A very simple way to mark Beltane.

From the Wiccan perspective one of the overwhelming themes of Beltane is the union of the Goddess and the God. This is often expressed by Traditional Wiccans as the Great Rite. However as a principle it can be adapted as a very simple symbolc gesture or mini-ritual capable of being used by anybody in virtually any circumstances to at least acknowledge the season.

To do this you will require your chalice (you can substitute with virtually any kind of drinking vessel) filled with either wine or grape juice or even water and  your Athame (or primary magical tool).

Find a space and time where you can be undisturbed for 10 minutes.  Take a few moments to just breathe and centre yourself. Ask for the support of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water and then visualise the Goddess in her guise as mother, strong and caring, warm and full of grace. Ask her to be present with you to mark Beltane.  Then visualise the God a man of strength, energy, vitality and compassion and ask him to likewise join you.

Take your Chalice in both hands and raise it to eye level then visualising the Goddess say

‘Behold the chalice, symbol of the Goddess, the Great Mother, bringer of life and of wisdom.’

Place the Chalice down and take up the Athame and hold it blade upwards at eye level and say

‘Behold the Athame, symbol of the God, the All Father who brings strength and energy to all’

Then keeping the Athame in your strong hand and turning the blade point downwards take the Chalice in your other hand and bring the blade of the Athame into the cup of the Chalice saying;

‘As the Chalice is to the female, so the Athame is the male and conjoined together they bring forth life eternal.’

Then raise the blade of the Athame from the Chalice and kiss the side of the blade and say;

‘Blessed Be’

Next drink from the Chalice and while doing so reflecting upon the roles of the Goddess and the God at Beltane. As well as considering what Beltane means to you in your life and surroundings with each sip.  It is customary to save a drop as a libation which can poured upon the ground or at a shrine if you have one, to give thanks for the blessings of the Lady and the Lord.

When you have finished thank the Goddess and the God and the elements and take a few moments to ground yourself.

Other ways to mark Beltane

If you are lucky enough to live in a part of the world that has May Fairs with the attendant customs then these will most likely show many echoes of the Beltane traditions such as Maypole Dancing for example.

Foraging for altar decorations, gather the local flora and using that to decorate your altar or sacred space as well as foraging for the early harvest foods that May brings.

Read tales of the Goddesses and Gods of the season, research Bel and Sheila Na Gig and also the trickster Gods too.

This is but a tiny of example of what you can do to mark the fire festival of Beltane. We hope it has given you some insights or ideas. Please feel free to add your own thoughts and ideas, especially if they are local or cultural things from your area or path.