Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
Episode 199: Altars pt. 3- Beltane
777 Plays4 days ago
Welcome back, Witches! This week we’re back with Altars Part 3- Beltane. We’re talking about how to build or refresh an altar for the season and exploring the themes that make Beltane such a vibrant time of year—fertility, passion, growth, and the heightening energy of spring turning toward summer. From colors and symbols to herbs, flowers, and offerings that reflect the spirit of the season, we’re sharing ideas to help inspire your Beltane altar and bring the energy of the sabbat into your space. So get in, Loser, because this week we’re celebrating Beltane at the altar.
We would be forever thankful if you left our podcast a 5-Star review. If you really loved the show and want more Get in Loser content, check out our Patreon, Supercast, & Buy Me a Coffee links below. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GetinWitches, on TikTok @weredoingwitchcraft, or email us at weredoingwitchcraft@gmail.com. You can support our show through our links below.
Patreon: patreon.com/GetinWitches
Supercast: https://getinloserweredoingwitchcraft.supercast.com
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/getinwitches
Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio- The Witch
Resources
- Anderson, Lorraine. The Witch’s Apothecary. (2023) Rockpool Publishing.
- Kynes, Sandra. Witches’ Sabbats & Esbats. (2023) Crossed Crow Books.
- Wigington, Patti. 12 Fertility Deities of Beltane. (2020) Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/fertility-deities-of-beltane-2561641
- Burbage, Lacie. Beltane: A Modern Witch’s Altar, Celebration, and Traditions. (2024) Naturally Modern Witch. https://naturallymodernlife.com/beltane-celebrations-for-the-modern-green-witch-altar-ideas-tradition/
- Wigington, Patti. Setting Up Your Beltane Altar (2019). Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/setting-up-your-beltane-altar-2561656
- Ash Elding (2025). Beltane: The Festival of Fire and Fertility. The Pagan Grimoire. https://www.pagangrimoire.com/what-is-beltane-celebrate/
- Patti Wigington (2020). 12 Fertility Deities of Beltane. Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/fertility-deities-of-beltane-2561641#toc-bes-egyptian
- Jessie Cross (n.d.). Beltane Correspondences: Symbols and Meaning. Sanctuary Everlasting. https://www.sanctuaryeverlasting.com/beltane-correspondences-symbols-and-meanings/
- Francisco Huanaco (2025). Beltane: Celebration, Symbols & Sacred Traditions of the Fire Festival. Spells8.
- Otherworldly Oracle (2025). Beltane Foods and Recipes or Modern Fire Festival Celebrations. Otherworldly Oracle. https://otherworldlyoracle.com/beltane-food/
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to 'Get In Loser We're Doing Witchcraft'
00:00:00
Speaker
Do you feel drawn to learn more about witchcraft and the occult but feel lost on where to start? Then welcome to Get In Loser We're Doing Witchcraft, a podcast all about what it means to be a witch and where to get started on your journey.
Part 3: Altar Series & Beltane Celebration
00:00:11
Speaker
Join us as we navigate through various witchy topics and share what we've learned about the craft. So get in witches for part three of our altar series, this time focusing on Beltane.
Story of Punch: A Tale of Acceptance
00:00:41
Speaker
Have you seen that sweet little monkey named Punch? Oh my god. And his Yes. Yes, I have.
00:00:52
Speaker
And it made me cry. heart. Yeah. So sad. I'm just like, I could never work at a zoo, first of all. I would take every animal home with me. Literally. Specifically, this little guy.
00:01:06
Speaker
I would go in and beat the shit out of some other monkeys because you touched this little baby again. ah and his little stuffy. i know. be sure You guys have no clue what we're talking about because we're recording this in – what are we in? February? February. What month is it? We're recording this in February. But there's this sweet little monkey in Japan, right? Yeah.
00:01:31
Speaker
At the zoo named Punch, who was born and then rejected by his mom and then raised by humans at the zoo. And then because of that, also rejected by the other monkeys. And they were so mean to him. Yeah.
