowers, building hives, and making sweet honey. Bees are also representative of the Sun, making them a masculine aspect as well. This duality represents the union between both the masculine and feminine to bring about life at Beltane. I picked up both of these beautiful carpenter bees last week while out for a walk with my partner. I could hear them calling to me to be brought home instead of being left for the ants. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)
5. Red Agate, Amethyst, and Carnlian- The three crystals I picked to correspond with the energy of the sabbat. Carnelian and red agate represents the Sun, strength, vitality, passion, and determination. In between the carnelian and bloodstone is amethyst. Again, Beltane is a time of liminality, allowing for easy spirit communication, especially with faeries. Amethyst is a natural amplifier of psychic abilities, therefore enhancing your abilities to communicate with the Otherworld. Its purple color also naturally attracts faeries, thus making it easier to communicate with them as well. (Where did I get it: Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$5)
6. Wooden Acorns- The antler represents the masculine and fertility, as well as the connection between our realm and the Otherworld. Deer are said to be able to freely cross between realms to bring messages to and from the Otherworld. They are spirit walkers, and with May Day being a time of liminality, the veil is thin and spirit crossing is made easier. Furthermore, antlers are associated with vitality, strength, and fertility as male deer use their horns to win a mate, all of which are aspects associated with May Day. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)
7. Deer Antler & Fox Skull- The antler represents the masculine and fertility, as well as the connection between our realm and the Otherworld. Deer are said to be able to freely cross between realms to bring messages to and from the Otherworld. They are spirit walkers, and with May Day being a time of liminality, the veil is thin and spirit crossing is made easier. Furthermore, antlers are associated with vitality, strength, and fertility as male deer use their horns to win a mate, all of which are aspects associated with May Day. The fox skull, on the other hand, represented my animal guide or otherworldly familiar. She has been a staunch companion and ally for many years, and this skull is used as a spirit home for her during my magical workings and spirit flights. She is honored here, during Beltane, my taking center stage on my altar. Not pictured are her offerings, which shall remain private.
(Where did I get it: Found/Gifted; Cost: Free)
TOTAL COST: ~$13.50
Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!
Did you do anything special for Beltane this year? I, unfortunately, suffered a great loss in my household and have not been handling it well. This is why this altar is late. I originally spent the days before, during, and after Beltane mourning the very sudden loss of one of my beloved animal companions. I am still mourning and I am not sure how long it will be before my heart is able to heal. We have plans to create a small memorial in the yard for her to honor her life. I hope that you and yours have faired better this Mercury Retrograde and that you had a better Beltane than me!
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