Beltane in Tasmania

The Sabbat of Beltane falls between the Spring Equinox (Ostara) and the Summer Solstice (Litha). In the Southern Hemisphere it is observed on October 31st (exact date is November 8, 2023 2:18AM) and in the Northern Hemisphere, April 30th.

Beltane is the climax of Spring, the season of planting, fertility, sexuality, love, connection and the sacred joining of the Goddess and God. It is a time of increasing energy and growth - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. A continuous building to reach your full potential cyclically by the Summer Solstice (Litha).

Whether you consciously observe or honour the cycle of seasons or Sabbats or not, you are energetically influenced by natures calendar. The days are drawing out. The clocks were turned forward on October 1st. The increasing light brings with it an excitement that promises potential, beauty and passion.

You may already be clearing out what you no longer need from your homes, wardrobes - symbolically making new space for what possibilities are opening up for you.

It is within those possibilities that you seek consciously or not, an inherent inner craving, an energy of compatibility, connection and what brings a wholeness to your heart, mind and Soul. Soul Connections, Soul experiences equals Soul Food.

Beltane can be likened to a hunger for Soul food, passion, excitement and growth; an inner yearning to throw your inhibitions into the winds of chance and change, to dance wild and free, diving into the longings of your heart.

Diving into the longings of your heart, ask yourself what brings you true joy? What makes your heart whole? What brings you peace? Are you living in alignment with your values? What lifts you into the light of your Soul? What can you begin now to bring your desires to fruition? Build on the energy of Beltane to carry you and your passion forward. Work with fire to transform your life, to burn of the dross of what holds you back from your dreams.

The Beltane fires feature throughout festivities of old and new. They are lit to cleanse, purify and celebrate the life and fertility that the season brings as well as fueling the fires for the great Rite of the Goddess and God.

Age old customs and traditions included individuals and communities that worked alongside the land would walk their stock through the smoke of Beltane fires for cleansing and for protection against disease and to ensure a fertile season.

Communities would come together for feasting; dancing and the meeting of potential lovers was embraced with freedom to indulge in the pleasure of unabandoned lovemaking. Festivities included the jumping over the fires to leave the past behind and welcome in the new. The Maypole dance was a part of Spring rites to ensure fertility.

While the energy of sex, sensuality and sexual passion are embraced at Beltane, sexual energy can easily be channeled in other areas of your life.

Sex Magic is a way of working with sexual energy to fuel your intentions. To channel sexual energy does not have to be limited the act of sex or even orgasm, though often it does. Think of a slow burn, like the sexual technique of edging. It keeps the energy alive and how long you keep it burning is up to you. Once you have reached the peak of sexual energy you release it through orgasm, directing it towards your intention.

Building this energy can be assisted in many ways. For those who drum with large djembes, try placing it between your legs (riding the drum) and let the vibrations travel from your base chakra to your higher chakras. It will open and clear your chakras as well as freeing stagnant energy. You will feel alive and vibrating with life.

Embracing sexual energy doesn’t need to include sex at all. Work with it in self-love, self-acceptance and connection practices. Dancing to music that helps you to feel sensual and beautiful will reconnect you to your physical body as well as energy, feelings and emotions.

This is especially meaningful for those who have experienced loss like the finalisation of your bleeding cycle through the natural cycle of menopause or through hysterectomy, trauma/sexual trauma or the loss of a partner.

Beltane season is filled with the abundance of new growth on the land around us. The trees that were naked in Winter have a covering of leaves and budding fruit. Seeds sown four to six weeks ago are popping their heads up and out from the earth, daffodils are everywhere. It’s time to plant for Summer colour and get your herbs into the ground. Lemons are growing on the trees and boronia is out in flower.

With the re-emergence of watering eyes and a running nose, I have begun eyebright tea each morning. It is an excellent remedy in stopping the sneezing and running nose within fifteen minutes. I arrived late in my life to experience this sinus/hayfever thing and I am grateful I am able to relieve it with this simple herb.

The vegetables in the garden are gaining strength and vitality and the strawberries have flowers 😊 The bird of paradise is filled with flower heads and the silver birch grove has blessed the driveway (and everywhere else) with a thick dusting of seedheads. The wisteria has survived its heavy winter prune and its beautiful show of purple flowers bring an exotic and welcome scent into the garden in the early mornings and evenings.

The connection of wisteria flowers appearing at this time of the year does not surprise me. Beltane energy, sexual energy, sexual healing energy – Wisteria Bush Flower Essence brings healing to those uncomfortable feelings towards sex or sexual openness. It helps you to embrace your sensuality and sexual enjoyment, clearing limiting beliefs around sex and sexual intimacy.

Beltane is a time when the Veil is thin (just like Samhain). The space between the physical world and that of Spirit is more easily accessible. Communing with the Spirit world, connecting with passed loved ones or ancestors and spiritual practice is favourable at this time. Remember to leave a gift or two for the Fae.

Celebrating or honouring Beltane might look like creating a cleansing fire ritual with friends or on your own. Write down everything you want to let go of and burn it in the fire.

Join a drumming circle and get the blood flowing through your body.

Make a flower crown, take part in a Maypole Dance, or check out your local singles meet up group.

Create a Beltane Altar. Work with a colour theme of Red, White, Pink, Yellow and Green. Have representations of Aphrodite, Artemis and Brigid, Bel, Cernunnos, Eros and Pan. Burn Sandalwood, Frankincense, Rose and Bergamot incense. Decorate with Daisy, Lilac, Daisy and Rose flowers.

Crystal correspondents are Emerald, Moonstone, Rose Quartz and Amber. Honour the Bees, the Fae, Unicorns, Cats, Rabbits, and Goats. Eat Strawberries, Bread, Cakes, Salads, Oatmeal cakes and drink Mead or Homemade Wine.

Gift friends with homemade goodies or sensory products like beautiful smelling soap, massage oils, loofa mitts, body cream. Or, make an afternoon of it with friends crafting them!

Have a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure. Have a few friends over and indulge using natural beauty products.

Share a meal with friends – build a fire, play some groovy music, dance, laugh and enjoy yourself!

Remember passed loved ones with journalling, story-telling or research the ancestral tree.

Perhaps you wish to indulge in the Great Rite - harness the energy of Beltane alone or with another 😉 There is no right or wrong way to honour or observe Beltane. What feels right is right for you 😊

Blessed Beltane!