00:01:46
Speaker
Yeah. And it was heartbreaking. by was. But it ended with a happy ending. And he is now accepted by the other monkeys. Which makes me happy. But also, like, fuck this monkey just yeah fuck those monkeys and just take them home.
Punch vs. Harambe: Symbolism and Omens
00:02:01
Speaker
Did you see how he was, like, the caretaker, like, one of the videos, like, he's trying to leave with the caretaker and the caretaker kept having to put him back and like put his stuffy back and put food on his stuffy and he's still just like no you're my mother yeah I literally would not have the strength to leave that monkey and that I'd be like well yes you're my kid yeah so come with me little man go grab your stuffy let's go yeah yeah
00:02:28
Speaker
It was really precious.
Exploring Beltane: Significance and Celebration
00:02:30
Speaker
It started out very heartbreaking. and then it made me absolutely hate monkeys that I've never seen in my life.
00:02:39
Speaker
Yeah. Treating this poor little baby the way they treated him. Yes. i also saw online about, you know, everybody's always trying to make sense of what's happening in the world. Right. And they said like in 2016, we had Harambe and, know,
00:02:56
Speaker
2026, we have punch and yeah like Harambe was like the whole story with Harambe was like a bad omen for the last 10 years, but punches story because it has a happy ending. yeah Honestly, i hope that please let it be a good omen for the next 10 years because yeah right now is not it. Right. I hope our future selves And future listeners listening to this podcast when it comes out in like the end of April, I think, beginning of May. Somewhere around there. Actually, you know what?
00:03:32
Speaker
Things are now absolutely perfect. Everything is great. Everything's worked out. I'm crossing my fingers. Yeah. But we're not talking about an adorable little monkey today.
Beltane Traditions: Spiritual Union and Spirit World
00:03:43
Speaker
No, we're not.
00:03:45
Speaker
What are talking about? We're talking about belting alters. So for an entire episode on Beltane, go back and listen to episode nine. I know that's like way, way, way, way back in the catalog, but we did do a full dive on Beltane like in season one. But the Northern Hemisphere celebrates Beltane on April 30th to May 1st. And the Southern Hemisphere does it in the complete opposite on October 31st to November
00:04:20
Speaker
So Beltane is important because it celebrates the peak of spring's energy, the earth in full bloom, and the surge of life all around us. It's a reminder to tune into the cycles of nature and feel our own connection to growth and renewal.
00:04:34
Speaker
It matters as a season for creativity, desire, and manifestation. Beltane encourages us to take action on our ideas, nurture relationships, and bring new projects into being while the energy is high and supportive.
00:04:49
Speaker
Beltane also has spiritual and symbolic traditions from honoring the union of the divine masculine and feminine to connecting with the spirit world and the fey.
Beltane Origins: Celtic Paganism and Practices
00:04:59
Speaker
It's time to recognize the sacredness in both the seen and unseen and to participate in rituals that purify, protect, and bless. So looking at a very brief history and naming context associated with Beltane, Beltane is sometimes pronounced as Beltane or Beltana, and it's an ancient Gaelic festival with roots in Celtic paganism that marks the beginning of the summer season. Historically, Beltane was celebrated on or around May 1st, positioned roughly between the spring equinox and the summer solstice on the old Celtic calendar.
00:05:33
Speaker
The name Beltane likely comes from the old Irish word Bealtane, which sometimes is interpreted as bright fire. This is referring to the bonfires that are central to the celebration.
00:05:45
Speaker
Some scholars also connect the name with a Celtic deity called Bel or Belenus, who was said to be a bright shining god associated with fire and healing. But this connection is debated, and I'll get into that in a little bit. In its earliest form, Beltane was a pastoral and agricultural festival.
00:06:03
Speaker
In Ireland, Scotland, and in the Isle of Man, communities would light large bonfires on the eve of Beltane and drive their livestock
Modern Beltane: From History to Today
00:06:11
Speaker
between them. This ritual was meant to purify and protect both animals and people, to safeguard against disease and supernatural harm while welcoming in the fertility of the season. In early Irish folklore, Beltane wasn't just a seasonal celebration. Beltane was also a liminal time when the boundary between the everyday world and the spirit world grew thin. Beltane, from later centuries, associates the night with fairies and other supernatural beings, which then lead to customs meant to appease them or to protect against them.
