Most people celebrate Beltaine on May 1st. This is one of the holidays on the wheel of the year that is considered a fixed date. The Solstices and Equinoxes fluctuate between a three day period based on the astrological calendar. For some reason, the points in between holidays are considered fixed. Whether you use the astrological date for Beltaine (which is when Taurus is at 15 degrees) or the fixed date, there are many ways to honor this season.
The energy of this season is romance, lust, joy, and pleasure. This is Taurus season so we find ourselves wanting to be surrounded by beautiful things, luxurious self-care, and delicious food. One way I celebrate this season is by making heart-shaped cookies. This is also a time to do some extra self-care. Get a massage, go for a long walk, sleep in when you can.
The colors associated with this season are often green, rose, and pink. These colors reflect the first flowers and leaves that bud out from spring plants. Tulips, crocus, and hyacinth are some of the first plants in the Pacific Northwest to show their colors. You can wear these colors, use them in an altar, and/or include them in other home décor to honor this season. For example, I often have themed towels in my guest bathroom as a nod to each season. Many people like to work with crystals as part of their spiritual practices. Malachite, Garnet, Rose Quartz, Tourmaline, Copper, and Emerald are great stones for this time of year. You can carry these stones on your person, put them on your desk at work, or add them to your altar.
Special activities such as making crafts or creating decorations can be part of your celebrations. I often look to secular holidays to think of how I might celebrate the wheel of the year. Just like we used make valentine cards, or draw Turkeys on Thanksgiving day, I imagine what a Beltaine craft project might be. Following are a few suggestions. Paper heart chain meditation - cut hearts out of colorful craft paper and as you cut each heart, say a mantra that is nourishing to you, such as, "I love and trust myself." Maypole dancing is a common celebration of Beltaine and a great activity for a community event. One of my favorite activities is random act of kindness, such as secret plant delivery. This was a favorite activity of my youth. My Mom would buy a small plant and the kids would make little notes to attach to the pots and we would drop the plants at the doorsteps of our neighbors. My most treasured part of ringing the doorbell and running!
Making a special body oil that is used in conjunction with a mantra and be very fulfilling as well! Here is my favorite recipe:
I AM Lover Body Oil
Base oil - almond, olive, avocado or jojoba
Solid oil – coconut oil
Infused oils- St john's wort, chamomile, or calendula
Essential oils:
Sensuality - clove, cedar, sandalwood
Embodiment - orange/lime, clove, clary sage
Aphrodisiac - ylang ylang, chamomile, vetiver
Aphrodisiac- ylang ylang,
Relaxation - bergamot, coriander,
Healing - rose, may chang, rosewood
Add Gemstones (not water soluble)- rose quartz, tourmaline, hematite,
Begin by creating a scared space, then slowly and with intention, add oil to your special glass bottle. Say a chosen mantra as you add in your selected essential oils and crystals. End by charging your body oil on a crystal , flower of life, or the moon phases. To deepen your practice, use the phase of the moon as part of your magical timing. For example, with the lunar eclipse coming on Friday, May 5th, I would create this blend on Saturday, May 6th.
Enjoy your Beltaine celebrations. Share your joy for nature with others. Enjoy good foods and friends. Imbibe in Taurus season luxuries like baths, body oils and self-massage. Happy Beltaine!
Karin Olsen is a healer, a seer, and a teacher. She has been studying plants for more than 20 years and owned an herb shop and metaphysical store for 15 years. She has been a massage therapist/healer for over 25 years.
Karin learned her psychic medium skills from her mother and sees clients via Zoom. She teaches classes and is a spiritual coach with a focus on earth-based spirituality through Moonhill Mystery School in the Salish Sea area. In 2021, she earned a Masters of Ecopsychology from Naropa University.