6 Ways to Honour Beltane

Beltane, celebrated on the 1st of May, is one of the great fire festivals of the pagan calendar—an ancient celebration that marks the turning of the wheel from spring’s tender promise into summer’s full, fertile bloom. Rooted in Celtic tradition, Beltane honours the life force in all its abundance: the bursting green of the earth, the quickening of the land, and the joy of light returning.

Historically, great bonfires were lit on hilltops to bless the land, protect livestock, and honour the turning season. Communities would dance between the flames, leap for luck, and celebrate the vibrant, earthy magic of renewal. It was also a time of sacred union—when the symbolic marriage of the May Queen and the Green Man brought fertility and harmony to the land. Their joining reminds us that love, in all its forms, is a creative and sacred force—one that brings life, beauty, and transformation.

At the heart of Beltane is fire: not only as warmth and protection, but as desire, inspiration, and passion. Goddesses such as Brigid—the Celtic keeper of the hearth flame—Vesta of Rome, and Hestia of Greece, all hold the flame as a sacred trust. That so many cultures honour a feminine spirit of fire speaks volumes about its power to both nurture and ignite. Fire is what turns intention into reality, and at Beltane, it symbolises not just survival, but joy, love, and the boldness to begin again.

I shall be headed to Glastonbury in Dusty Springfield the camper van. Glastonbury hosts a vibrant day of festivities including dancing around the Maypole, sunrise ceremony at the chalice well, a procession down the high street with dragons the green man, morris dancers and so much more.

Ways to Honour Beltane

1. Wash your face with morning dew

Rise early and greet the dawn. If you can, gently splash your face with dew, river water, or fresh spring water. This ancient tradition is said to bring beauty and blessings for the season ahead—and it’s a simple way to connect with nature’s renewal.

2. Light a Beltane fire (or candle)

Beltane is a fire festival at its core. Lighting a flame—whether it’s a grand garden bonfire or a single beeswax candle—is a powerful way to honour the element of transformation and passion.

Jumping over the fire is a classic tradition for purification and protection. If that feels too much, stepping over a candle flame (carefully!) while setting an intention works just as well. I love using Swedish logs—they burn neatly and safely, even in a small space.

3. Make a May crown or gather seasonal flowers

Crafting a crown from flowers and greenery is a joyful way to celebrate fertility, abundance, and creativity. Traditionally, hawthorn, lilac, and marigold are used—but anything seasonal and local to you will do beautifully.

Weave them into a circle using twine or wire, and wear your crown throughout the day—or place it on your altar or front door as a welcome to the season.

4. Leave an offering for the fairies

The veil between worlds is thin at Beltane, and the fae folk are said to be especially active. Leave them a little something sweet: a spoon of honey, a ribbon, a short poem, a song whispered to the wind. It’s a way of honouring the old magic and inviting blessings into your home and garden.

5. Celebrate love in all its forms

Beltane is often called the festival of sacred union. It honours the ancient marriage of the May Queen and the Green Man, symbolising balance, connection, and creative power.

This is a wonderful time to honour a romantic partner if you have one, or to call in the kind of love you’re longing for. Write a letter, light a candle together, jump the fire hand-in-hand, or simply speak your heart.

And if you’re on your own, celebrate self-love. Adorn yourself, nurture your body, and speak to yourself as someone who deserves to bloom.

6. Share a sweet feast

Gather with others if you can—or prepare something simple and seasonal just for yourself. Honey cakes, strawberries, wild greens, and floral teas are all traditional delights. Sharing food, even with the earth itself, is a lovely way to acknowledge the fertility and generosity of the season.