As the wheel spins, after the spring rains, the flowers blossom, and the celebration of Beltane begins. Beltane is one of the sacred cross-quarter days on the Wheel of the Year, and one of the eight Sabbat days or fire festivals.
Historically, this festival has been widely observed in Ireland and Scotland. And many believe the name Beltane was derived from the old Celtic festival of Beltaine, which marked the beginning of summer. Its name is said to come from the Celtic word meaning “bright fire,” perhaps associated with the Celtic god Belenus, also known in some countries as Belen, Belenos, or Bel, among other names. Some say this deity was a Sun God and was associated with healing, light, and fire.
You may know it’s Beltane when the Hawthorn blossoms appear on the trees, the faeries return to the garden, and the Sun comes more into its strength with each day.
When Beltane arrives, head for the woods, the garden, the threshold, for magick is afoot. Beltane is a magickal and potent time to work with plant magick, especially Hawthorn, Birch, Roses, Violets, and Oak.
Faery Magick
The Hawthorn tree, also known as May-tree, whitethorn, or hawberry, can be found in Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America.
It is a tall tree with white blossoms, which transform into red berries. Hawthorn has been used as a tonic since Ancient Rome. It has long been upheld as a symbol of love, and therefore connected to heart health and blood.
Hawthorn is associated with the Sabbat of Beltane and a traditional May Pole was made from Hawthorn and crowns and wreaths of its blossoms are prevalent during these celebrations. Use Hawthorn in rituals of love and fertility and when working with the Fae. It is bad luck to disturb a Hawthorn and they should always been treated with respect. It’s been said that if you tie ribbons around a Hawthorn tree as a gift to the spirit of the tree and the Fae nearby, you just may be granted a wish.
Renewal Magick
After a clearing or a forest fire, Birch is the first tree to grow again.
Because of its resilient sensibilities, Birch is wonderful to call upon in renewal magick or in new beginnings.
Much like its sap in the spring, Birch can support movement. It’s known for its fertility properties and can be used in sacred bonfires during Beltane.
Sensual Magick
The woody, flowering, Rose is as varied as it is beautiful. There are over 300 different types of roses.
Traditionally, Rose has been used in herbal and folk medicines to soothe the stomach and also as a source of Vitamin C. They are also known as a support for heartache, or to tend to a frayed nervous system.
Rose is closely associated with the Goddess Aphrodite. Work with Roses in spells and rituals of self-love and romance. Rose has been honored for centuries. According to folklore, the poetess Sappho called Rose the Queen of the Flowers, and it was said to be a favorite of Cleopatra.
Softening Magick
Sweet Violet, like its name, has a sweet aroma and purple edible flowers. Native to Europe, these plants are now found widely. In traditional herbalism, Violet has been used for centuries for coughs. It is a cooling and moistening plant.
Historically, Violet has also been used in supporting the lymphatic system. In Greek mythology, before Persephone and Hades first met, Persephone was picking Violets in a field. The magick of Violet is a softening magick. Call on Violet when you need a bit of compassion and care in your spell work or ritual.
Portal Magick
Oak is traditionally a tree of warmer months. Like Hawthorn, it is a Faery tree, and its lore stretches back for ages. In some stories, it is believed that the Oak King and the Holly King trade power back and forth to create the seasons and the Oak King rules the warm months. Oak is a symbol of strength. Call on the spirit of Oak in your rituals, gather acorns, or read more about its lore to work with sacred Oak magic.