00:06:42
Speaker
And in later European traditions, especially the medieval May Day, celebrations became associated with and intertwined with Beltane celebrations and observances, and many of the rituals that modern pagans practice now, like maypole dancing or just having floral decorations out, originate from these later traditions as opposed to its ancient Gaelic origins. And over time, as with many ancient celebrations, Beltane fire festivals declined with the spread of Christianity. However, even still, Beltane never fully disappeared. And there are some local folk traditions that survived throughout the 19th 20th centuries,
00:07:19
Speaker
And with the rise of modern paganism, Beltane was incorporated into the Wheel of
Themes of Beltane: Fertility and Fire Rituals
00:07:24
Speaker
the Year. So moving into some of these core themes of the Sabbath, the first is going to be fertility and abundance.
00:07:32
Speaker
So um with Earth's fertility, this is really the heartbeat of the season. It's about the earth waking up after winter, stretching, greening, and turning lush almost overnight. Everything feels alive again.
00:07:46
Speaker
Buds are opening. Animals are more active. And the air even smells different. There's this sense that the land itself is bursting with new life. And Beltane falls right in and the middle of that surge.
00:07:58
Speaker
Reproduction and creativity is another theme under here. And this isn't just about crops growing or animals birthing their young, though that's definitely part of it. It's about fertility in a broader sense. The fertility of the mind, new ideas, new projects, new relationships, new versions of ourselves.
00:08:18
Speaker
It's a time that really celebrates creative energy. If you've been sitting on a plan or feeling that spark of inspiration, this is the season to say yes and let it grow. And then there's the union of the goddess and the god. And traditionally, this is represented by the May queen and the green man. And this theme symbolizes the sacred marriage of earth and sky.
00:08:40
Speaker
It's the coming together of complementary forces, the fertile land and the life-giving sun, the divine feminine and the divine masculine all in balance. That union is what fuels all of the growth that we're seeing around us.
00:08:54
Speaker
It's less about literal figures and more about the ideas that creation happens through connection and harmony. Moving into fire and purification, as Sam already mentioned, there's um the name Bright Fire. And the name itself comes from Belle's fire, often connected to the Celtic sun god Bellinus, as she said.
00:09:15
Speaker
at at its core, this is the fire festival. It has huge bonfires that were lit to honor the returning strength of the sun and the growing light of the year.
00:09:25
Speaker
Fire becomes this visible symbol of vitality and power. Its warmth, its energy, and its life. Gathering around those flames wasn't just practical, it was also sacred.
00:09:36
Speaker
It was a way of acknowledging the sun's role in everything that's starting to grow and thrive. For purification and protection, fire here isn't just symbolic, it's active.
00:09:47
Speaker
It's used to cleanse and to protect. And historically, people would move livestock between two fires as a form of blessing and safeguarding for the coming season. The idea was that the flames would burn away illnesses, misfortune, or anything harmful that might threaten people, animals, or even the crops.
Beltane's Transition into Summer
00:10:06
Speaker
They were basically stepping through the fire not to be destroyed, but to be removed. And then rekindling the hearth. So one of the most meaningful traditions was extinguishing all of the household fires and then relighting them from the main Beltane bonfire. That central flame becomes the source and every home carries a piece of it back with them, which brings everyone communal connection. Everyone shares the same sacred spark and then brings that blessing into their own space. It's a reset and a fresh start fueled by something collective.
00:10:40
Speaker
Passion, love, and sensuality also play a ah major role in Beltane. Beltane carries this unmistakable current of sensuality and joy. The world feels warmer, softer, more alive, and that energy shows up in us too.
00:10:56
Speaker
It's a season that encourages the celebration of pleasure, romance, and being fully present in the body. There's nothing hush-hush about it. It's about delight, about connection, laughter, flirting, dancing, feeling good in your skin. After the heaviness of winter, this is the reminder that joy is sacred too. And then there is a lot of hand fasting and courtship rituals.
