Celebrating Beltane: Wheel of the Year Part 4
- Shannon
- Jun 16, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1

What's known as the ”Wheel of the Year” is a series of ancient traditions and celebrations that honor the cycles of the Earth as she shifts, through what we understand as the seasons.
Beltane - May Day
Beltane is when life really starts heating up, as the halfway point between Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. Here in the North, everyone is feeling the energy and anticipation of "Spring Fever". The local greenhouses burst open with flowers to decorate our gardens, and windows are flung open (if only for a few chilly minutes) to clear out the last of Winter's stillness to make room for the scent of fresh flowers, fertile soil and birdsong.
Common Celebrations
Usually celebrated on May 1st, it's also known as "May Day' where gifts of flowers and chocolates are anonymously left on the doorknobs of secret loves, and flower-crowned maidens dance and weave colorful ribbons around a May Pole, symbolizing the potent union of the Divine Feminine and Masculine energies. It's also a favorite of the fairies, who are said to be especially active, blessing those who honor the land - and making mischief for those who don't!

Beltane is also one of the great fire festivals - celebrated with community bonfires meant to symbolize the Sun's growing strength and to purify and protect the land. Traditionally, cattle were driven between two fires to bless and safeguard them for the coming season, and home hearth fires were snuffed out, and then ceremonially rekindled from the festival fire, bringing the protective magic of the community into the heart of the home. Fire was seen not just as warmth and light, but as a living force of transformation — burning away what’s past and igniting the path forward.

Fires are lit deep into the night, symbolizing the Sun's strength to purify and revitalize the Earth.
How I Celebrate Beltane
Do I do any of these things?
Well, yes, once upon a time, but these days my rituals are somewhat less vigorous and I typically reserve "deep into the night" for the revitalizing energy of slumber. Still, Beltane deserves to be honored, even in quiet, everyday ways. Here are a few practical ways to celebrate the season’s bloom — no leaping over bonfires required!
Light a Fire - As I’ve said before, candles are everywhere in my home. I usually lean toward white ones — they go with everything and carry a clean, versatile energy. But for Beltane, bringing in yellow or red candles can add an extra fiery oomph to your space, calling in the sun’s strength and passion. If you’re able to, gather around an outdoor fire and soak in the warmth, laughter, and connection — even a small backyard flame can carry the transformative spirit of the season.
Greenery and Flowers - This one’s a no-brainer. Beltane is bursting with blooms, so bring that beautiful energy into your space however you can. Forage through your yard for greenery, visit your local greenhouse for bright spring flowers, or plant some cool-weather herbs and veggies in the garden. And if you have kids — or even if you don’t — make a flower crown to wear and invite a bit of whimsical adornment to your daily dress.
Invite the Fae - Set aside a little corner for the fairies — a small garden space, potted plant, or spot on your altar works beautifully. Add tiny branches for resting spots, and leave sweet offerings like honey, flower petals, or a bit of milk. You might also tie wish ribbons on your favorite tree: take a colorful ribbon and hold it in your hand, make your wish, and tie it gently to a branch, asking the tree to help carry it into the world. Trees love to be included — and who doesn’t enjoy a little extra color in their branches?
Set a Seasonal Intention - Spend some time thinking about what you’re ready to grow — and what you’re ready to release. This is often the time for community rummage sales or clean-up weeks, so do a little house cleaning and pass along what no longer serves you. Then, open the windows wide and invite in the fresh air, fresh energy, and whatever new magic is waiting to root and rise for you.
However you choose to celebrate — whether with a single candle or a garden full of flowers —may you bloom wildly, love deeply, and kindle the fire that lives within you. Happy Beltane!
Questions To Help You Begin Your Practice
How do you adapt different celebrations to your current season in life?
What parts of me are ready to bloom, and what am I ready to release to clear space for this?
What offering can I make — physical or energetic — to the land, the unseen realms, or the turning of the Wheel, in gratitude for all that is growing?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi there! I'm Shannon Bueche, and this is my space to share what's on my mind, as concisely as my Virgo brain will allow. Not only do I 'spill the tea' on some common misconceptions, but I also like to drink it while I'm running down the rabbit holes of the hows and whys of what I do to harmonize with the greater connections of life.
Whether it's living, growing, and harvesting in tune with the cycles of the year, the struggles of being human in this age, or just the random musings of an everyday Earth Mother, you'll find it all here. I believe in keeping things authentic, but still practical. So, while I may overshare details from time-to-time, I will always offer suggestions that make sense for living right now.
So, grab a cup, sit a spell, and join me on this journey of living from the ground up.
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