Blessed Beltane! Beltane traditionally occurs beginning at sunset on April 30 and continuing into May 1. It is celebrated at the approximate midway point between the Spring Equinox (Ostara) and the Summer Solstice (Litha) in the Northern Hemisphere. The word Beltane roughly translates to ‘bright fire’ in Gaelic—as ‘Bel-’ originates from a Celtic God known as ‘the bright one’ and ‘-tane’ comes from the Galeic word ‘teine’, meaning fire. As part of the Beltane festivities, a bonfire is traditionally held, and a maypole is traditionally built. Feasts were also traditionally held.
Beltane is the celebration of the beginning of summer in earnest. Everything has begun to bloom, and we get to celebrate being warm for the next few months!
Beltane is also one of the four threshold festivals—where the veils between the physical world and the ‘Otherworld’--or Spirit World—are said to be thinned. These threshold festivals always fall at the midpoint between an Equinox and a Solstice. It is a good time to connect with ancestors that have passed over, and perhaps ask them to help you with abundance in any way that you desire.
A great way to celebrate Beltane is planting some flowers or a tree. Or--you can simply connect with the plants and nature in any way you'd like!
Wishing you a Blessed Beltane.
With Love,
Matthew John