00:11:21
Speaker
It was like a very popular time historically for marriages, engagements, and hand fasting, which could be temporary or lifelong commitments. Everything in nature is pairing up and blooming, so human relationships follow that same rhythm.
00:11:37
Speaker
And then I'm only going to mention this briefly because we have talked about it before, but jumping the fire. So one of the more well-known customs was couples jumping over the fire together and the leap symbolized luck, fertility, and a strong marriage. And I'm pretty sure this we did cover in the Beltane episode, but we might have also covered it in the pagan wedding traditions. Yeah.
00:12:02
Speaker
I think might have covered it in both, but we definitely covered it in yeah in one of them. In one of them. So if you're interested in that, go back and listen to both of those episodes if you haven't already.
00:12:13
Speaker
And then another huge theme for Beltane is going to be growth and transformation. So moving into summer, Beltane really marks that shift into the lighter half of the year.
00:12:23
Speaker
We're not just on the edge of warmth anymore. We're stepping fully into it. The days are stretching out, the sun feels stronger, and there's this sense of momentum building. It's that threshold moment where spring tips over into summer and everything feels expansive and
Enchantments and Deities of Beltane
00:12:39
Speaker
open. The energy around this time is high. There's movement everywhere you look, and that makes it the perfect moment to actually do something with those ideas that you've been holding on to. This is less about dreaming and more about building. It's about taking those plans, those intentions, and bringing them into a physical form. If you've been waiting for a sign to move, this season is that sign.
00:13:04
Speaker
It's also a good time to shed the old. So those purifying fires aren't only about protection and blessings. They're also about release. Historically and symbolically, fire is used to burn away what no longer serves you.
00:13:19
Speaker
Old habits, old fears, old stories. Just let all of those go. Make space. Because new growth needs room. Beltane reminds us that growth and release often happen at the same time and that sometimes you have to clear the field before something new can grow. Beltane is also a time when the veil is thin. Much like Samhain, Beltane is considered one of those liminal moments in the year when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its thinnest.
00:13:49
Speaker
There's this sense that the boundaries soften. It's a time when intuition feels heightened, when signs... And synchronicities seem more noticeable. And when people historically felt that it was easier to connect with spirits, ancestors, and the other world. And because of that, there's a lot of things that center around the Fae during Beltane as well.
00:14:14
Speaker
um Beltane is often described as the beginning of fairy season. In Irish lore, this is connected to the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann, who are the divine or fairy folk who become linked to the she, i think is what we landed on the last time we talked about them for this word that has every ah like ah version of the pronunciation online. so Yeah.
00:14:38
Speaker
We're going to go with um And the energy around this time carries that sense of enchantment and unpredictability. There's beauty, but there's also mystery.
00:14:48
Speaker
It's a reminder to move with respect, to be mindful of the unseen, and to recognize that not everything operating in the world is purely physical.
Cultural Deities: Bellinus, Artemis, and Pan
00:14:57
Speaker
So moving into some of the deities and spirits associated with Beltane, and spoiler, there's quite a few. Yeah. And I'm sure there's some that we didn't include on here, but you know what?
00:15:09
Speaker
It is what it is. So the first one, obviously, Bell or Bellinus, Tiffany and I have already talked about him already on the podcast. He was the Celtic sun and fire god whose name literally connects to brightness and warmth.
00:15:22
Speaker
Traditionally, Bellinus was associated with the life-giving power of the sun, healing, and protection of cattle. I mentioned earlier in the episode that there was some debate on the connection between Bellinus and Beltane, and the reason is because there's actually no surviving ancient source that explicitly states that the festival was dedicated to him.
00:15:40
Speaker
While the name Beltane is often interpreted as Brightfire or Bell's Fire, there are many scholars who argue that this is a later linguistic or folkloric connection rather than the evidence of worship.
00:15:53
Speaker
But while Belanus isn't technically associated with Beltane in any sort of historical documentation, there are many overlapping associations that still make it common sense to associate Belanus to Beltane.
