How to celebrate Beltane: symbols, food, rituals & more

Spring has fully arrived. The air feels charged with possibility, and nature seems to bloom with wild abandon. This is the sacred energy of Beltane, one of the most vibrant seasonal festivals on the pagan Wheel of the Year. If you’ve ever felt the call to dance around a fire, craft a flower crown, or align with the energy of joy and renewal, you’re already in tune with the holiday of Beltane. If you’re wondering how to celebrate Beltane, we have a full list of correspondences for you below. This is a guide to the symbols, energies, and sacred associations that guide this powerful time of year. Understanding these correspondences is about connecting to the natural rhythms of the Earth and stepping into your creativity, sensuality, and growth.

What is the Beltane holiday all about?

Beltane is celebrated at the midpoint between the spring equinox and summer solstice. Traditionally observed on May 1st, it marks the height of spring and welcomes the incoming fire of summer. Historically rooted in Celtic traditions, Beltane was a festival of fertility, abundance, and sacred union—both between individuals and within the natural world. It is a time to honor life, vitality, and the sacred spark of creation.

This seasonal turning point invites us to step into our power as creators. The energy of Beltane is lush, playful, and wildly alive. It encourages us to engage with the world through our senses, to celebrate beauty and pleasure, and to open ourselves to the magic that lives within and around us.

When is Beltane?

Although Beltane is most commonly celebrated on May 1st, its spiritual energy peaks around the astrological midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, when the sun reaches 15 degrees of Taurus. This usually occurs between May 4th and 6th. The celebration doesn’t need to be limited to a single day; the entire first week of May holds potent energy for intention-setting, ritual, and celebration. When planning your observance, let the natural rhythms of the Earth guide you.

The gods and goddesses of Beltane

Divine archetypes are deeply woven into Beltane mythology. During this time of year, many turn to deities who embody love, sensuality, fertility, and blooming vitality. Freya, the Norse goddess of love and abundance, is often honored for her radiant strength and magnetic allure. Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, brings blessings of growth and renewal. Aphrodite, the embodiment of beauty and desire, offers inspiration for self-love and sacred intimacy. The Green Man, a symbol of nature’s masculine aspect, represents the wild, fertile energy of the Earth itself. These figures remind us of our sacred connection to life and the importance of honoring both creation and union.

Seasonal foods that embody Beltane

Food is a powerful way to ground spiritual energy, and Beltane cuisine is as vibrant as the holiday itself. Honey cakes are often baked to honor the sweetness of the season and are traditionally left as offerings to nature spirits. Fresh berry tarts, juicy cherries, and ripe strawberries carry the sensual energy of fertility and pleasure, while their vibrant colors align with the fire and earth elements of the season. Spring greens such as arugula, spinach, and dandelion provide nourishment and symbolize fresh beginnings. Fruit smoothies made with seasonal produce and edible flowers can also serve as a delightful ritual offering or a morning meditation in a cup. As always, intention is the most sacred ingredient.

Beltane colors and how to use them

Color plays an important role in seasonal magic, and working with the shades associated with Beltane can help amplify your rituals. Red evokes passion, power, and the spark of fire. Orange invites joy, inspiration, and creativity. Yellow carries the warmth and radiance of the sun, illuminating clarity and optimism. Pink represents affection, self-love, and tenderness, while green symbolizes abundance, fertility, and connection to the Earth. Whether you’re dressing for a ritual, creating an altar, or weaving ribbons into a maypole, incorporating these colors helps you attune to the spirit of Beltane.

Building a Beltane altar

Creating a sacred space to honor the season is a powerful way to engage with Beltane energy. Begin by choosing a location that feels aligned, whether it’s a windowsill, a tabletop, or a garden nook. Adorn your altar with fresh flowers, ideally handpicked or locally sourced, to reflect the vibrancy of spring. Ribbons in Beltane colors can be draped or tied into symbolic knots. Garlands, floral arrangements, and even miniature maypoles can add beauty and meaning. Light candles in corresponding colors and speak intentions for growth, love, and abundance.

Crystals to support Beltane intentions

Working with crystals during Beltane helps ground and amplify your desires. Rose quartz, known for its gentle, heart-opening energy, is ideal for inviting love, compassion, and emotional healing. Emerald, a stone of growth and prosperity, connects to the Earth and encourages spiritual expansion. Meditating with these stones, wearing them as jewelry, or placing them on your altar allows you to anchor your intentions and remain in alignment with the season’s energy.

Herbs aligned with Beltane magic

Herbs are living symbols of the Earth’s intelligence, and many correspond beautifully with Beltane’s themes. Lavender offers calm, clarity, and sacred protection. Rose enhances romantic and spiritual love, inviting softness and beauty. Dandelion symbolizes resilience and the power of transformation. Bluebells, violets, daisies, lilac, and other spring blooms carry enchantment, protection, and a touch of fae energy. These herbs can be used in teas, baths, incense blends, or placed directly on your altar. Let their essence guide your rituals and remind you of nature’s wisdom.

How to celebrate Beltane with intention

There are many beautiful ways to honor Beltane, and the key is choosing practices that feel meaningful to you. Crafting flower crowns allows you to literally wear the energy of the season, connecting you to the Earth in a tangible, playful way. Lighting a bonfire—whether in a fire pit or simply through a candle ritual—symbolizes the fire of transformation and the light of your intentions. Dancing, journaling, setting intentions, or hosting a seasonal picnic with fresh fruit and herbal tea are all ways to mark the moment. The essence of Beltane is joy, connection, and creative expression. Celebrate in whatever way makes you feel most alive.