00:16:06
Speaker
Next is Bess, which is an Egyptian deity worshipped in later dynasties and most notably during the Ptolemaic period. Bess was considered a household protection god who watched over mothers and young children, and he was also invoked with his wife, Bessette, to help with infertility.
00:16:24
Speaker
and Even though he was considered a god of war, he was associated with childbirth, the home, sexuality, humor, music, and dancing. So like... He was clearly like a a very well-rounded god. Yeah. and Additionally, we have Curnunos, the Celtic horn god of the forest, connected with male animals particularly, and I quote, the stag and rut, which is
00:16:55
Speaker
That brought a lot of images to my mind. And his association with fertility and vegetation. He is also often misinterpreted as a symbol of Satan because he is portrayed as having a beard, wild shaggy hair and horns, but he is not a symbol of Satan.
00:17:13
Speaker
And then additionally, we have the Dagda. And in Irish mythology, the Dagda was a father figure and he possesses a cauldron of abundance and rebirth, a club that can kill or restore life, and a magical harp. And he represents masculine fertility, abundance, protection, and power here on Earth. i also was laughing because when I did my notes in the last Altar series,
00:17:40
Speaker
Yeah.
00:17:48
Speaker
there's no way yeah Lo and behold, here we are. We're about to talk about a lot of fertility deities. So buckle up, guys. So first we have Artemis.
00:17:58
Speaker
She embodies the wild, untamed energy of spring. As a goddess of the hunt and the forest, she connects us to nature cycles, the growing abundance, and the protection of all living things in the landscape. She also represents both independence and guardianship. While known for her chastity and fierce self-protection, she also safeguards the young and vulnerable in the forest, reminding us that growth and care go hand in hand with freedom and strength. Celebrating Artemis during Beltane ties the festival to the pastoral natural world. Her presence highlights the sacredness of the wild, the blossoming season, and the balance between desire, protection, and creative energy.
00:18:42
Speaker
Next is Bacchus, known as the Roman equivalent of Dionysus. Bacchus is the god of wine, parties, and liberation. His festivals, the Bacchanalia, were wild and secretive, giving people freedom to speak and act without restraint.
00:19:00
Speaker
He's tied to fertility and sexual energy, but also to the joy of letting go and embracing life's pleasures, which fits perfectly with Beltane's celebratory and sometimes wild vibe. He's also a liberator in a spiritual sense, encouraging people to loosen societal constraints and express themselves fully.
00:19:20
Speaker
In a Beltane context, Backus reminds us that celebration and release are part of the season's life-affirming energy. Next, we have Flora.
00:19:31
Speaker
Flora is the goddess of spring and flowers, and she was honored during the Floralia Festival, where Romans dressed in bright robes, adorned themselves with floral wreaths, and offered milk and honey to encourage blossoms to flourish. She embodies growth, renewal, and the beauty of nature coming alive, which is central to Beltane.
00:19:55
Speaker
Her festival also included theater performances and outdoor celebrations, highlighting joy, community, and the integration of human culture with the blooming season.
00:20:08
Speaker
Connecting with Flora at Beltane reminds us to celebrate both abundance and creativity in our lives. Next is Hera. As the goddess of marriage and fertility, Hera was traditionally honored by women hoping to conceive and by new brides seeking blessings.
00:20:27
Speaker
She also has roots as a nature goddess, caring for wildlife and young animals, linking her to spring's nurturing energy. Hera was honored with offerings of fruit, votives, and in some cities through all-female athletic competitions called Horea.
00:20:45
Speaker
And these practices highlighted her dual role in protection and growth, making her a figure of guidance for love, fertility, and community during belting. Next is Pan. Pan is a god who watched over shepherds, flocks, and the natural landscapes.
00:21:02
Speaker
Often depicted with goat-like features, he's closely connected to forests, fields, and agricultural fertility. He embodies the playful, untamed, and musical energy of spring, which mirrors Beltane's lively celebrations.
00:21:18
Speaker
Pan also represents the sensuality and vitality of life itself. His presence reminds us to engage with the natural world, honor its cycles, and embrace both creativity and instinct during this time of abundance. And the last one I'm covering is Priapus. This is a minor rural god who is famous for his exaggerated sexual traits, symbolizing fertility and generative power in agricultural context. He was often worshipped in homes rather than through large public cults, making him a personal guardian of growth and abundance.
00:21:58
Speaker
Priapis also served a protective role defending boundaries and ensuring the safety of crops and property. His energy reflects Beltane's raw, earthy, and sometimes mischievous side, reminding us that fertility, creation, and protection are all intertwined.
00:22:17
Speaker
So moving on from the Greek and Roman deities to a few other deities um that are also associated with fertility. First, we have Cocopelli. And Cocopelli is a Hopi spring god who plays a flute and carries unborn children on his back to pass out to fertile women. So basically like the stork.
00:22:39
Speaker
He is also associated with rites of marriage and childbearing and reproductive abilities of animals. And he's most often portrayed with rams and stags and occasionally seen with his consort, Coco Palmana. Legends state that he travels through the land, turning winter into spring with his flute and calling the rain for successful harvests. He is also known to sow seeds with a bag that he keeps on his back.
00:23:04
Speaker
Next we have Mababa Moana Wuresa. She is the Zulu goddess associated with both the harvest season and the spring rains that bring about successful harvests.
00:23:15
Speaker
She is the one who supposedly taught women in the Zulu tribes to brew beer from grains. And she is a goddess of fertility and associated with rainbows, which i thought was very cute. Next we have Shilinagig, and this comes from k from Celtic mythology. And while not technically a goddess, the Shilinagig is the term that applied to the carvings of women with very exaggerated vulva that have been found throughout Ireland and England.
Beltane Correspondences: Colors, Plants, and Symbols
00:23:43
Speaker
There are a lot of theories that maybe these representations are of a lost pre-Christian goddess that we don't know much about. However, based on the carvings that have been found, what we do know is that this image is tied to Beltane infertility, and her largely exaggerated vulva represents acceptance of the seed of the male to encourage fertility, and that there's even some evidence to suggest that the Shilinagig figures were used in fertility rites to bring upon conception. And then lastly, we have Xochitl Quetzal. And this was an Aztec fertility goddess associated with spring and represented not just flowers, but the fruits of life in abundance. She was also the patron goddess of prostitutes and craftsmen.
00:24:27
Speaker
I love that. Yeah. Prostitutes and craftsmen. Yeah. So now that we've kind of given you a foundation to Beltane, let's talk about some Beltane correspondences. So for colors, you have brown, green, orange, pink, red, white, and yellow. For plants, herbs, and flowers, we have a lot. So buckle up. Ash, belladonna, birch, clover, sinkfoil, elder, hawthorn, ivy, lemons, lilac, lily of the valley, marigold, meadowsweet, mugwort, oak,
00:25:02
Speaker
Peppermint, pine, rose, rowan, violet, willow, and yarrow. So you have plenty to choose from to cover your altar in. You can make a whole bouquet of everything.
00:25:14
Speaker
There's so many. um For animals, you have bees, cows and bulls, frogs, goats, rabbits, swallows, doves, swans, and cats.
00:25:26
Speaker
And for symbols, you could use antlers, swords, chalices, the maypole, floral crowns, ribbons, spring blooms, bonfires, cauldrons, baskets, eggs,
Creating Beltane Altars and Offerings
00:25:38
Speaker
and brooms. And as far as the elements go... Beltane is associated with the element of fire due to Beltane's transformative and passionate energy, as well as the bonfires used to celebrate the Sabbath, which would purify and protect. As far as crystals go, Beltane is associated with A couple. um I mean, a few, probably more, but these are the ones i found.
00:26:00
Speaker
So first of which is carnelian, and it's said to ignite passion and creativity, support courage, and boost fertility. Rose quartz as well for love, compassion, and emotional healing.
00:26:12
Speaker
Emerald to enhance fertility, harmony, and growth. And the emerald is also associated with abundance and prosperity. Garnet, which would be associated with passion, energy, and strength.
00:26:23
Speaker
And the fire opal, which connects to the element of fire itself, inspires creativity, and passionate expression. And as for food, anything cooked over an open fire is perfect for belting. And this could include meats, bread, or even a pizza in a wood fire oven.
00:26:39
Speaker
Additionally, any sort of aphrodisiac foods like cherries, oysters, and chocolate are good for Beltane, as well as anything traditional to the Celtic regions. Dairy was also traditionally eaten on Beltane, so dishes made with milk and butter would also be appropriate. And in our resources, there's a source for the Otherworldly Oracle where she's listed out a list of seven traditional Beltane recipes to include things like bannocks, Dublin coddle, leg of lamb, soda bread, fisherman's pie, scaleton,
00:27:09
Speaker
which was an Irish whiskey milk punch and fairy bread or cake. So if you're interested in any of those recipes, go check that resource out. And the last correspondence I wanted to mention is the actual full moon that's associated with Beltane. There are two full moons that book in Beltane and they're all about change. They're usually intense and provide sensuality, creative fire, and they mirror the Sabbath's themes of passion, union, and fertility.
00:27:34
Speaker
So the first moon would be in April, the pink moon, and this is named for the wild flocks that blooms during this time, and it signifies emotional renewal, beauty and the awakening of desire. And so this could be a time where maybe you set up your Beltane altar.
00:27:49
Speaker
And then the last moon, the one that bookends it, is a flower moon, and this one is in May. And sometimes this falls on Beltane or shortly after. And this is a moon that embodies abundance, fertility, and creativity. And this could be a great time if you wanted to do any sort of workings on your altar, specifically related to Beltane.
Rituals and Activities for Beltane
00:28:10
Speaker
So now let's get to the meat and potatoes of what you guys are waiting for. We're going to talk about your altar styles and your setups. So first are nature-based, and this is one of the most traditional ways to decorate a Beltane altar, and it's by bringing the outdoors indoors. So foraging for wildflowers, fresh greenery, and budding branches is a simple but meaningful way to reflect the season's abundance. So think like hawthorn blossoms, early wildflowers, leafy boughs, anything that feels vibrant and alive.
00:28:44
Speaker
These natural elements aren't just decorative. They symbolize growth, protection, and the vitality of the land. Creating a rustic, nature-filled space helps mirror what's happening outside, reinforcing that connection between your home your ritual space, and your living landscape around you.
00:29:05
Speaker
Then there's thematic alters. So you can also build your altar around a specific intention like self-love, new beginnings, sensual energy, creativity, abundance, like really anything. Choose one focus and let everything that you place there support that theme. So that might mean adding a favorite piece of jewelry, a handwritten intention, seeds to represent growth, honey for sweetness, or symbols that feel personally abundant to you. The key is that it feels intentional, not cluttered.
00:29:39
Speaker
Each item should mean something. That way the altar becomes less about aesthetics and more about anchoring your energy and what you're calling in. And also if you have a very small space, like if you're working with limited room, it doesn't have to be this elaborate space.
00:29:56
Speaker
you know, crazy thing to be meaningful. A small table, a corner of a dresser, or even just a window ledge works perfectly. a simple bowl of water with floating flower heads can represent life and flow. Add a single yellow candle to symbolize the growing sun and vitality of the season.
00:30:16
Speaker
It's minimal, but it still carries the essence of the celebration. Sometimes a focused, simple setup can feel even more powerful than something large and ornate. Additionally, we have the fire-centered altar. Since Beltane is a fire festival, it only makes sense to include an altar that revolves around flame itself.
00:30:35
Speaker
This style of altar includes things like candles, shocker, in red, orange, gold, or white, a fire-safe bowl or cauldron, and any sort of ash, charcoal, or spent candles from prior rituals if you have collected them.
00:30:49
Speaker
Rather than being decorative, this altar is functional. It can be used for burning petitions, lighting ritual fires, or focusing on transformation and and vitality. It's a very meaningful altar style for people who maybe work with fire magic often, or maybe solar energy, or who want to honor Beltane as a turning point toward the bright half of the year.
00:31:11
Speaker
Additionally, you could create a fertility and creation altar. This altar style leans into Beltanes associated with life force, creativity, and generative energy. So not just sexual energy and fertility, but all creative forms. For this altar, you can include things like seeds, bulbs, or spreading plants, eggs, nests, or any sort of symbolic womb imagery, art supplies, poetry, music, or any sort of unfinished projects that you have. This altar is about what you're growing, whether that is a child or a creative project, a relationship, or even a new version of yourself.
00:31:49
Speaker
And then lastly, as far as altar styles go, you could even do an ancestral or land spirit altar. Historically, Beltane was a liminal time. So some people find that an altar focusing on the spirits of the place you are living or your ancestors can be a very powerful way to honor this time of year.
00:32:07
Speaker
This altar style would include things like photos or belongings of your ancestors, soil, stones, whatever from the land that matters to you. And this altar style honors those who have come before you and ask for protection and blessings as the season turns.
00:32:23
Speaker
As far as offerings for Beltane, for food, this would include any sort of sweet or dairy-based items. anything. So this can include milk, cream, butter, or fresh cheese, honey, yogurt, custards, oat cakes, bannocks, or fresh bread.
00:32:39
Speaker
You could even do more of a seasonal or fresh food offering. So things like berries, apples, edible flowers like violets, rose, and dandelion, fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme.
00:32:52
Speaker
Drinks could include mead or honey wine, herbal teas, especially rose, hawthorn, and dandelion, wine or ale, and any sort of spring water or water that's infused with fruits or flowers would be really good for an offering.
00:33:08
Speaker
As far as actions go, fire and light is a great action to incorporate for a belt offering. So this could be lighting a candle or bonfire intentionally, burning written intentions or petitions, or safely passing objects through candle smoke as a blessing, much like our ancestors did. Additionally, you could focus on earth and growth. So this could look like planting seeds or tending to your garden, blessing your soil, tools, or land, and leaving offerings outdoors for land, spirits, or wildlife.
00:33:42
Speaker
And you could also do some sort of physical action like dancing, singing, drumming, or any other musical making acts, sexual acts performed with intention and consent, or even some solo acts, if you get what I mean by that.
00:33:58
Speaker
And then lastly, you could do some sort of service or a charitable act. So this could look like taking care of animals, children, or doing something to take care of your local community.
Misconceptions about Beltane
00:34:10
Speaker
cleaning or blessing your home to welcome summer, and sharing food with others.
00:34:16
Speaker
And just to kind of close out this episode, let's look at some common pitfalls and misconceptions that surround Beltane. So one common misconception about Beltane is that it's all about sex because of its association with fertility.
00:34:31
Speaker
While sexuality is part of the celebration, the focus is broader. It's about the fertility of the earth, the blossoming of creativity, and yes, sometimes the fertility of human life in terms of children.
00:34:44
Speaker
The season is really about honoring life in all of its forms, growth, and new beginnings. And another misconception is that Beltane celebrations are centered only on women.
00:34:56
Speaker
In reality, the festival highlights the balance of masculine and feminine energies. The symbolism of the season includes both phallic and womb-like imagery.
00:35:08
Speaker
um It's representing union, creation, and the harmony that drives the natural cycles of life.
Conclusion and Invitation to Join Patreon
00:35:22
Speaker
That's a wrap on this episode of Get In Loser, We're Doing Witchcraft. We hope you had as much fun as we did. If you loved this episode, we'd be eternally grateful if you left us a five-star review wherever you listen to your podcasts. It helps more witches, seekers, and magical misfits find our show.
00:35:37
Speaker
Want even more Get In Loser content? Join our Patreon or Supercast Coven. As a member, you'll get early access to episodes, a monthly newsletter, exclusive printable shadow work and grimoire pages, access to our witchy book club, promo codes for merch, and so much more.
00:35:51
Speaker
Just check the show notes for the link or search Get In Loser We're Doing Witchcraft on Supercast and Patreon. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at Get In Witches or email us at we'redoingwitchcraft at gmail.com.
00:36:03
Speaker
Join us next week as we sit down with author Rachel Patterson to discuss her book, Prosperity Magic. Until then, stay magical, stay curious, and as always, blessed be witches.